ST. LOUIS, September 30, 2021 – Concordance announced a significant pledge from early investor, the Centene Charitable Foundation, to Concordance’s First Chance campaign. This generous gift brings The Centene Charitable Foundation’s total investment in Concordance to over $4.5 million over the last five years. The First Chance campaign is a $50 million national fundraising initiative to scale the Concordance Re-Entry Model to 11 new U.S. cities by 2025 and double the number of participants served in the St. Louis region.
“Concordance is profoundly grateful for the Centene Charitable Foundation’s continued generosity, partnership, and shared passion for racial equity,” said Danny Ludeman, President and CEO of Concordance. “Centene has been a partner since our founding in 2015, and their dedication to our mission has never wavered. Their most recent investment comes at a pivotal moment as we look to scale the Concordance Re-Entry Model in St. Louis and expand nationwide.”
Concordance is working to end the cycle of reincarceration by providing a holistic, integrated, evidence-informed re-entry program. Since opening its doors, Concordance has enrolled over 900 participants and has lowered the reincarceration rate among participants by 45 percent.
“We are humbled by the Centene Charitable Foundation’s generous contribution to the First Chance campaign,” said David Steward, First Chance campaign chair. Steward is the Founder and Chairman of World Wide Technology, the largest Black-owned company in the United States. “This pledge will create a ripple effect of healing for Concordance participants, their families and our communities. We are so blessed to have them as partners on this journey.”
Within the United States over 100 million people are affected by mass incarceration. Within that population, reincarceration disproportionally affects Black and Hispanic communities. Reincarceration has a devastating impact on incarcerated individuals, their families, communities, and our society. The consequences of recidivism include mental health and substance use disorders, increased unemployment, need for child support services, crime, homelessness, and more.
“Centene, through our Charitable Foundation, is pleased to support this important initiative to make meaningful progress on reducing incarceration and recidivism rates in our communities,” said Michael Neidorff, Chairman and CEO of Centene. “We share the belief that taking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing is key to helping formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reenter and contribute to our communities.”
Concordance and Centene’s individual missions to help individuals create meaningful and healthy lives is the foundation of their partnership, allowing both organizations to underscore the need for racial equity nationwide.
ABOUT CONCORDANCE
Concordance is a St. Louis-based, CARF accredited non-profit, that offers the country’s first set of integrated, holistic, and evidence-informed services to individuals returning to society from prison. Founded by President and CEO Danny Ludeman, the organization assists participants in three primary areas: behavioral health and wellness; education and employment; and community and life skills. Concordance starts working with individuals six months prior to release and continues assisting for up to a year after their return to the community. Concordance is committed to restoring individuals, rebuilding families, transforming communities, and advancing the field of re-entry services. For more information, visit www.concordanceacademy.org.