University of Southern California Dissertations and Theses

Empower Faith: equipping faith communities for effective engagement & compassionate reentry support

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Empower Faith: equipping faith communities for effective engagement & compassionate reentry support

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Content Empower Faith | 1
By
Shaquinta D. Bevans, MSW
A Capstone Project Presented to the
FACULTY OF THE USC SUZANNE DWORAK-PECK SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
Doctor of Social Work
August 2024
Copyright © 2024 by Queen Consulting Firm, LLC.

Empower Faith | 2
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................................................3
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...........................................................................................................................................4
POSITIONALITY STATEMENT..............................................................................................................................5
PROBLEM OF PRACTICE & LITERATURE REVIEW......................................................................................6
WICKED PROBLEM.....................................................................................................................................................7
LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................................................................................7
SOLUTION LANDSCAPE ............................................................................................................................................10
PROBLEM OF PRACTICE............................................................................................................................................12
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK...........................................................................................................................13
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT: BUILDING COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITIES..........................................................................13
INSTRUMENTAL SUPPORT: PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE AND RESOURCES......................................................................14
INFORMATIONAL SUPPORT: EDUCATING AND TRAINING FAITH COMMUNITIES ........................................................14
METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................................................................15
DESIGN THINKING....................................................................................................................................................15
MARKET ANALYSIS..................................................................................................................................................18
PROJECT DESCRIPTION......................................................................................................................................19
DESIGN CRITERIA ....................................................................................................................................................20
PROTOTYPE DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................................21
THEORY OF CHANGE ................................................................................................................................................22
LOGIC MODEL..........................................................................................................................................................23
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................................................................................................25
LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESS.........................................................................................................................................25
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN....................................................................................................................................26
BUDGET & FUND DEVELOPMENT.............................................................................................................................28
MARKETING & BRANDING.......................................................................................................................................28
EVALUATION PLAN ...............................................................................................................................................29
FORMATIVE EVALUATION: HOW WE WILL KNOW IF THE PROJECT IS SUCCESSFUL ..................................................29
SUMMATIVE EVALUATION: WHAT SUCCESS WILL LOOK LIKE .................................................................................30
COMMUNICATION PLAN ...........................................................................................................................................31
CHALLENGES/LIMITATIONS..............................................................................................................................32
CONCLUSION & IMPLICATIONS .......................................................................................................................33
LESSONS LEARNED ..................................................................................................................................................34
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE & FUTURE USE..........................................................................................................34
ACTION PLAN ..........................................................................................................................................................35
REFERENCES ..........................................................................................................................................................36
APPENDICES............................................................................................................................................................42

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Abstract
Despite representing only 5% of the global population, the United States leads the world
in incarceration, housing about 25% of all incarcerated individuals. This mass incarceration has
significant social, economic, and political consequences, leading the American Academy of
Social Work and Social Welfare to prioritize "promoting smart decarceration." With an annual
correctional expenditure nearing $80 billion, traditional reentry and rehabilitation efforts often
fall short, leaving many individuals unprepared for societal reintegration.
This capstone project presents "Empower Faith," an innovative initiative that uses social
support theory to equip churches with the knowledge and tools needed to support reentry and
engage with returning citizens. Research highlights the effectiveness of faith-based approaches in
the reentry process, showing that spiritual engagement during incarceration is linked to positive
reintegration outcomes and reduced recidivism. Churches, central to American social life and
rooted in principles of forgiveness and redemption, are well-positioned to provide crucial
support.
However, many churches lack the resources and readiness to assist returning citizens
effectively. Empower Faith aims to bridge this gap by offering training and resources to enhance
these religious institutions' capacity to support successful reintegration. By doing so, Empower
Faith contributes to the broader goals of decarceration, improving public safety and community
well-being. This project represents a strategic convergence of social work, criminal justice
reform, and community engagement, fostering a more inclusive and supportive reentry process
for individuals impacted by the justice system.
Keywords: Recidivism, Incarceration, Capacity Building, Religion, Faith-Based, Reentry,
Returning Citizens, Social Support, Church, Trauma-Informed Care, Smart Decarceration,
Church

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Acknowledgments
I must express my deep gratitude to the One who has faithfully kept His promises
to me since childhood. God, you have stood by my side, even when I faltered. Your
constant presence has guided me through every obstacle throughout this challenging
journey. Your unwavering love, protection, and guidance have blessed me with a peace
that transcends all troubles. As I conclude my academic journey and prepare for the next
season of my life, I am reminded of your sovereignty and am confident in your divine
plan.
Mere words cannot convey my appreciation for those who have supported me
along the way. Granny, though you are no longer with us, your dreams inspire me. To my
beloved mother, Doris Wilkerson, your exemplary demonstration of single parenting with
integrity and love has left an indelible mark on my life. To my dear family, I am
profoundly grateful for your unwavering support. Your presence during countless
challenging moments has been a source of strength and encouragement. I extend my
heartfelt thanks to my church family, the New Bethelites of Los Angeles, whose steadfast
support and prayers have sustained me through difficult times.
To my fantastic team—Jessica, Cynthia, Laura, and Bishop Wyatt - your
assistance and support throughout this journey have been invaluable. Lastly, I am
immensely grateful for my exceptional Capstone Review Committee's guidance and
mentorship. Dr. Renee, your patience and guidance throughout the 725 series have
profoundly shaped my academic journey. Dr. Karin, your dedication to the field has
inspired me since my undergraduate studies. Elder Joe Paul, your wisdom and

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compassion for the community have profoundly influenced my perspective and growth. Each of
you has played an integral role in my journey, and I am eternally grateful for that.
Positionality Statement
My background and perspectives profoundly shape my Capstone Project, guiding its
topic selection and design process. With a brother currently serving a life sentence without
parole, I feel a deep-seated drive to confront the systemic hurdles individuals face upon
reintegrating into society. My personal experience and acute awareness of the intersecting forces
of race, socioeconomic status, and the criminal justice system allow me to comprehend the
profound impact of these dynamics on journeys similar to my brother's.
Witnessing firsthand the struggles of formerly incarcerated individuals within Los
Angeles County highlights the glaring gaps in available support and resources. Through the lens
of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, I see that many lack fundamental necessities like housing,
employment, and medical care upon reentry, impeding their ability to navigate mainstream
society and achieve effective reintegration. This recognition informs my strategy for crafting
interventions, prioritizing comprehensive support, and acknowledging the interplay between
material needs and personal growth.
My convictions underscore the importance of multi-level, bottom-up, inclusive
collaboration in facilitating successful reentry through the design-thinking process. As a religious
leader and social servant with solid ties to the Pentecostal community and reentry service
providers, I leverage these connections to facilitate collaborative efforts. I firmly believe in faith
and spirituality's intrinsic and extrinsic potential as sources of guidance and solace during
adversity. Recognizing the communal essence of faith, I see an opportunity to harness the
strength of church leaders by enhancing their capacity to transform their congregations into

