CoreCivic is partnering with Tennessee-based non-profit The B.R.A.V.E. Effect to give returning citizens at CoreCivic's Trousdale Turner Correctional Center in Hartsville, Tennessee, a fresh, new perspective on reentry preparation. The B.R.A.V.E. (Building Relationships and Valuable Encounters) Effect was founded by Joe Jenkins, who was once incarcerated himself. During his time in prison, Jenkins became determined to never return, so he started planning for his reentry. His successful reentry inspired him to establish The B.R.A.V.E. Effect so he could help others who are transitioning out of incarceration.

The B.R.A.V.E. Effect program teaches residents how to cultivate strategy and positioning, replacing the former "survival" mindset that incarcerated individuals typically maintain as a result of past trauma and criminal patterns.

"A lot of times our community and those who are coming from a criminal lifestyle have been surviving, so I can get people and their households in a position to prosper. Survival can be by any means necessary, which in some cases means a crime will be committed," Jenkins said.

The program starts by giving participants a Reentry Guide to help shift their mindset. Participants then brainstorm a set of goals, write them down, and create a roadmap for how they want to achieve these goals and live their lives in a positive way outside of prison.

The B.R.A.V.E. Effect also provides mentorship during and after incarceration. These mentors provide one-on-one coaching and connect newly released individuals with local businesses and non-profits to help them find jobs. Mentors also provide resources to help maintain stability, counseling, and mental health support. Jenkins says The B.R.A.V.E. Effect has a vision of helping create strong families and communities that are uplifted by these individuals' renewed sense of purpose.

Those who participate in The B.R.A.V.E. Effect are welcome to continue participation as long as they want or need. Jenkins says sometimes after receiving help in prison, it can be difficult to continue to find that same help after release. That's why The B.R.A.V.E. Effect provides continued support, helping these individuals stick to their goals and steer away from reoffending.

"Even after eight weeks or six months you still have the opportunity to stay on board with us and stay in positioning. You can even stay as part of the team," Jenkins said. "Most people that find something good want to be a part of that. They love it so much, it gives them a sense of being, so they want to stick around."