2021 COMBAT Funding: $148,000.00

In Twelfth Street Heritage's Own Words

Twelfth Street Heritage Development Corporation was founded in 1984 under the leadership of Ollie Gates. The vision and mission is to provide quality, stable and afforable housing, new constructions and rehabilitation in the 12th Street Corridor area. The Prison-to-Workforce Program (re-entry program) was created in 2010 to create and support employment opportunities for ex-offenders re-entering society, as well as providing supportive services to improve their chances for success. 

Various services are provided within our re-entry program. These services and activites include, but are not limited to:

• connecting ex-offenders with employment skills and direct employent with Twelfth Street Heritage
• connecting ex-offenders to jobs in new and expanding industries
• team building through crew work assignments
• resume building and establishing a solid work history
• providing referrals for supportive services (i.e. housing resources, couseling services, health assesments, substance abuse treatment, GED Prep, vocational training, etc.)

Our re-entry program specifically targets men and women who have been released from the penal system. We want them to have the opportunity to re-enter their communites successfully. 

Studies show that without effective re-entry programs, recidivdism will remain high. Our re-entry program specifially creates opportunities to reduce the likelihood of ex-offenders returing to prison. Expected outcomes of this program include, but are not limited to:

1) creating a pathway for ex-offenders to re-enter their neighborhoods in a respectable manner

2) ex-offenders being provided an employment opportunity at a livable wage

3) ex-offenders obtaining adequate skills regarding the use of machinery and equipment

4) providing network opportunies for ex-offenders to connect with emplopyment opportunities in other industries. 

In 2015, Ford Motor Company awarded Twelfth Street Heritage with the "Ford Unsung Heroes" Award, in recognition of our successful reentry program; in addition to being featured within various media outlets including radio and TV interviews, magazine publishing, and newspaper releases.