Empower Faith | 6
inclusive communities. Providing adequate social support to returning citizens can bridge
the chasm in reentry services, fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment.
Problem of Practice & Literature Review
The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with an
estimated 2 million people incarcerated (Prison Policy Initiative, n.d.) at any second.
Mass incarceration has far-reaching social, economic, and political implications, and in
recent years, social workers have been at the forefront of advocating for criminal justice
reform. Building on this momentum, the American Academy of Social Work and Social
Welfare (AASWSW) identified "promoting smart decarceration" as one of the 12 Grand
Challenges of Social Work in the 21st Century. Smart decarceration signifies a
comprehensive, research-based approach to reducing incarceration rates while ensuring
public safety, improving community well-being, and reducing racial and ethnic
disparities in the criminal justice system.
The United States spends nearly $80 billion annually on corrections, more than
any other country (The Sentencing Project, 2020). Despite spending billions of dollars on
incarceration, the United States fails to address the root causes of criminal behavior, such
as poverty, addiction, and mental illness. Social workers have recognized that the current
criminal justice system is broken and that incarceration does not rehabilitate those who
are incarcerated.
Smart decarceration is an approach to criminal justice reform that seeks to reduce
reliance on incarceration and emphasizes research-based solutions, prioritizing
prevention, early intervention, and evidence-based practices. It aims to reduce
incarceration's direct and collateral consequences by addressing systemic inequities,

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encouraging community rehabilitation (Epperson et al., 2017; Hong et al., 2014;), and ensuring
access to vital resources (Morenoff & Harding, 2014).
Wicked Problem
Mass incarceration is a pressing and complex issue in the United States. Despite
representing only 5% of the global population, the US accounts for approximately 25% of the
world's incarcerated individuals (Epperson & Pettus-Davis, 2017). Addressing this issue
effectively requires multi-level research and evidence-based interventions aimed at diverting
individuals from incarceration and reducing recidivism while also building social capacity and
addressing community needs (Epperson et al., 2020).
Returning citizens face significant challenges upon reentering their communities. Often
released into impoverished urban neighborhoods with little to no financial support, they must
compete for scarce resources and may be predisposed to consider criminal opportunities
(Morenoff & Harding, 2014). Additionally, they encounter difficulties securing healthcare
services, accessing education, obtaining stable housing, and finding sustainable employment due
to their criminal records (Blumstein & Nakamura, 2009). The Harvard Political Review
(Benecchi, 2021) highlights that America has one of the highest recidivism rates in the world,
with approximately 76% of returning citizens rearrested within five years of release. This high
recidivism rate underscores the revolving door of the carceral system, rendering decarceration
efforts ineffective without comprehensive support and intervention.
Literature Review
The primary concerns of returning citizens and current correctional residents are the lack
of proper preparation for release, lack of stable housing, and insufficient financial and social
support upon release (Woodall et al., 2013). These are all issues that should be captured,

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assessed, and evaluated when detained and during release planning to ensure that the
resident has the multi-level resources and interdisciplinary services before their release
(Woodall et al.,2013), which increases transition success rates, which will begin to
influence the wicked problem of recidivism.
Significant political and clinical progress has been made to promote smart
decarceration. Despite its setbacks, California has been one of the most progressive.
Beginning in 2009, California rolled out five significant criminal justice reforms – State
Bill 678, State Bill 18, Assembly Bill 109, Proposition 36, and Proposition 47 – to reduce
incarceration for low-level, non-violent convictions. Although well-intentioned in their
implementation, these reforms have increased racial and gender disparities among those
incarcerated (Gottlieb et al., 2020).
Gottlieb et al.'s (2020) examination of California's criminal justice reforms and
their impact on beneficiaries discovered that the reforms significantly reduced the total
incarceration rates. It was also responsible for increasing racial disparities among BlackWhite and Latinx-White incarceration rates. Therefore, it was recommended that future
policies include a racial impact statement to evaluate new criminal law legislation and its
potential to increase racial, ethnic, and gender disparities (London, 2011).
Moreover, the reforms mentioned above, enacted in 2011, Assembly Bill 109,
present another obstacle to promoting smart decarceration. The California Public Safety
Realignment Act of 2011 aimed to reduce recidivism by managing individuals with lowlevel, non-violent offenses in the community (Bill Text - AB-109 Criminal Justice
Alignment., 2011). This bill was designed to transfer responsibility from state corrections
to community corrections, thereby reducing prisons' populace. Similarly, other states like

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Utah, Alabama, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Vermont have adopted similar legislation to reduce
the incarceration rate (Lin, 2016). However, these forms of legislation are not indicative of smart
decarceration but trans-incarceration, a term coined by Jeffrey Lin (2016), which shifts inmates
from state custody to local/community custody, distorting the reality of decarceration.
Decarceration efforts must be multi-dimensional to effectively address the complex and
interrelated issues that contribute to high incarceration rates and the challenges faced by
individuals reentering society after imprisonment. Family and community support are crucial for
individuals reentering society after imprisonment. Naser and La Vigne (2006) found that tangible
and emotional family support leads to positive post-release outcomes such as employment,
reduced substance use, and lower rates of reconviction. Specifically, the presence of supportive
family relationships was found to ease the transition from prison to community and reduce postrelease depression.
Moreover, religious support has been found to have a significant positive impact on
reducing substance use and increasing employment post-release. Standfield et al. (2017) found
that religious support provides more than just spiritual comfort for returning citizens; it creates a
context that helps individuals lead prosocial lives, bolstering emotional coping competencies and
maintaining community and family ties. Religious support significantly enhances family and
peer support, which is essential for reentry success. Connelly and Granfield (2017) also posited
that building social capital through positive social support, friendship, and caring has proven
essential for successful reintegration, explaining that these social networks provide the necessary
support to cope with the stresses of reentry and reduce the likelihood of reverting to criminal
behavior.

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Solution Landscape
While some studies found mixed results regarding the impact of religious programming
on recidivism, other findings support the idea that religious support positively impacts
employment and substance use post-release. Duwe and King (2012) suggest that religious
support can enhance reentry success by helping individuals build or improve their
relationships with family members and peers. These strengthened support networks
provide essential resources and emotional backing, which are critical for overcoming the
challenges associated with reentry.
The solution landscape is burgeoning with faith-based organizations that are
seeking ways to actively support the reintegration process for returning citizens, often
employing evidence-based practices through mentorship, substance abuse treatment,
restorative justice, and trauma-informed care. For example, Prison Fellowship’s Angel
Tree Program is known for mentorship and support for children of incarcerated parents,
where volunteers from faith-based communities mentor the children and the caregivers,
helping to break the cycle of incarceration (Johnson et al., 2003). Similarly, the Amachi
Program, initiated in Philadelphia, involves mentoring by volunteers from local
congregations and has demonstrated positive outcomes, such as improved school
performance and reduced juvenile justice involvement among participating children
(Forbush, 2024).
According to Brown et al. (2013), Spirituality appeared to be a critical component
in enhancing self-efficacy among Celebrate Recovery participants - a Christ-centered
recovery program that offers support groups for various issues, including addiction and
incarceration (Baker & Warren, 1998) - suggesting that spiritual interventions could play

