The First 72 +

Our mission is to stop the cycle of incarceration by fostering independence and self-sustainability for formerly incarcerated people. Through the leadership and wisdom of formerly incarcerated people themselves, the First 72+ transforms the re-entry experience into one that builds on the strengths and abilities of people returning home from prison and ensures that they, their families, and their communities are given the greatest opportunity to grow and thrive.

In 2014, six formerly incarcerated men used their own hands and their own money to turn an old bail bonds office into a home. Their mission was to provide a safe place to live for people recently released from prison so that they could grow into independent and self-sustaining citizens. Their motto from the start has been: "Us, Helping Us." They knew what formerly incarcerated people needed to succeed because they had been through it themselves. They named the organization "The First 72+", a reference to the first 72 hours after someone is released from prison - the most crucial period of the reentry journey.

As the First 72+ celebrated its' 10-year anniversary this year, the organization has grown into a holistic, full-service reentry program, providing case management, transitional housing, employment support, public benefits assistance, peer mentorship, financial life skills education, and more, with a focus on long-term success for those returning home.

Testimonials

"They helped me get a job, gave me a place to stay, clothed me, helped me get my benefits… just everything". - Transitional Housing client, Allen Carter

"Y'all's program is so beautiful. You got 4 guys living in here and everybody gets along…The way y'all work with people, it's like we're living in another different world, but we're right across the street from everything that went wrong." - Transitional Housing client, Claude Samuels