ABOUT THE PROJECT
In 2014, Bon Secours Community Works (BSCW) implemented the Returning Citizens Program (RCP) to support the over 1,000 individuals returning from prison to the BSCW service area. Without strong supports, individuals released from prison have a 40% chance of being rearrested within three years. In addition, unemployment among these individuals exceeds 50% adding further stress. Research indicates that employment is associated with reduced criminality and can facilitate an individual’s return to society following release from prison.
Program Evolution. The RCP has evolved to serve both clients inside prisons who are scheduled to return to the West Baltimore community, and individuals already living in the community who are at-risk of offending or who are disengaged. The RCP has grown to include not only the evidence-based TYRO life skill development programming, but is complemented by a host of supportive services such as continued case management, obtaining key employment certifications, and financial literacy.
CHALLENGES
While the RCP has been successfully implemented since 2014, it was supported by a variety of funding that was ending, with no option of renewal. BSCW turned to Requity to assist them in developing a funding proposal to share with internal funding sources and potential investors so that the entities can make an informed determination on approving bridge funding for the BSCW RCP to fill the gap for multiple operating scenarios.
PROGRAM SUCCESS
Requity reviewed past program budgets, actual expenditures, in-kind contributions to determine the true cost of the program. In addition, in-depth interviews with program staff and BSCW leadership were conducted to determine immediate program priorities to ensure current program participants could continue to be supported, overall program goals, and identification of resources to grow the program to support additional individuals.
With this information, Requity provided BSCW with three proposed 2020 operating scenarios driven by personnel. Each scenario included not only an overall financial investment, but the number of individuals who could be served by the program and the cost per client.
This process and the framework that was provided to BSCW allowed them to see the true cost of the RCP and provided them the necessary information to strategically implement a funding plan. The use of this document helped to secure $90,000 for needed program support.
Additionally, the Recidivism rate was calculated for the first time to assess program effectiveness, and the results proved a rate of 5.7% versus the Maryland state wide average of 40.0%.