Empower Faith | 11
a vital role in substance use recovery programs. With that in mind, Teen Challenge, a Christianbased drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, tailored its services to combine faith-based
counseling, Bible study, and evidence-based substance abuse treatment methods like Celebrate
Recovery for its community of adolescents (Teen Challenge Arizona, 2022).
In addition to interventions focusing on mentoring and substance use treatment, the need
for creating trauma-informed systems of care is crucial for supporting the reintegration process
of returning citizens because it addresses the underlying trauma that many individuals in the
criminal justice system have experienced. As a corollary, Bloom and Farragher (2013) developed
the Sanctuary Model, which is a blueprint for creating safe environments that foster recovery by
addressing organizational culture, adopting trauma-sensitive practices, and building resilience
among congregates and those they seek to support.
Mark Hubbell, a Prison Fellowship Area Director, stated that while not all churches can
meet former prisoners' physical needs, they can provide a welcoming and encouraging
community, serving as conduits, directing returning citizens to a network of existing resources to
address their varied physical needs post-release (Greene, 2022). Unlike the exemplary programs
aforementioned, many churches are not fully prepared to provide comprehensive support for
returning citizens due to resource limitations, lack of specialized training, and insufficient
collaboration with local organizations (Greene, 2023). They often lack the financial and human
capital needed for housing, employment assistance, and mental health care(Greene, 2023). This
problem of practice underscores the importance of initiatives like Empower Faith that aim to
build church capacity and readiness for adequate reentry support.

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Problem of Practice
Many churches struggle to provide comprehensive support for returning citizens due to
resource limitations, lack of specialized training, and insufficient collaboration with local
organizations (Greene, 2023). These constraints hinder their ability to offer essential housing,
employment assistance, and mental health care services. Securing safe and stable housing
is a significant challenge, as many churches lack the funds or partnerships necessary to
provide housing assistance or transitional housing options (Baylor, 2019; Johnson, 2021).
Additionally, helping returning citizens find and retain employment is crucial for
successful reintegration. However, churches often do not have the resources to offer job
training programs, resume-building workshops, or connections to local employers willing
to hire individuals with criminal records (Smith, 2022; Turner & Jones, 2020). Mental
health care is another critical area where many churches fall short, as they often lack the
financial means to hire licensed mental health professionals or provide access to mental
health services (Brown & Wilson, 2018; Greene, 2023).
Practical support for returning citizens requires specialized training, which many
church staff and volunteers lack. Understanding the impact of trauma on returning
citizens and how to provide supportive, empathetic care is essential. Without this training,
church staff may inadvertently retraumatize individuals or fail to address their specific
needs (Harris & Fallot, 2001; Nash, 2017). Moreover, knowledge of the systemic barriers
that returning citizens face, such as legal restrictions, social stigma, and limited access to
public services, is crucial for providing practical support (Alexander, 2010; Davis &
Henley, 2019). Churches often need more training to navigate these complexities and
advocate for their congregants (Greene, 2023).

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Successful reentry programs often rely on strong networks of local organizations that can
provide specialized services and support. Many churches struggle to establish and maintain
partnerships with local service providers, government agencies, and nonprofits. They may lack
the knowledge or resources to identify potential partners and negotiate collaborative agreements
(Pettus-Davis et al., 2020). Adequate reentry support requires coordination between various
service providers to ensure returning citizens receive comprehensive care, but churches often
lack the infrastructure and expertise to manage these collaborations efficiently (Johnson, 2021;
Pettus-Davis et al., 2020).
Theoretical Framework
The Empower Faith (EF) initiative is fundamentally guided by the theoretical framework
of social support theory, which emphasizes the crucial role of social networks and support
systems in individuals' psychological and social well-being. Social support is categorized into
emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal support, which is integral to the Empower
Faith program (Hart et al., 2023; Shinkfield & Graffam, 2009).
Emotional Support: Building Compassionate Communities
EF highlights the importance of emotional support provided by religious leaders and
congregations. Emotional support, including expressions of empathy, love, trust, and caring, is
essential for reintegration. The initiative engages religious leaders through personalized outreach,
such as emails, calls, and visits, to build rapport and emphasize shared values of forgiveness and
redemption. These efforts create a supportive environment where returning citizens feel valued
and accepted, reducing the emotional and psychological stress associated with reintegration
(Bales & Mears, 2008).

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Instrumental Support: Practical Assistance and Resources
Instrumental support, involving tangible aid and services, is a critical component
of Empower Faith (Shinkfield & Graffam, 2009). The initiative includes pre-assessment
surveys to identify the specific needs of each organization. It follows up with tailored
action plans that address gaps in their capacity and community resources to support
returning citizens. These action plans encompass activities such as workshops on
volunteer recruitment and peer learning sessions, ensuring churches are equipped to
provide resources and practical assistance to help returning citizens with daily tasks. This
approach aligns with social support theory's emphasis on providing resources that directly
aid individuals daily.
Informational Support: Educating and Training Faith Communities
Informational support involves providing advice, suggestions, and information to
help individuals address problems, which is a cornerstone of Empower Faith. The
initiative provides church leaders with an Organizational Enrichment Guide, a
comprehensive resource designed to equip faith communities with the knowledge, tools,
and spiritual guidance necessary to support returning citizens effectively. This guide aims
to help churches become trauma-informed and engage compassionately in reentry support
by offering detailed information, strategies, and resources. This educational component
ensures that faith communities are well-informed and capable of guiding returning
citizens through the complexities of reintegration (Marti, 2015).
Appraisal Support: Constructive Feedback and Affirmation
Appraisal support, involving constructive feedback and affirmation, is integral to
Empower Faith's monitoring and evaluation process. During the pre-assessment and

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review phases, church leaders are administered pre and post-tests based solely on the information
in the enrichment guide to measure their initial knowledge and awareness in key subject areas.
Once they have advanced to the capacity-building phase, regular check-ins and support sessions
begin to address challenges and adjust action plans as needed. Additionally, participating
organizations' feedback is gathered through surveys and focus groups, providing valuable
insights into the program's effectiveness (Hart et al., 2023). This comprehensive feedback loop
allows for continuous initiative improvement, ensuring the support provided is relevant and
practical.
Methodology
Design Thinking
In order to create a holistic solution targeted at assisting returning citizens through
community and church-based efforts, the Capstone Project applied Design Thinking principles.
Design Justice concepts were incorporated into each stage to guarantee that the procedure was
inclusive, egalitarian, and community-centered.
Empathize
Understanding the difficulties experienced by returning citizens and the part local
churches may play in their reintegration was crucial throughout the empathy phase (Brown &
Wyatt, 2010). Qualtrics surveys collected qualitative and quantitative data from returning
citizens and essential stakeholders. After examining various viewpoints on recidivism, obstacles
to reintegration, and enablers, these surveys ended with a request for one-on-one interviews.
Deep insights into the requirements and goals of the target users were made possible by this
phase. The project utilized Design Justice principles to ensure that the perspectives of

