The First Chance Campaign

Approximately 100 million people in this country are affected by incarceration, making it one of the most significant societal issues we face today. The First Chance Campaign is a $100 million fundraising effort chaired by World Wide Technology Founder and Chairman David Steward.

Concordance is working to break the cycle of reincarceration and forge a path toward equity by supporting people who have been released from prison and are re-entering society.

Our holistic, evidence-informed re-entry program is the first of its kind, working to dramatically reduce the rate of reincarceration.

Given the transformations we experience as we partner with participants on their journey, we are reminded, time and again, that our participants never needed a second chance. They needed their first.

Help us make lasting change across the U.S.

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What We’re Up Against

Reincarceration has a devastating impact on not only individuals but also their families, communities and our society as a whole. This ripple effect includes increased unemployment, homelessness, mental health and substance use disorders, utilized social services, ongoing crime, and more.

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Nationally, 71% of individuals who return to their communities after being released from prison are rearrested within five years.

This number reveals the lack of a successful re-entry approach. We are working to break this cycle with the first holistic, integrated and evidence-informed re-entry model in the country.

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This leads to increased risks of physical and mental health issues, academic challenges, and intergenerational incarceration.

Children of incarcerated parents are six to nine times more likely to go to prison themselves. Moreover, these children are also more likely to experience depression, anxiety, poor academic performance, school absenteeism and homelessness.

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There are approximately 19 million individuals in this country who have been convicted of a felony.

This devastates communities all over our nation.

Concordance has reduced the rate of reincarceration among its participants.

Help us make this change across the U.S.

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Leading the Charge to $100 Million

David Steward

Founder and Chairman of World Wide Technology
Chair of Concordance First Chance Campaign

"The generational cycle of people returning to prison has enormous, negative impacts on all Americans, especially the family members of incarcerated people. By addressing generations of trauma, especially in the Black community, Concordance helps people released from prison achieve significant change and lasting success for themselves, their families and society at large."

Dave Steward headshot

“I’ve waited for this opportunity for over two decades, to prove myself worthy of being a productive member of society.”

Carl, Class '15 Graduate

“Who I’ve become in the last three months of being free is three times more of a man than I became in the last 15 years of being in and out of prison.”

Michael, Class '14 Graduate

We Offer Holistic Support for Successful Re-Entry

Each participant receives an integrated, individualized plan to help them heal from trauma and substance use, learn the skills needed to earn a sustainable living, and put daily practices into place that reduce their likelihood of reincarceration.

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Join Us in Creating Lasting Change

Concordance is working to break the cycle of reincarceration and forge a path toward equality by supporting individuals who face many of life’s greatest challenges — and your contribution will directly impact their path to success.

Donate Today