B.R.A.C.E. is a bottom-up organic response to the drop out to prison pipeline in our urban milieus; and the socio-economic morass that is impacting rural communities.
As a result of shifting geo-political/globalized economic changes. The failures of both demographics converge in Missouri’s prisons. A core group consisting of both demographics convened and decided to offer modeled behavior to substitute for the rote rehearsed responses to the daily horrors of prison life.
The response was immediate and powerful. There has been a noticeable uptake in the founding principles of Boosting Responsibility, Academic pursuits; along with Career goals, sought and pursued with enthused personal empowerment. The anagram is not mere sloganeering. What distinguishes B.R.A.C.E. is the inmate’s involvement in building a system that addresses the needs of a pre-prison bound population, a prison population, and finally a post-prison re-entry population. Emboldened by our prison lab results we decided to take B.R.A.C.E. to the streets.
The partnering with family and friends presented an united front – nimble and poised to navigate the financial journey. That we are asking you to join. The direction of travel is clear.
There are three paths clearly delineate for B.R.A.C.E.’s continued success.
- Early and consistent interventionTo guide School and Court identified at risk children, and their parents, through pre-K to highschool (at a minimum).
- Pre-release screening and preparation for post-release B.R.A.C.E. CandidatesCo-ordinated with existing programs, represents a force multiplier for success full and sustained re-entry.
- The provision of a multi-purpose, community based academic and life skills megaplex. Offering housing, health support, pre K to highschool tutoring, and Transitional Community adjustment programs.