The best shot at a second chance
THE PROBLEM
Even though someone has served their time, a second sentence begins as soon as they’re released. It creates a revolving door to prison and a legacy of poverty, dependency, violence, and incarceration that is passed down through generations.
- More than 5 million formerly incarcerated people live in the U.S.
- 1 year after release, up to 60% are not employed.
- Unemployment rate is over 5x higher than the general population
THE SOLUTION
Defy’s entrepreneurial programs enable one of America’s largest forgotten communities to defy the odds. We equip them with new skills, new connections, and a new belief to match their new purpose, and succeed in their new life of economic independence.
84% employment rate for Defy post-release program in 2021
<10% recidivism rate for Defy Graduates
CA spends $81,000 to incarcerate 1 person, Defy spends $1,000 per in-prison graduate
1/3
Through Defy, I’ve discovered my inner strength and allowed myself to dream without fear or doubt.
Misty
Defy graduate
2/3
“Defy didn’t impact my life, it saved my life.”
Seth
Defy graduate
3/3
Defy exposed me to people and opportunities I thought were out of my realm
Brian
Defy graduate
OUR VISION
To cut recidivism in half
by leveraging entrepreneurship
to increase economic opportunities + transform lives.
Invaluable investment
Fund motivated new entrepreneurs.
It’s a positive return for generations.
Defying the odds
see our story
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