Fostering Change through Community-driven Reentry Programs

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Los Angeles recently celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort of the Alternatives to Incarceration Incubation Academy. The academy is an initiative of LA County’s Justice Care and Opportunities Department, which is driving forward LA County’s vision of Care First, Jails Last. The graduation ceremony reflects the journey of 23 organizations in Los Angeles County that are investing in their growth to further support individuals who are reintegrating into society after incarceration. This event signifies personal growth of local nonprofit leaders and highlights the power of community-based reentry programs in fostering positive change.

The Incubation Academy is a 15-week capacity-building program providing virtual training sessions, followed by a year of mentorship, for new and existing community-based organizations that serve justice-involved people and communities. The program aims to equip organizations with best practices, provide assistance in accessing public funds, and create a collaborative community of service providers to enhance capacity and impact.  

Quan Huynh, second from the right

Of the graduates, 14 serve some of the highest-needs areas, defined as communities that bear a disproportionate burden of impact from the criminal justice system by the Justice Equity Needs Index LA (JENI). More than half of the participating Executive Directors and CEOs have lived experience with the criminal legal system. Additionally, over two-thirds of this graduating cohort had never received a county contract before the Academy. The Incubation Academy is changing that by helping organizations identify, apply, procure, and manage funding opportunities.

With the recent graduation, the Incubation Academy network has grown to 88 organizations. Graduates have increased their access to and secured approximately $13 million in public and philanthropic sector resources. Recent awards include funds from Care First Community Investment (CFCI), Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Latino Coalition for Community Leadership, and Take Action LA. 

At the ceremony, participants from the current and past cohorts shared their personal stories of transformation, reflecting on the challenges they've overcome and the goals they've achieved. “The Incubation Academy has explained the logic model in a way that makes sense. Being able to adopt the model will increase our ability to plan, implement, manage, and evaluate our programs to increase our impact,” said Quan Huynh, Executive Director of Defy Ventures.

Tue Huynh, second from the left.

These stories served as an inspiration to others who are on a similar journey toward reintegration. Additionally, LISC LA recognized the contributions of funders, mentors, county representatives, and other stakeholders who play a pivotal role in supporting the growth of our community-based organizations. Those in attendance had the opportunity to learn more about the Incubation Academy initiatives, connect with participants, and explore avenues for further involvement in reentry efforts.

“I am excited to implement the tools I gained in the Incubation Academy. The session materials remain beneficial, especially when applying for grants. The academy connected us with organizations that are going through the same things, and we look forward to collaborating in the future,” said Tue Huynh, President and Founder of Fear for Breakfast

“The graduates are not new to this work. Some have been operating for five, ten, or even twenty-plus years. Many have been doing this work without true investment because of a historical divestment in community-based work,” said Savannah Walker, Assistant Program Officer, LISC LA. 

Thanks to years of advocacy, active response from the Board of Supervisors, and investment from the LA County Justice Care and Opportunities Department, programs like the Incubation Academy continue to prove the necessity and viability of community-based work. LISC LA celebrates the Incubation Academy graduates and their continued success in transforming the lives of people returning to our community.