Choose 2 Change

Making Second Chances Count

Choose 2 Change

Hard Outcomes: Reduce recidivism while promoting safer neighborhoods. Help returning citizens with job readiness and life skills training. Nine out of ten Choose 2 Change graduates do not go back to jail (92%, compared with 76.6% national average).

Objectives: Ensure those returning from incarceration successfully re-enter the community. Link them to resources for housing, transportation, health and employment. Foster positive family and community relationships.

Approach: Conduct ten-week curriculum based classes at CUL offices in addition to other community locations. Pair each participant with a peer group and/or mentor/coach for support and accountability. Use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to enhance critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Offer practical guidance to reinstate driver’s licenses, earn employment recommendation letters and respond to child support and custody issues.

Evidence: Numerous studies prove that strong support networks, access to jobs, training, housing and healthcare combined with cognitive behavioral interventions significantly increase the likelihood of transformational change.