2024-05-14T23:21:48-07:00 2023-12-31 990EZ 2023-01-01 833704525 YOUTH REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OF ALABAMA YOUT 7629102350 PO Box 661162 Birmingham AL 35266 James Carmichael board member 7629102350 2024-05-09 James Carmichael 999009999 1 1 11 1 AAL2 2023 2023-04-26 12:10:37Z X ForwardToFreedomAL.org X X 95843 X 95843 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 95843 0 0 0 73497 24185 2519 8378 108579 -12736 28841 0 16105 28841 16105 0 0 0 0 28841 16105 0 0 28841 16105 To help rehabilitate previously incarcerated persons through a proactive, intensive, residential program. We had our inaugural 2 classes in 2022. Our graduates completed the program, and then went on to either find employment through us, or go back to a job and family back home. We started small to prove our model with the goal of substantially growing the program in subsequent years. Then in 2023, we had our largest class to date graduating 7 of the original 10 men who went through our intensive 100 day program. Below is a more in depth explanation of what we do and how we do it. We are a residential program, to which men are referred to FTF directly from the Jefferson County Jail by judges. We work closely with the judge, the District Attorney, and the Public Defender's offices to carefully assess each potential candidate before the FTF team conducts interviews for admission. Most participants have been trapped in a cycle of repeated incarceration for years, with multiple arrests on their record. Many have also served time in state prisons or been through other programs without achieving long-term success. The FTF program is structured into two phases. Phase one spans approximately thirteen weeks, during which FTF covers all expenses related to housing, meals, and programming for each participant. This phase encompasses a daily routine that includes physical training, Bible study, evidence-based cognitive behavioral curricula, literacy and GED courses, basic life skills training, financial management classes, access to medical and dental care, as well as group and individual therapy sessions facilitated by mental health professionals. Participants graduate upon completion of phase one. To better illustrate the uniqueness of our approach, here is an overview of a typical week during the 90-day duration of phase one. The entire program is conducted as a group, and attendance is mandatory for all components. The Monday through Friday schedule is as follows: 7-7:45 AM: Breakfast; 8-9 AM: Physical activity (gym workout, yoga, or cardio on the premises); 9:15-10 AM: Devotional time led by the program director; 10:30 AM-2:30 PM: Cognitive behavioral therapy curriculum delivered by trained volunteers, with a lunch break around noon; 3-5 PM (three days per week): Alabama Literacy Counsel and GED preparation course; 3-4:30 PM (other two days): Group therapy sessions led by a licensed counselor (individual counseling sessions are scheduled as needed); 6 PM: Dinner; 7-8 PM (once a week, every other week): Financial literacy sessions with a certified financial planner. Saturdays are flexible, involving life skills training, recreational activities, or granting day passes for participants to visit their homes and children, once earned. On Sundays, they go to church then rest. We commence each day with physical exercise led by our program director. It promotes fitness, releases pent-up energy, and enhances focus throughout the day. Spiritual development represents a vital component of our program's success. We believe that experiencing the transformative power of a changed life are the keys to ultimate satisfaction, fulfillment, and success. All our staff and volunteers are believers, and our faith underpins everything we do. A significant portion of our daily instruction revolves around our cognitive behavioral therapy curriculum. This segment focuses on the intricacies of the human mind. Trained volunteers, all of whom possess extensive experience working with incarcerated individuals and have a ministry background, teach these classes. Both curricula used, TruThought and Getting it Right, boast a strong track record of success and have been utilized in Prison Fellowship and other rehabilitative programs for years. Mental Health is another major focus for us, so our counseling sessions with Phillips Counseling Service play a vital role. The impact is profound, as most have never discussed their hardships and trauma before. Another benefit of this is that our men realize that they are not alone in their experiences and that they don't have to shoulder their pain alone. Most of our participants have below-average reading abilities, so our partnership with the Alabama Literacy Counsel has been vital. Each individual undergoes an initial assessment to identify specific areas of focus. Based on this, we develop tailored plans to enhance their literacy skills. To assess the program's effectiveness, we conduct weekly analyses with each participant. We provide these assessments to the presiding judge weekly to keep her informed of their progress. In Phase two, our goal is to connect graduates with various career opportunities. Depending on their circumstances, we work with the judge to either establish a suitable "home plan" post-graduation or continue providing housing in our supervised facility while they reintegrate into the workforce and regain stability in their lives. We understand that achieving a 0% recidivism rate may be ambitious, but our aim is to equip each graduate with the necessary tools and support to break the cycle of crime and lead a productive and law-abiding life. To our Program Director, Jerry McClain (who served in the U.S. Army for over 30 years and is in the Army Ranger Hall of Fame) and Executive Director, Mark Jenkins, the proper evaluation of the impact of our program is essential. We employ a range of tools and strategies designed to provide comprehensive insights into the progress and outcomes of our participants. These evaluation methods include: - Home Plans and Reintegration Support: Before graduation, each participant is required to develop a detailed "home plan" that outlines their living arrangements, employment prospects, and reliable contact information. This plan ensures a smooth transition and provides a foundation for ongoing support and follow-up. - Post-Graduation Follow-Up: We maintain contact with our graduates to monitor their progress and offer assistance as needed. Although our current follow-up process is not formalized, we are actively working on standardizing it for future classes. This will enable us to gather consistent data and evaluate the long-term impact of our program on participants' lives. - Collaboration with Criminal Justice Professionals: We work closely with judges, probation officers, and other criminal justice professionals involved in the re-entry process. Through communication, we ensure transparency and facilitate ongoing evaluation. By employing a combination of these evaluation methods, we aim to continuously assess the impact of our program and make necessary adjustments to enhance its effectiveness. Our commitment to ongoing evaluation ensures that we remain responsive to the needs of our participants and continue to deliver meaningful and sustainable outcomes in their journey towards a crime-free future. 7500 108579 108579 Dr J Donald Carmichael Sr Board President 1 0 0 0 Earl Foust Board Member 1 0 0 0 James Carmichael Board Member and Operating Officer 5 5000 0 0 Mark Jenkins Executive Director Consultant 30 42250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 AL James Carmichael PO Box 661162 Birmingham AL 35266 7629102350 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NONE NONE 1 X 15000 25000 48000 189054 95843 372897 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15000 25000 48000 189054 95843 372897 372897 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 372897 1 1 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16 These expenses range from insurance payments, to medical and dental office visits, gym memberships for participants, additional food a toiletries for participations, ID's, etc.