Successful re-entry starts with healing.

The Concordance holistic, integrated and evidence-informed re-entry model brings together 12 essential services to address the inequities that lead individuals to commit crimes and return to prison. By first addressing an individual’s trauma and helping them begin their healing journey, we can better prepare them for a successful return to their community. 

Our 12 essential services fall into one of three categories: Behavioral Health & Wellness, Community & Life Skills, and Education & Employment. Our focus is first and foremost the behavioral, mental, and spriritual wellbeing of our participants as well as addressing any substance use issues; therefore, Concordance is a fully licensed and accredited behavioral health and substance use treatment center.  Every Concordance participant receives a dedicated care team that includes a Licensed Therapist, Career Coach, and Case Manager.  Additionally, we have support staff members including Peer Support Specialists, Community Support Specialists, and a Chaplain.  While participation in any religion is not a requirement of our participants, we do believe that spiritual well-being is an important part of overall health.  

To support participants as they enter the Employment phases of our model, Concordance operates an internal staffing agency.  During the first 9 weeks after the particpant has released from prison, we do not want them to be employed.  We want them fully focused on their own healing.  Concordance offers participants a gift stipend during those weeks to relieve some of the pressure of becoming employed immediately after release. As they are ready, we gradually reintroduce them to the world of work with our Workplace Simulation Phase as well as part-time and full-time work options.  Their Career Coach stays very involved as they re-enter the workforce and supports them should any issues arise.  What we hear from our current employment partners is that Concordance participants are some of the most loyal, dedicated, and hard-working employees they have.  The vast majority of business and HR leaders report that individuals with criminal records perform the same or better than employees without criminal records. 

Our approach has produced tremendous results in St. Louis where we've been serving participants for 8 years.  Since 2016, we've seen a reduction in recidivism of 56%!  We are looking to replicate those results here in Greenville/Spartanburg.  Not only does reducing recidivism provide an direct impact on justice-involved individuals and their family members, but there are so many indirect benefits to our community as well.  Join us as we tackle one of our nation's largest problems!  For more information becoming an employment partner or other ways you can become involved, reach out to [email protected].