Our Re-Entry Model
Concordance is unlike other models that support individuals returning from prison. We focus first on helping individuals heal from past trauma, and we offer the first set of holistic, integrated, and evidence-informed re-entry services in the country. These services are delivered in phases beginning six months pre-release and continuing one year after release.
Pre-Release Services
Each participant completes an assessment and receives weekly individual and group programming with therapists and career educators. They create a life plan, receive pro bono legal services, and are introduced to 12-step programming.
The Landing
Participants can begin programming the day after leaving prison. The first two days — “the landing” — is orientation. Participants complete a bio-psycho-social assessment, meet their support team, and receive community-oriented transitional support services.
Intensive Outpatient Services
Participants enter intensive full-day programming where they attend individual and group sessions with therapists, case managers, and career educators. They also receive NCRC education and job readiness training.
Workplace Simulation and Part-Time Employment
Participants learn hard and soft skills, trade skills, and digital literacy through workplace simulation and job readiness training. They then begin part-time work through the Concordance Employment Agency while continuing mental and behavioral health treatment.
Full-Time Employment
Participants are employed full time for the next 21 weeks through the Concordance Employment Agency. They continue to meet weekly with their case manager and therapist for ongoing job coaching and career support.
Graduation From the Program
Upon completion of the program, participants are celebrated and honored at an annual graduation ceremony. Continued resources and support include career counseling, clinical after care, and housing assistance. Alumni are encouraged to participate in volunteer and mentoring opportunities and invited to Concordance monthly family dinners.
Our 12 Essential Services
Each participant receives a bio-psycho-social assessment and creates a life plan that focuses on the following areas: behavioral health and wellness, education and employment, and community and life skills.
Explore the 12 essential services below to see how we provide holistic support to our participants.
Behavioral Health & Wellness
Therapy focused on changing behavior and gaining positive relational skills.
Therapy addressing mental and behavioral health issues.
Intensive outpatient program with ongoing access to support and residential treatment at Concordance House.
Access to physicians, dentists, optometrists, and prescription medication in partnership with Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Education & Employment
Tutoring, classroom instruction, digital literacy, and more.
Resources and training (including NCRC education), soft skills, and workplace simulation.
Full-time work through our Concordance Employment Agency with opportunities in retail, food service, and light industrial roles.
Community & Life Skills
Housing assistance through partnerships with national and regional low-income housing firms.
Help with outstanding legal matters from the Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Concordance Fellows.
Support groups for family members and loved ones to promote healthy communication and positive relationships.
Volunteer opportunities within the community for participants and alumni.
Spiritual support of all faiths provided by our in-house chaplain.
We’ve reduced the reincarceration rate among our participants in St. Louis by
56%
Graduate Spotlight
See how the success of our graduates is helping to transform their lives, their families and their communities.
Meet Jimmy
Navigating life after prison can be daunting. But Jimmy was willing to try anything positive to avoid going back.
Meet Yvonne
For participant Yvonne, breaking the cycle of reincarceration started with believing that it’s never too late to change.
Concordance Employment Agency
We partner with numerous employers to match participants with part and full-time employment in retail, food service, and light industrial roles.
What’s happening in St. Louis?
Catch up on the latest news, participant spotlights, and more.
Care Team Interview for National Recovery Month
Interview of five members of the Concordance care team, who in their different functions, serve our participants during their post-release journey
Wells Fargo to Provide up to $60 Million to Concordance National Expansion Efforts
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is supporting a national expansion of Concordance, a nonprofit with a proven record of reducing repeat criminal offenses from individuals returning to the community. […]
Concordance Names Susan Stith to Its Board of Directors
Concordance, a CARF-accredited re-entry non-profit headquartered in St. Louis, announced that Susan Stith, former Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Cigna and President of the Cigna Foundation, has joined […]
Your Support Will Change Lives
Investing in Concordance will directly influence the trajectory of our participants’ lives, creating a ripple of positive change through their families and communities.