Empower Faith | 16
marginalized groups drove the design process by centering their voices and experiences
(Costanza-Chock, 2020).
Define
The design team, formed from the empathize phase, included a reentry specialist
with lived experience, a reentry ministry volunteer, and a local religious leader with lived
experience. The define phase synthesized information to define the central issue in detail.
In order to communicate and discuss the quantitative data, community stakeholder
workshops were conducted, utilizing a "How might we?" line of questioning (IDEO,
2015). By including community members in defining the challenges that impact them,
this process aligned with Design Justice principles and provided a targeted and pertinent
framing of the problem (Costanza-Chock, 2020).
Ideate
The design team devised several possible ideas using information gathered from
stakeholder meetings. These concepts ranged from all-encompassing, multifaceted
strategies like the Restorative Reentry Initiative and support groups to smaller-scale
initiatives like the Empower Faith campaign. Brainstorming sessions produced a wealth
of possible answers (e.g. cultural pow-wows, support groups, etc.) by encouraging
creativity and examining various options (Liedtka, 2018). This stage respected varied
viewpoints and creativity while upholding Design Justice by ensuring the brainstorming
process was inclusive and cooperative (Costanza-Chock, 2020).

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Prototype
According to Brown (2008), prototyping entailed making concrete versions of the
suggested remedies. The concept of prototyping was new to the design team. They
created multiple iterations of the solution's prototype (Appendix #2), from
straightforward storyboards to intricate journey maps. The mentoring team's and the capstone
chair's feedback improved these prototypes. The group ultimately created the Empower Faith
process flowchart, a graphic depiction of the suggested intervention. By making the design
process physical and visible, prototyping supports Design Justice by facilitating iterative
improvement and community feedback (Costanza-Chock, 2020).
Test
According to Brown and Wyatt (2010), prototypes should be tested at the last stage to get
input and improve the solutions. Pre-assessing organizational capability was a vital component
of this capstone project, which focused on the initial innovation stage. The organization's
readiness to assist returning citizens in their communities was determined using an online test
with 24 items that served as a prototype. The solutions were proven efficient and aligned with the
users' needs through this gradual approach. Assuring that the solutions satisfied actual
requirements and could be implemented sustainably was how testing adhered to Design Justice.
The community was involved in the evaluation process (Costanza-Chock, 2020).
Contributions of Design Team Members
The design team for the capstone project included, a reentry specialist with lived
experience who contributed deep insights into the challenges faced by returning citizens; a
reentry ministry volunteer who brought practical experience in supporting community

Empower Faith | 18
reintegration efforts; and a local religious leader with lived experience who provided a
valuable perspective on the role of faith-based organizations in supporting returning
citizens. Each member played a crucial role in the empathize, define, ideate, prototype,
and test phases, ensuring the solutions were grounded in real-world experiences and
addressed the genuine needs of returning citizens. By focusing on empathy, creativity,
continuous learning, and community involvement, the design team developed innovative
and practical solutions to support returning citizens, ultimately driving meaningful social
change.
Market Analysis
EF aims to prepare churches to serve returning citizens better by increasing their
capacity and preparedness. Los Angeles County offers a sizable market for this project
because of its high proportion of relocating citizens. Every year, over 60,000 people are
reported to be released from county jails by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
(Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, 2023). Furthermore, thousands more are
released into the county each year by the California Department of Corrections and
Rehabilitation (Offender Recidivism - Office of Research, 2024). Returning citizens face
several obstacles during reintegration, including housing, employment, and community
acceptability, highlighting the critical need for all-encompassing support networks like
Empower Faith.
Alternative Options
Homeboy Industries, Amity Foundation, and A New Way of Life Reentry Project
are just a few Los Angeles County organizations and programs that aid returning
residents. These organizations provide various services, such as housing support, legal

Empower Faith | 19
aid, and job training. Nonetheless, few initiatives make as much use of the social and emotional
support systems inside religious groups as Empower Faith does.
Market Needs and Wants
The Empower Faith initiative is needed and likely desired by the market, including end
users. Many returning citizens look for welcoming settings where they can feel supported and led
in reintegrating into society. Faith-based communities are in an excellent position to offer this
help because of their pre-existing community networks and their emphasis on redemption and
forgiveness. There is a need for initiatives like Empower Faith, as evidenced by the churches in
Los Angeles County expressing interest in growing their community outreach and support
services.
Project Description
EF builds on established policies, programs, and models to support returning citizens
through faith communities. This integration includes best practices from various frameworks,
aligning with policies like the Second Chance Act, which enhances outcomes for individuals
returning from incarceration (National Reentry Resource Center, 2021). Empower Faith
enhances the current policies by introducing a faith-based paradigm.
EF highlights community involvement in creating supportive social networks crucial for
reintegration, drawing inspiration from effective models like Circles of Support and
Accountability (CoSA) (Duwe, 2018). In order to address the complex needs of returning
citizens, the project also integrates trauma-informed care concepts, guaranteeing that faith
communities are prepared to provide appropriate and efficient support (Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration, 2014).

Empower Faith | 20
Empower Faith is a significant contributor to the promoting smart decarceration
grand challenges in social work of promoting smart decarceration; through addressing
comprehensive support needs, this effort reduces rates of recidivism by addressing factors
that contribute to recidivism, such as a lack of resources and social support (Bales &
Mears, 2008). Involving religious communities in the reintegration process improves
relationships within the community, which is essential for a good outcome (Hart et al.,
2023).
Design Criteria
Empower Faith is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, seamlessly
integrating into existing church activities with minimal additional resources required.
This approach ensures that churches of all sizes and resource levels can participate.
Adaptability is a crucial feature of Empower Faith, as it can be tailored to various church
environments and community settings, accommodating congregations' different sizes and
resource levels. Providing offline resources and alternative communication methods
further ensures inclusivity, allowing all churches to benefit regardless of their
technological capabilities.
Functionally, EF addresses different levels of church capacity and readiness to
support returning citizens. It offers scalable solutions tailored to small congregations (1-
100 attendees) and larger church communities (2000+ attendees), aligning with existing
church practices and standards for community support and engagement. The program is
also designed to comply with legal and ethical standards related to the treatment and
support of returning citizens, ensuring that churches can provide support that is both
effective and respectful.

