COVER STORY – Concordance

COVER STORY END THE CYCLE

CONCORDANCE

by stephanie wallace

IT CAN BE EASY TO DISMISS the issue of recidivism. It’s a problem that’s impact on our everyday lives may not be immediately apparent, especially if we don’t personally know anyone who has been impacted by the prison system. In reality, more than 40% of all people released from prison in Missouri alone will face reincarceration. Recidivism is the third largest social issue in the country, and mass incarceration impacts nearly 100 million people across the United States. “The cycle of reincarceration affects not only the individuals, but also their families, their community and the country,” says Michelle Smith, president and CEO of Concordance. The nonprofit is dedicated to advancing the field of re-entry services to help individuals thrive, rebuild families and strengthen the community.

Since its founding in 2015, Concordance has been working to break the cycle of reincarceration. While many re-entry nonprofits focus on one or two primary services, it offers a holistic, integrated approach with 12 services, including behavioral health and wellness, community and life skills, and education and employment. “We remove the barriers to success so that our participants can focus on healing, reuniting with their families, learning new skills and finding stable employment,” Smith explains. It’s a model that works. Concordance has enrolled more than 1,200 participants, and among those released from prison in the last three years, the reincarceration rate has been reduced by 56%.

Mass incarceration is a problem that does not affect all people equally. While Black and Hispanic Americans make up almost 30% of the U. S. population, they represent almost 60% of the prison population. “Our healing first approach meets participants where they are and with the understanding that recovery is not a linear path,” Smith notes. “We would not be able to walk alongside our participants on their journey without the support of the St. Louis region and its dedication to making our community a better, more equitable place for all.”

To make its services possible, Concordance hosts its annual gala. Presented by World Wide Technology and the Steward Family Foundation, this year’s First Chance Gala will CONCORDANCE PRESIDENT AND CEO MICHELLE SMITH be held at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, Oct. 15, and it is the nonprofit’s first in-person event since 2019. “We are beyond thrilled to welcome guests to our gala this fall,” Smith says. “This year’s event will shine a light on our mission by sharing our participants’ journeys of healing and hope.”

The gala also will include the First Chance Awards, which are presented to two honorees, an organization and individual, in recognition of their dedication to racial equity. This year’s individual recipients are Eriko and Anthony Pope. “They have been incredible supporters of the work we do at Concordance for years,” Smith notes. “As the marketing and development committee chair, Eriko serves a critical role in moving our mission forward as we expand nationally and scale our model in St. Louis. The Popes are committed to making their community a better, more equitable place for all and providing a real first chance to those who were not given one at birth.” &

PHOTO COURTESY OF CONCORDANCE WE’RE