Keys to Success

1. Starting early behind bars: By forging connections behind the walls, we observe individuals’ commitment firsthand. We only admit residents who demonstrate personal growth potential and who are committed to continuing the good work of education.

2. Education: Through our university partners, resident scholars have access to scholarships and support to help them balance school, work, and re-entry needs. Education is proven to reduce recidivism, virtually ensuring that they become productive and capable members of society.

3. Tailored Supportive Services: Our ongoing services bridge the gap from incarceration to independent living. We meet each person at their specific stage in their journey and accompany them on the road to permanent and successful reentry.

4. Community partnerships: We collaborate with employers, universities, faith congregations, housing providers, and others to expand opportunities. This network support is essential.

5. Uplifting voices: Formerly incarcerated individuals hold staff and leadership roles. Their insights guide our work and are critical to forging strong bonds of community.

6. Holistic development: We address academic, vocational, wellness, social, and spiritual needs for complete personal transformation. With your support, our student residents will discover their potential and embrace lives of meaning and purpose. Please join us in bringing Thrive For Life’s transformative model to Milwaukee.

We will launch our house of studies in Fall 2024! We look forward to welcoming a cohort of 12 resident scholars who will be continuing the good work education at one of our partner education institutions in the greater Milwaukee area!

There are many ways to get involved in this transformative ministry. See above for some immediate needs! We welcome educators, spiritual mentors, businesses, and other re-entry partners to help us provide a pathway to permanent and successful re-entry to our returning brothers and sisters.

To learn more, contact Brian at bberkopec@thriveforlife.org.

Since 2016 in New York City, Thrive For Life has served over 3000 incarcerated individuals throughout the state, federal, and local correctional systems through our retreats behind the walls. We currently host up to 35 residents across two transitional housing sites in New York City. 100% of our resident scholars have avoided recidivism and 100% are on track to complete their chosen course of study in both university and vocational trade school programs. Many now live in their own homes and work in fields including social services, community outreach, marketing, and technology.

In 2019, we opened the nation’s first house of studies for formerly incarcerated students who are continuing their degrees at one of our partner universities throughout the New York metropolitan area. These partners include New York University, Columbia University, St. Francis College, St. John’s University, and others. Since opening, not a single resident scholar has recidivated. In 2023, at the direction of His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Thrive For Life acquired Abraham House, Inc.. Abraham House has served justice- impacted members of the South Bronx community since 1993, operating a house for reentering citizens committed to transforming their lives post- release through education and employment.