Empower Faith | 21
Despite potential constraints such as financial limitations, varying levels of technological
adoption, and potential resistance to change within traditional church settings, Empower Faith is
structured to overcome these challenges. It considers the limitations in volunteer availability and
expertise in dealing with returning citizens by providing necessary training and support to
volunteers. The program also ensures compliance with data privacy regulations and ethical
standards, protecting the confidentiality and dignity of returning citizens while providing them
with the necessary support (Appendix #1).
Prototype Description
The Empower Faith prototype operates through a structured process designed to assess,
plan, and build the capacity of churches to support returning citizens effectively:
1. Entry Point: Potential EF partners were engaged through targeted contact via emails,
social media platforms, phone conversations, and in-person visits to their church to
establish rapport and raise knowledge of the effort.
2. Pre-Assessment: Data on organizational capacity, awareness, healing practices, and
structural aspects are gathered via a seven-minute survey (Appendix #9, #10). After
receiving the assessment results, an email was sent with the EF Organization Enrichment
Guide (Appendix #15) and a link to the EF Awareness Pre-Test (Appendix #11).
3. Review: After analyzing the survey results with Microsoft Excel, the church is given an
EF organizational capacity score (EFOCS) (Appendix #3). Review sessions are designed
to discuss their findings and finish a comprehensive needs assessment, which collects
information on the partner's strengths and limitations, current and needed supports,
potential services that may be required (Appendix #12), and the EF Awareness Post-Test

Empower Faith | 22
is provided to measure and increase in knowledge and awareness of trauma-informed
principles (Appendix #11).
4. Action Planning: The partner then works collaboratively on developing realistic,
feasible SMART action plans with precise deadlines and milestones. The first step in this
process is to determine the exact goals that complement the church's mission and the
requirements of reintegrating citizens.
5. Tailored Capacity Building Activities: Afterward, the partner organization will carry
out the tasks outlined in each action plan. Various activities are offered to address the
specific needs identified during the review and action planning, including peer learning
sessions and introduction workshops.
6. Ongoing Monitoring & Evaluation: Regular check-ins will be conducted with the EF
partner to track their progress in resource allocation and engagement in capacitybuilding activities against their action plans, ensuring accountability and continuous
improvement.
Theory of Change
EF aims to create a comprehensive support system for returning citizens through
faith communities. It enhances established policies and models such as the Second
Chance Act and Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA), integrating traumainformed care to ensure appropriate support. By addressing comprehensive needs and
reducing recidivism, Empower Faith has the potential to promote smart decarceration and
improve outcomes for returning citizens.
The goals of Empower Faith are realistic due to its structured approach and
alignment with proven models and best practices. The project leverages community

Empower Faith | 23
involvement and provides scalable, adaptable solutions tailored to various church environments,
ensuring broad participation and sustainability. Training and support for volunteers further
enhance feasibility despite potential constraints like financial limitations and varying
technological adoption levels.
EF operates through a multi-phase process designed to assess, plan, and build the
capacity of churches. It begins with engaging potential partners, followed by a pre-assessment to
gather organizational capacity and awareness data. The project then conducts a review to analyze
survey results and identify strengths and limitations. Based on these findings, action plans are
developed collaboratively, incorporating tailored capacity-building activities. Ongoing
monitoring and evaluation ensure continuous improvement and accountability, while a feedback
loop gathers insights to refine and modify the program.
The proposed solution aligns with best practices by integrating established frameworks
like CoSA and trauma-informed care, which are recognized for effectiveness. The design criteria
emphasize user-friendliness, accessibility, and adaptability, ensuring inclusivity and compliance
with legal and ethical standards. EF's structured process, including pre-assessment, action
planning, and tailored capacity-building activities, follows effective program design and
implementation principles. In addition, by addressing comprehensive support needs and
leveraging community involvement, Empower Faith aligns with best practices in promoting
reintegration and reducing recidivism.
Logic Model
Empower Faith aims to mobilize faith communities to support returning citizens,
fostering successful reintegration, reducing recidivism, and creating inclusive church
environments. To implement this project, resources needed include human capital (church

Empower Faith | 24
leaders, volunteers, trainers, program coordinators), materials (training materials,
educational resources, assessment tools), technology (data capture and storage systems,
communication platforms), financial resources (funding for workshops, materials,
support activities), and partnerships (collaborations with local service providers,
community organizations, other churches).
Activities include conducting pre-assessments to gather data on church capacity
and readiness, developing tiered action plans, providing capacity-building activities (such
as training on volunteer recruitment and trauma-informed care), and monitoring and
evaluating progress through regular check-ins and support sessions.
Desired results span short-term, mid-term, and long-term outcomes. Short-term
goals are increasing knowledge among church leaders and volunteers, fostering positive
attitudes towards supporting returning citizens, and enhancing relevant skills. Mid-term
goals include behavior changes where church leaders and volunteers implement learned
practices, improved practices by adopting trauma-informed care, and policy adaptations
to support returning citizens better. Long-term goals are successful reintegration of
returning citizens, reduced recidivism, more inclusive church environments, and more
robust community networks.
Empower Faith's solution aligns with its logic model (Appendix #4) and theory of
change by mapping out the necessary inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts.
The structured process of pre-assessment, tiered action planning, tailored capacitybuilding activities, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation ensures a systematic and
responsive intervention. By leveraging best practices and integrating them into a faith-

Empower Faith | 25
based paradigm, Empower Faith effectively aligns its activities with desired social outcomes,
ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable impact.
Ethical Considerations
EF has carefully considered ethical concerns and potential negative consequences by
prioritizing confidentiality, privacy, and trauma-informed care. The initiative must strictly adhere
to data privacy regulations, ensuring all personal information about partnering organizations and
returning citizens is handled with utmost confidentiality. Training in trauma-informed care
equips church leaders and volunteers to support returning citizens sensitively and appropriately,
minimizing the risk of re-traumatization. Additionally, the program promotes an inclusive and
non-judgmental approach, encouraging faith communities to welcome and support all members,
regardless of their past.
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation include gathering feedback from participating
churches to identify and address ethical concerns or negative consequences, allowing for
continuous improvement and prompt resolution. Collaborations with local service providers and
community organizations ensure access to professional support and resources, helping to address
complex issues and provide specialized assistance when needed.
Likelihood of Success
The likelihood of success for the Empower Faith program in Los Angeles County is high
due to several factors that align well with the program’s design and goals. The county is home to
a diverse and vibrant network of faith communities, many of which are already involved in social
justice and community support initiatives, providing a fertile ground for the program to build
upon. This strong sense of community and volunteerism in local churches, combined with the
substantial population of returning citizens who can benefit from Empower Faith’s

Empower Faith | 26
comprehensive support, enhances the program's potential impact. The focus on
personalized outreach, tailored action plans, and capacity building aligns well with the
diverse needs of these communities, addressing specific challenges faced by returning
citizens and equipping church leaders with the necessary tools and training for successful
reintegration.
Implementation Plan
The Empower Faith initiative is backed by the Los Angeles-based Queen
Consulting Firm, LLC, known for "Introducing Innovative Strategies for Transformative
Growth." This initiative provides comprehensive, multifaceted support that addresses the
needs of local churches and the returning citizens they seek to serve. The ultimate goal is
to reduce recidivism and foster positive outcomes for those supported by the churches
that partner with EF, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported in their journey back
into society.
Churches play a central role in this initiative, serving as the primary agents of
change. They are expected to actively participate in all phases of the program, from initial
assessments to the full implementation of action plans. Churches are responsible for
evaluating their current capabilities and engaging in capacity-building activities, such as
training and workshops, to enhance their ability to support justice-impacted individuals.
Once their tailored action plans are developed, churches must implement these plans,
ensuring that they align with their mission and address the specific needs of returning
citizens. These plans should include clear objectives, timelines, and measurable
milestones to track progress effectively. Additionally, churches must continuously

