Concordance Academy of Leadership- Blog 3

Concordance Academy of Leadership

The history of the place/group--how long it’s been around, who started it, and why?

Concordance was started by former Wells Fargo CEO, Danny Ludeman in 2013 with hopes to reduce the recidivism rate and help families stay out of prison. Mr. Ludeman essentially combined with Project COPE. A company that provided transitional housing for ex-offenders. 

(Front desk)

The goals/mission/purpose of the place/group

The mission of this organization is to stop the revolving door of offenders returning back to incarceration. This is done by providing participants an abundance of services to help get them back on their feet. 

The services of the place/group/organization

(This is one of several meeting rooms for participants)

Concordance Academy takes a holistic approach when putting members through this program by combining services such as housing, employment, behavioral health, counseling, and substance rehab all into one program. A special thing about Concordance is that it has a number of connections with employers who are willing to hire ex-offenders. 

Information about the members—how many, how often they meet?

Concordance works by class. Each class has about 25-30 ex offenders who are put through an 18 month program. The first 6 months is the "pre-release" phase. Offenders are introduced and begin to take classes for the program while still incarcerated. 

The last 12 months are done at the Concordance Academy of Leadership. From 8am-5pm, members come in daily and take part in meetings, recreational time, and counseling based on their needs. If members do not have housing once released from jail, the Academy assists them in that search. Members are given breakfast, lunch, dinner, and paid an $8 per hour stipend as long as they are active in the program.

(Pictured is a recreational area for hanging out, watching TV, and playing games) 

Describe the time you spent there—what did you do?

While at Concordance, I toured its facilities taking pictures, while speaking with Community Support Specialist Tyrone Washington. 

What new information did you learn about the microculture you are studying? Did you talk to members? If so, what did you find out?

Concordance was a great location for this project. I was able to get an insight of how much really goes into helping people get back on their feet. One thing that I found new and interesting was Concordance's concept. Until I visited, I never knew their were places out there like this that provided a long-term program for ex-offenders. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to speak with any participants. I went earlier in the morning so they were either just getting their or hadn't arrived yet. 

How do you think this organization/place/group benefits the microculture?

Concordance benefits ex-offenders by giving assistance in nearly every way possible. The program can be seen as providing a sense of hope for ex-offenders who are trying to get back out in the community and have normal lives. 

If you would like to know more about Concordance Academy of Leadership visit https://concordanceacademy.org/