Lived-Experience Mentorship, Leadership & Entrepreneurial Development

Opportunities for People Who Have Been Incarcerated

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

According to the National Institute of Justice (2023), almost 44% of individuals return to prison within the first year nationally. California's recidivism rate has averaged around 50% over the past ten years. Factors that contribute to a higher recidivism rate include social environment (before and after incarceration), ability to adjust back into normal life, and securing employment to support themselves (World Population Review, 2023). Within DEUCE Community, we are attempting to solve for a lack of self-belief in individuals coming out of prison and off the streets. Our observation is that the goal is too often missed when the focus is on recidivism, addiction, housing, or workforce development.The reality is that those who are system, substance, or housing impacted are almost always denied an opportunity to realize their potential. (2023, May 31). Recidivism Rates by State. World Population Review. https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/recidivism-rates-by-state

DEUCE Community addresses the issue in four primary ways: Lived experience mentorship - Part of our services include structured mentorship with someone who has overcome similar obstacles to find success and purpose. This includes: - Deep relationships - Case management - Structured feedback - Check-ins Community - DEUCE hosts community building activities and events in and outside of the gym. This includes weekly workouts and dinners, street clean-up's, and fundraisers. Developmental leadership environments - Paid internship for up to two interns per year, which provides individuals with the opportunity to participate in leadership and development activities. Housing - Housing allowance granted to each intern provides them an opportunity to focus on personal and professional development rather than overwhelming housing costs. For individuals willing to commit to the program, DEUCE Community offers a paid internship stipend of $1,700 a month. This internship includes a subjective contract drafted by the participant and their mentor. The participant, who is now referred to as a coach, progresses through the program as they take on more responsibility and develop the capacity to navigate the world successfully. The program culminates when the coach is able to transition to a sustainable career (with an upward trajectory) of their choosing.

If our work was successful, anyone in LA who was coming off the streets or out of prison, would have: A mentor to work with who had overcome similar struggles. A roadmap for how to get from where they are currently to where they want to go. A positive and uplifting community to belong to. A safe home environment. An opportunity to chase their edges and grow in a field they are passionate about. If all of these things come true, the way in which society approached the issues of recidivism, homelessness, and long term substance use would change drastically. We would begin to view those affected by these things as people instead of problems. We would start to understand that transformation is accessible to anyone who puts in the work and who is surrounded by people who believe in them until they believe in themselves. We believe in a world where anything is possible and where anybody who is motivated and hungry can have a seat at the table.

We measure success through weekly case management and navigation sessions with the participants in our programs. In these sessions, we track the progress they are making towards their goals as well as how they feel about their home environment, financial situation, the support of their community, their sense of purpose in life, and their ability to overcome the obstacles life is throwing at them. In these sessions, the mentor and the mentee also share feedback and work towards uncovering blind spots that are holding them back. See video here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpA2ftiQRoQ&t=1s) on how this is done in more detail.