Empower Faith | 27
monitor and evaluate their efforts, providing feedback and making necessary adjustments to
maintain the relevance and effectiveness of their support.
Consultants, on the other hand, are tasked with guiding and facilitating the entire process.
Their role includes conducting initial assessments, assisting churches in developing their action
plans, and providing ongoing support throughout the implementation. Consultants are also
responsible for delivering essential training and resources, such as trauma-informed care
education, to church leaders and volunteers. This ensures that the churches are well-equipped to
provide effective support. Regular check-ins by the consultants will help monitor the churches'
progress, address challenges, and refine strategies as needed. Furthermore, consultants will
collect and analyze data to evaluate the initiative's effectiveness, offering constructive feedback
and recommendations for improvement.
To effectively carry out these responsibilities, consultants must navigate the
implementation of Empower Faith through a carefully structured, multi-stage approach. The
primary focus of this capstone is the crucial first stage of implementation: "Exploration." During
the Exploration stage (Appendix #5), the primary objective is to assess the readiness of churches
to embrace and support returning citizens. Key activities in this phase include assessing
organizational capacity and awareness, collecting baseline data from church leaders during their
initial review session, and providing informational support through the EF Organization
Enrichment Guide (Appendix#15).
The project will be piloted in diverse faith communities, from small congregations to
more extensive church networks, ensuring adaptability across different environments. Potential
and existing partners and collaborators include local service providers and community
organizations, churches of various sizes and denominations, justice system stakeholders such as

Empower Faith | 28
probation officers and reentry programs, and organizations specializing in traumainformed care and social support (Appendix #14).
Budget & Fund Development
To launch the EF, a start-up budget for the first fiscal year totaling $ 860,000 has
been developed (Appendix #7). Personnel costs are the most significant, totaling
$285,000 for a full-time Program Manager, Project Coordinator, Community Outreach
Specialist, and Data Analyst. These roles are vital for managing the initiative and
conducting outreach and data analysis. Operational expenses of $ 151,000 cover office
space, supplies, and communication tools. Engagement and outreach activities, budgeted
at $ 143,000, include stakeholder meetings, an awareness campaign, and travel expenses
to build relationships and raise awareness.
Assessment and data collection are allocated $ 101,000 for surveys, focus groups,
and data analysis software. Training and development costs of $ 115,000 cover the
creation of training materials and fees for external trainers to equip church leaders with
essential skills. A contingency fund of $ 65,000 is included for unforeseen expenses. To
fund this budget, we plan to secure $ 1,643,000 from grants, $ 715,000 from corporate
sponsorships, $ 215,000 from fundraising activities, and $ 36,000 from individual
donations. This diversified funding strategy ensures robust support for the initiative.
Marketing & Branding
The marketing and branding plan aims to create a recognizable brand and
effectively engage church leaders, community organizations, and potential supporters
(Appendix #13). The initiative will leverage a dedicated website, active social media
campaigns, email marketing, community outreach, and traditional media to raise

Empower Faith | 29
awareness and promote participation. Key strategies include hosting workshops and webinars,
forming partnerships, arranging speaking engagements, issuing press releases, and distributing
print materials. The plan fosters widespread engagement and successfully implements the
Empower Faith initiative by focusing on storytelling, personal engagement, and a consistent
visual identity.
Evaluation Plan
Formative Evaluation: How We Will Know if the Project is Successful
Empower Faith employs pre-assessments as a foundational method to measure social
change and impact. At the beginning of the project, data is collected on each church’s capacity
and readiness to support returning citizens. These initial assessments serve as baseline
measurements, identifying the strengths, weaknesses, areas for improvement, and awareness
within each faith community. By understanding the starting point, Empower Faith can tailor its
action plans to meet the specific needs of each church, ensuring relevant and effective
interventions. Success is measured through continuous monitoring and adjustments based on the
pre-assessment data, allowing for targeted support and setting clear benchmarks against which
progress can be evaluated.
Key Metrics and Data Collection Plan:
• Knowledge and Awareness: Pre- and post-surveys will assess changes in knowledge and
awareness among church leaders and volunteers. Metrics include understanding trauma-informed
care, reentry challenges, and available resources.

Empower Faith | 30
• Behavior and Practice Changes: Regular observations and self-reports will measure changes in
behavior and practices within the church. Metrics include implementing new support practices,
volunteer engagement levels, and participation in capacity-building activities.
• Community Impact: Longitudinal surveys and interviews with returning citizens will assess the
impact on reintegration success. Metrics include recidivism rates, employment status, housing
stability, and community integration.
Summative Evaluation: What Success Will Look Like
Success for Empower Faith is measured through the survey data collected before and
after the review session. These surveys evaluate knowledge and attitude changes among church
leaders. Quantitative survey metrics provide evidence of the effectiveness of training sessions
and workshops. Ongoing surveys capture feedback on the overall experience and effectiveness of
the support activities provided. Success is seen in specific outcomes such as increased
knowledge, positive attitude shifts, and enhanced skills among participants. Regularly analyzing
this data ensures that the initiative remains responsive and effective, ultimately fostering
successful reintegration, reducing recidivism, and creating inclusive church environments. This
evidence-based approach ensures that the faith communities realize and sustain the desired social
change.
Benchmarks for Long-Term Impact (Recidivism)
• Reduction in Recidivism Rates: A 5-10% reduction in recidivism rates among participants within
three years post-release, compared to a baseline group not engaged with Empower Faith, will be
considered a significant achievement. This will be tracked through official recidivism data,
partnership with local correctional facilities, and post-release follow-up surveys.

Empower Faith | 31
• Increased Community Integration: 50% of returning citizens engaged with Empower Faith will
report improved community integration and support within 18 months of release. This will be
measured through regular surveys and interviews with participants and church leaders, focusing on
housing stability, employment status, and community involvement.
• Sustained Church Involvement: 75% of participating churches will continue active involvement in
supporting returning citizens beyond the initial two years of the program. Monitoring will be
conducted through church reports, ongoing participation in capacity-building activities, and
involvement in post-release support.
Achieving Project Objectives:
Recognizing the complexity of recidivism and the challenges returning citizens face, the
program emphasizes incremental progress rather than immediate, large-scale changes. The
benchmarks reflect attainable outcomes that align with the resources and capacity of the
participating churches. The project focuses on scalable growth, starting with realistic, data-driven
goals, and allows room for adapting strategies based on early results and feedback from the field.
Communication Plan
Empower Faith will ensure effective communication of results and impact to key
stakeholders through a comprehensive strategy. Regular reports will be generated at crucial
intervals, summarizing findings from pre-assessments, surveys, and ongoing monitoring
activities. These reports will highlight significant milestones, challenges, and adjustments,
providing a clear overview of the project's status. Additionally, periodic stakeholder meetings
and presentations will be organized to discuss the project's impact in greater detail. These
gatherings will foster interactive discussions and feedback, utilizing data visualizations, success

Empower Faith | 32
stories, and testimonials to illustrate the project's tangible benefits. This approach will
promote collaboration and transparency, keeping stakeholders informed and engaged.
Furthermore, Empower Faith will leverage digital communication channels to
reach a broader audience. Regular updates will be shared through newsletters, social
media, and the project's website, informing all stakeholders, including church leaders,
community partners, and supporters, of the latest developments and successes. These
updates will highlight critical achievements, share impactful stories, and provide insights
into ongoing work. By maintaining open and consistent communication through various
channels, Empower Faith will ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and can
actively contribute to the project's success (Appendix #8 ).
Challenges/Limitations
EF anticipates several challenges, limitations, and obstacles during the project's
testing, piloting, and implementation phases. One significant challenge is the varying
levels of readiness and capacity among participating churches. Some churches might lack
the resources or organizational structure to implement the action plans effectively.
Empower Faith will employ a tiered action planning approach to address this,
customizing support based on each church's initial assessment results. Churches with
lower capacity will receive more foundational support and resources, while those with
higher capacity will receive advanced training, such as facilitator training for restorative
justice circles and conferences, and tools (e.g., collaboration platforms for partnerships
with local service providers and community organizations). This tailored approach
ensures that each church receives the appropriate level of support to maximize its
effectiveness.

