Past, Present, FutureÂ
The Pathway From community to custody to community
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Mission Statement:
Family In Distress empowers individuals impacted by incarceration to rebuild their lives through comprehensive support, training, and development. We provide the tools and guidance necessary for entrepreneurship, personal growth, and successful reintegration into society—reducing recidivism and breaking cycles of mass incarceration. Our mission is to ensure every returning citizen has access to the resources, education, and opportunities needed to thrive after release.
Vision Statement:
We envision a world where formerly incarcerated individuals are equipped to transform their lives, strengthen their families, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through entrepreneurship, skill-building, and holistic support, we aim to end mass incarceration, minimize recidivism, and create pathways for lasting success and empowerment.
About Our Foundation
We believe teaching ex-offenders entrepreneurship offers far more than just a paycheck—it gives them ownership of their future. While a job provides temporary income, entrepreneurship builds skills, independence, and long-term wealth. It empowers individuals to create opportunities for themselves and others, break cycles of dependence, and gain the confidence to navigate life on their own terms. By learning to build and run a business, ex-offenders not only support themselves but also contribute to stronger families and communities, reducing recidivism and fostering lasting change.
Statistical Context: Florida’s Recidivism Landscape
Florida’s recidivism rate stands at approximately 25.4% over three years, surpassing the national average. This statistic underscores the urgency for effective reentry programs. Initiatives like FID’s entrepreneurship training and mentorship are vital in providing the necessary support to reduce recidivism and facilitate successful reintegration into society.
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/recidivism-rates-by-state?
Family In Distress (FID): Empowering Transformation Through Entrepreneurship
Founded in 2011 by Dr. Cheryl White, Family In Distress (FID) emerged from a deep commitment to addressing the crisis of the “invisible homeless”—men and women displaced after years of incarceration. Dr. White’s extensive experience in the corporate sector as a Director of Administration and Chief Compliance Officer, coupled with her volunteer work with homeless individuals, single parents, and formerly incarcerated individuals, laid the foundation for FID’s mission.
Dr. White’s involvement with organizations addressing human trafficking, children and families, and housing further informed her approach. Her strategic volunteer work within the prison system and with various organizations aiding the transition of newly released individuals highlighted the systemic challenges faced by the formerly incarcerated. Engaging with incarcerated youth and adults, she encountered individuals with backgrounds marked by abuse, trauma, and neglect, reinforcing her commitment to mentoring and providing support.
Observing the struggles of her former students upon release—facing societal expectations, family reintegration challenges, and the absence of community support—Dr. White recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to reentry. FID was established to offer positive mentorship, guidance, and resources, evolving into a support and educational system. In partnership with Aidan University, FID provides higher education opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, aiming to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful reintegration.
With hundreds of volunteer mentors and allies, FID remains steadfast in its commitment to helping men and women navigate reentry, advocating for a fairer criminal justice system, and fostering community empowerment.
We Have the Power to Impact People’s Future, and We’re Doing Something About It
The journey of a man begins within—by transforming his mindset and embracing the truth that growth unfolds in three stages. Each stage shapes the mind, strengthens the body, and elevates the spirit. From the Warrior, who learns discipline and courage; to the Father, who guides and protects; to the Sage, who shares wisdom earned through experience—this path reflects years of learning, struggle, and self-discovery. True transformation comes when a man rises through each stage with purpose and integrity.
SPOTLIGHT:Â
Workforce Development and Education Program
Launching Programs for Brighter Futures
The 2023–2025 year was a watershed moment for Family In Distress’ Workforce Development and Education program. We didn’t just grow—we deepened our commitment to changing lives. By launching our comprehensive education initiative, we rolled out transformative training & development, brotherhood-based mentorship, spiritual formation, and mindfulness training—all designed to uplift participants and foster resilient, purpose-driven lives.
By the Numbers & Against the State Benchmarks
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In Florida, the three-year recidivism rate for people released from prison has decreased from 26.2% in the 2009 release cohort to about 21.2% in the 2019 cohort—a 19.1% drop. Oppaga
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Despite that improvement, roughly 1 in 5 individuals released in Florida still return to prison within three years. Oppaga
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Over 60% of released individuals are rearrested within three years, though a smaller fraction are reincarcerated. Florida Policy Project
FID’s Impact Relative to These Trends
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Among FID participants, 65% of recent graduates have either secured stable employment or launched micro-enterprises within six months of completing our programs.
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Our mentorship and spiritual / mindfulness components have shown measurable benefits: participants report significant improvements in emotional resilience, clarity of purpose, and ability to navigate reentry challenges.
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Compared to Florida’s overall three-year recidivism baseline (~21.2%), early tracking in FID shows our graduates have significantly lower return-to-prison rates, suggesting our model may be outperforming the state average when robust supports are in place.
Why This Matters
Florida’s gradual decline in recidivism is encouraging, but with such a large number of people still returning to prison, there is urgent need for organizations like FID. Programs that couple entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and holistic support don’t just reduce recidivism—they build alternative paths, empower individuals, and strengthen communities in ways traditional models often cannot.
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Witnessing Transformation Through Entrepreneurship
Ana’s Artz
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“Art is Soul food”
(https://anasartz.com/)
One of the most inspiring moments in my journey has been seeing individuals turn challenges into opportunities—people who refuse to let circumstances define them and instead choose to shape their own futures. Ana Booth, founder of Ana’s Artz and a 2023 graduate of FID’s accredited entrepreneur program, exemplifies this spirit. Through persistence, creativity, and the support and resources provided by our program, Ana has not only built a thriving business but also created pathways for others to grow and succeed alongside her. Her dedication to leading both her family and community toward brighter futures is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about building a business—it’s about empowering people and shaping a legacy of possibility.
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Help a Family in Transition – Make a Lasting Impact
Leaving the justice system is challenging—but the ripple effect on families can be even greater. You can make a real difference by supporting families of ex-offenders as they rebuild their lives.
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Lift a Family, Change a Life
Families of ex-offenders face enormous challenges as they rebuild. You can give hope, stability, and opportunity by donating essentials, financial support, or mentorship.
Every contribution helps put food on the table, pay bills, and open doors to a brighter future.
Act today—help a family thrive, not just survive.
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