God’s Sons: Juvenile Detention Center & Alternative School Re-entry Process

The goal of The Ivy Foundation is to implement a comprehensive 12-24 week program that prepares citizens for all facets of re-entry creating an environment conducive to their adaptation and growth Academically, Physically, and Mentally for individuals recently released from the Tuscaloosa County juvenile detention center as well as Tuscaloosa County and Cities Alternative School for students expelled from school for disciplinary reasons, also known as Tuscaloosa City Schools STARS Academy

The Ivy Foundation utilizes a methodical approach to assist former offenders as they attempt to shorten the learning curve of re-entering society The program promotes vocational, spiritual, cerebral, and physical growth in all facets of life. Through a variety of activities, TIF helps individuals develop leadership qualities, improve their conflict management and communication skills, and develop a desire to be life-long learners. By involving Business Leaders, Local Law Enforcement & non-profit agencies, community leaders, and Tuscaloosa County & City Schools – We believe participants will receive the necessary tools to become not merely Law Abiding but truly exceptional citizens. The Ivy Foundation re-entry program is tailored to build upon the strength of each individual while improving upon their deficiencies.

1. Mentoring/ Character Development – Spiritual Development

2. Fitness/Health & Wellness

3. General Educational Development

4. Career/Vocational Development

General Case Management

Each participant will be assigned a personal enrichment coach/ case manager known as an Anchor to provide stability and mentorship during the storms we all experience in Life. The Anchor is a direct contact for the individual who will serve him/her throughout their re-entry journey thru accountability.

Anchors

Develop personalized regimens or plans of action for each participant based on an initial consultation revealing subjective needs, goals, and obstacles prior to re-entry and Administer the Individual Strategic Plan (ISP) for individuals which includes career goals, achievement objectives, and coordinated services, while working closely with Probation Officers and counselors to monitor individual’s progress to encourage and support high character behavior as well as Review and update the ISP at least every six to twelve (6-12) weeks or as necessary. Individuals who are deemed to be at higher risk should review and update more often.

The review shall include:

• input from the individual, probation officer, case manager/anchor

• progression or regression followed by an assessment to determine areas of success or needed room for improvement

The Ivy Foundation provides participants with Character Development Symposiums once a month.

Life skills training develops resiliency and instills the importance of critically thinking and analyzing situations prior to making decisions. Our guest speakers talk to individuals on a different topic each week. These engagements teach character development, social capital, healthy communication methods, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership qualities. Critical thinking and crisis management skills are reinforced to develop a more pragmatic constituency as new problems enter society daily.

A strategically designed outreach plan is utilized to recruit and select highly qualified mentors for the program. Mentors are recruited from a variety of community organizations and institutions such as local Colleges/Universities, fraternities, sororities, professional associations, pro athletes and churches, etc... Mentors must pass a background check and agree to the terms of the Mentor Agreement. Mentors must have a sincere interest in serving formerly incarcerated individuals and must be individuals who can connect with at-risk individuals organically by speaking their vernacular and finding common ground, this policy lies at the epicenter of The Ivy Foundation’s culture. The ability to speak the same language as the individual is imperative to building trust and general rapport. The integrity of TIF is protected by establishing policies and procedures that thoroughly assess and vet each individual during the recruiting, screening, and matching process of those selected to serve.