Empower Faith | 33
Another potential obstacle is resistance to change among church leaders and volunteers.
Cultural and organizational inertia can impede the adoption of new practices, particularly those
related to trauma-informed care and the support of returning citizens. EF will prioritize building
solid relationships and trust with church leaders through consistent communication and
engagement to mitigate this. The initiative will also emphasize the importance of these changes
by sharing success stories and demonstrating the tangible benefits of the new practices.
Providing ongoing support and feedback opportunities will help address concerns and gradually
build acceptance and commitment to the program.
Limited financial resources and logistical challenges can also pose significant obstacles.
Securing adequate funding for workshops, materials, and support activities is essential for the
project's success. To overcome this, Empower Faith will actively pursue diverse funding sources,
including grants, donations, and partnerships with local businesses and community
organizations. Additionally, the initiative will prioritize cost-effective strategies, such as
leveraging digital platforms for training and communication, to minimize expenses while
maintaining the quality of the project. Utilizing technology to facilitate remote training and
virtual meetings will improve accessibility and reduce travel costs and logistical complexities.
These proactive planning and adaptive strategies will help Empower Faith navigate challenges
and achieve its goals.
Conclusion & Implications
Empower Faith is a sustaining innovation designed to mobilize faith communities to
support returning citizens. By tailoring support through tiered action plans, prioritizing traumainformed care, and leveraging technology for practical training and communication, Empower
Faith addresses the unique needs of each participating church. This approach ensures that all

Empower Faith | 34
churches, regardless of their initial capacity, can effectively contribute to the successful
reintegration of returning citizens, reduce recidivism, and foster inclusive environments. The
project’s potential for positive social impact lies in its comprehensive and adaptive
strategies that empower faith communities to make meaningful and sustainable changes.
Lessons Learned
During the development of the Empower Faith initiative, the team faced
significant struggles with ambiguity and shifting mindsets. Starting with an ill-defined
problem, they had to navigate uncertain terrain without clear answers, which required
adopting a user-centered, iterative approach instead of a traditional, linear one. This
cultural shift was challenging and demanded constant encouragement to remain open to
new ideas and methods. Additionally, the iterative nature of the design-thinking process,
involving repeated cycles of ideation, prototyping, and testing, required substantial time
that was often limited. Creating prototypes and testing them with users necessitated a
willingness to accept and learn from failures. Despite these obstacles, the team
persevered, understanding that these challenges were essential for developing a robust
and practical initiative to support returning citizens.
Implications for Practice & Future Use
EF has significant implications for practice and the broader ecosystem. Providing
a structured, evidence-based framework for churches to support returning citizens
enhances the role of faith communities in social reintegration efforts. This approach can
be replicated and adapted for other community organizations, broadening its impact.
Additionally, the focus on continuous improvement through feedback loops ensures that
the program remains responsive to evolving needs and challenges. Empower Faith also

Empower Faith | 35
highlights the critical role of data-driven decision-making in program management, setting a
standard for other initiatives in the field.
Action Plan
The following action plan outlines the critical steps to implement the Empower Faith
project effectively. Each action step includes a description, timeline, associated stage of
implementation, and the resources needed to ensure the successful execution and sustainability
of the initiative.
Action Step Description Timeline Stage of
Implementation Resources Needed
Expand
Outreach
Continue personalized
outreach to religious leaders
to increase participation.
Next 3
months Exploration Outreach materials,
communication tools
Foster
Partnerships
Build partnerships with local
service providers and
training organizations.
Next 6-12
months Exploration
Partnership
agreements, network
contacts
Secure
Funding
Seek funding opportunities
to ensure sustainability and
expansion.
Next 12
months Exploration Grant proposals,
funding applications
Pilot Process
Pilot the EF process in a
select number of churches
across different tiers to test
and refine.
Next 6
months Installation Prototype materials,
pilot sites
Monitor and
evaluate
Establish a framework to
track progress, gather
feedback, and adjust as
needed.
Ongoing Implementation Data collection tools,
evaluation metrics
Communicate
Success
Share success stories and
best practices with the
broader community.
Ongoing Implementation
Success stories,
communication
platforms
Scale and
Adapt
Scale the program to more
churches and adapt action
plans and activities based on
pilot results.
After
pilot
phase
Full
Implementation
Additional resources,
adaptive strategies

Empower Faith | 36
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Appendices
Appendix #1 – Design Criteria ………………………………………………………... 43
Appendix #2 – Prototype …………………………………………………………….. 44
Appendix #3 – Organizational Capacity Tiered System …………………………… 45
Appendix #4 – Logic Model …………………………………………………………... 46
Appendix #5 – Implementation Plan …………………………………………………. 47
Appendix #6 – Queen Consulting Firm, LLC ………………………………………... 48
Appendix #7 – Start-Up Budget ………………………………………………………. 49
Appendix #8 – Communication Plan …………………………………………………. 50
Appendix #9 – Empower Faith Assessment Part 1: Draft ………………………… 51
Appendix #10 – Empower Faith Assessment Part 2 – Online Capture …………….. 55
Appendix #11 – Empower Faith Pre & Post-Test Online Captures ………………… 56
Appendix #12 – Data Intake Form …………………………………………………... 58
Appendix #13 – Queen Consulting Firm Website …………………………………… 60
Appendix #14 – Empower Faith Collaborative Partners …………………………… 61
Appendix #15 – Organization Enrichment Guide …………………………………… 62

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Appendix #1 - Design Criteria

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Appendix #2
- Prototype

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Appendix #3 – Organizational Capacity Tiered System

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Appendix #4 – Logic Model

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Appendix #5 - Implementation Plan
STAGES OBJECTIVES ACTIVITIES OUTCOMES
Exploration
Assess knowledge,
awareness, and
readiness for
supporting returning
citizens
Stakeholder
engagement, needs
assessment, data
collection, awareness
campaign.
Detailed report on
readiness and needs,
increased awareness of
the needs of returning
citizens.
Installation
Establish necessary
infrastructure and
resources.
Infrastructure
development, training
programs, resource
allocation, partnership
formation.
Infrastructure with
trained personnel and
resources.
Initial
Implementation
Pilot the initiative in
selected churches to
test and refine the
approach.
Pilot initiative, action
plan development,
capacity-building
activities, monitoring
and evaluation.
Refined project model
with documented
successes and
challenges.
Full Implementation
Expand the initiative
to a broader range of
churches.
Scale-up, ongoing
training and support,
community
integration, policy
advocacy.
Widespread, wellintegrated supports for
returning citizens.
Innovation
Continuously improve
through innovation
and adaptation.
Feedback loop,
research and
development, pilot
new ideas, best
practice sharing.
Dynamic, adaptable
model of practice
evolving to meet
changing needs.
Sustainability
Ensure long-term
sustainability and
impact.
Institutionalization,
funding and resources,
capacity building,
impact measurement.
Sustainable, impactful
initiative reducing
recidivism rates.

