Who We Are
Big Bend AFTER Reentry Coalition is a coalition of leaders from community, social service, government, education and faith-based organizations.
Established in March 2012, BBARC works to support and improve efforts to reduce recidivism and increase public safety.
“The best way to reduce recidivism is to help offenders learn of and connect to resources in their community so they don’t have to knock on the door of the criminal justice system.”
— Professor Faye Taxman, Director of Recidivism Research, Georgetown University
The Big Bend AFTER Reentry Coalition began in March 2012 as a coalition of corrections, law enforcement, social service and faith based agencies whose mission is to support and improve efforts to reduce recidivism and increase public safety. We advocate for currently and formerly incarcerated people and inmates, network with providers, share resources and information, and educate the community about reentry issues. Every month we invite leaders in the community whose organizations are active in reentry to share their resources with us and deepen our understanding of the issues that confront currently and formerly incarcerated people and the solutions available.
The Big Bend AFTER Reentry Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization that is dedicated to providing support and services for people who return to our community after incarceration.
Goals and objectives of BBARC:
- Collaborate with law enforcement, corrections and probation services to develop a streamlined reentry approach designed to insure smooth and successful reentry
- Reach out to new members to broaden the coalition and enrich all of our understanding of local resources and services; educating ourselves and the community about the many programs and projects in the Big Bend area which serve the needs of inmates and formerly incarcerated citizens
- Educate the community about the positive benefits of community safety by assisting inmates and formerly incarcerated people in their transition back into our communities
- Coordinate services in order to help inmates and formerly incarcerated people access identification documents, housing, education, employment, and substance abuse intervention.
What We Do
Offer training, classes, workshops, case management, and opportunities for social engagement and mentoring for individuals returning from incarceration.
Coordinate services for currently and formerly incarcerated people, enabling them to access identification documents, housing, education, employment, substance abuse intervention and mental health services.
Educate the community about the benefits to public safety of assisting currently and formerly incarcerated people in their transition.
Collaborate with the Florida business community to increase employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated people. Provide information about hiring incentives such as the Federal Bonding program and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.