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Appendix #6 – Queen Consulting Firm, LLC
California Secretary of State – Business Statement of Information

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Appendix #7 – Empower Faith Start-Up Budget (1 Year)

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Appendix # 8 – Communication Plan
Activity Frequency Month Details
Email Updates Monthly Ongoing Brief overviews of progress, key
findings, and upcoming activities.
Faith Conference
Presentations
As
scheduled Varies Detailed presentations on progress, key
findings, and impact.
Website/Social
Media Updates Bi-weekly Ongoing Short updates, success stories, event
announcements, and links to reports.
Key Messages
• Progress and Achievements: Highlight the initiative's key milestones, successes, and
positive outcomes.
• Challenges and Solutions: Discuss any challenges encountered and the strategies
implemented to address them.
• Future Plans: Outline the following steps and strategic plans for continuing the
initiative’s success.
• Stakeholder and Funder Contributions: Acknowledge and thank stakeholders and
funders for their support and contributions.
Feedback Mechanisms
• Surveys and Feedback Forms: Regularly collect feedback from stakeholders and
funders to improve reporting processes and content.
• Interactive Q&A Sessions: Encourage questions and open discussions during faith
conference presentations.
• Direct Communication Channels: Provide contact information so stakeholders and
funders can ask questions or feedback anytime.

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Appendix #9 – Empower Faith Assessment Part 1: Draft
EmpowerFaith
Organizational Pre-Assessment
This pre-assessment tool will enable EmpowerFaith to effectively train, equip, and empower
churches to better understand and meet the needs of returning citizens. It is a foundational step in
building the capacity to foster meaningful change and support within communities. This preassessment consists of 24 items that aid in identifying gaps and strengths, facilitating targeted
development and strategic planning for the organization.
I. ORGANIZATION INFORMATION
This section collects essential details about the organization, including its name, leadership,
physical location, size, membership, religious affiliation, and demographics.
1. Organization Name
2. Organization website or social media site
3. Name of Director/Ministry Lead
4. Director/Ministry Lead Email
5. Name & Title of Person Completing Form
a. Phone
b. Email
6. Does your organization have a physical location? Yes No
a. If you have a physical address, what is the address?
7. What is the average number of attendees at your church's main weekly worship service?
a. 1 - 100 attendees (Storefront Church)
b. 101 - 300 attendees (Small Church)
c. 301 - 2,000 attendees (Medium Church)
d. Over 2,000 attendees (Mega Church)
8. Approximately how many dedicated members does your church have? Please select the
range that best represents the number of members who are regularly involved in church
activities and consider your church their primary place of worship.
a. 1 - 25 dedicated members (Typical for Storefront Church)
b. 26 - 100 dedicated members (Typical for Small Church)
c. 101 - 300 dedicated members (Typical for Medium Church)
d. Over 300 dedicated members (Typical for Mega Church)
9. What is the religious affiliation or denomination of your organization?
a. Roman Catholic
b. Protestant (e.g., Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran)
c. Pentecostal (e.g., Apostolic, Church of God in Christ, Church of Christ)
d. Judaism

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e. Islam
f. Hinduism
g. Buddhism
h. Other (please specify)
10. What is the demographic makeup of your organization?
a. Age: What is the age distribution of your members?
• Mostly under 30
• Mostly 30 to 50
• Mostly over 50
• Diverse age range
b. Gender: What is the gender distribution among your members?
• Mostly male
• Mostly female
• Gender diverse
c. Ethnicity: What is the ethnic composition of your members?
• Predominantly one ethnicity
• Multicultural
11. What reentry services/programs would the organization like to develop? (open-ended)
12. What geographic areas do/will your organization serve?
a. Neighborhood-Based
b. Citywide
c. Countywide
d. Other (please specify)
II. AWARENESS
This section assesses the organization's understanding of challenges faced by returning citizens
and its knowledge of available resources to support them, as well as its cultural competency in
addressing diverse needs.
Yes - Strongly agree or fully capable, Somewhat - Agree to some extent or partially capable, No
- Disagree or not capable, Unsure - Uncertain or unable to determine
13. To what extent does your organization understand the challenges faced by returning
citizens upon release from incarceration? Yes (3), Somewhat (2), Unsure (1), No (0)
14. Does your organization have adequate knowledge of available resources (housing,
employment, healthcare, etc.) to support returning citizens post-release? Yes (3),
Somewhat (2), Unsure (1), No (0)
15. How culturally competent is your church in addressing the needs of returning citizens
from diverse backgrounds? Yes (3), Somewhat (2), Unsure (1), No (0)
Total Score Interpretation

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• 9 points: High Awareness - The organization has a strong understanding of the
challenges and resources for returning citizens and exhibits high cultural competency in
addressing diverse needs.
• 5-8 points: Moderate Awareness - The organization has some understanding, but there
are notable gaps in awareness or resource knowledge that could be improved.
• 0-4 points: Low Awareness - The organization needs significant improvement in
understanding the challenges, resources, and cultural competencies related to returning
citizens.
II. HEALING
This section examines the organization's journey toward becoming a healing-focused entity,
including its awareness of trauma, provision of tailored resources, creation of safe environments
16. Where is your organization in its journey to becoming a healing organization?
a. Trauma Organized (1) - We might be causing more stress by being reactive and
disorganized, sticking to strict rules, ignoring deeper issues, promoting inequality,
and creating divisions.
b. Trauma-Informed (2) - We understand the effects of trauma and try to heal,
using a common language to address cultural and structural challenges.
c. Healing Organization (3) - We actively work to overcome past issues, focus on
growth and prevention, cooperate well, champion fairness, and lead with a focus
on relationships.
17. Does your organization provide resources or support specifically tailored for individuals
who have experienced trauma? Yes (3), N/A (2), Unsure (1), No (0)
18. Does your organization foster an environment of safety and trust for individuals who
disclose trauma experiences? Yes (3), N/A (2), Unsure (1), No (0)
19. Does your organization leaders are trained in recognizing signs of trauma and responding
appropriately? Yes (3), N/A (2), Unsure (1), No (0)
Interpretation:
• 9-12: Advanced Healing Organization - The organization excels in healingfocused practices. You actively work to overcome past trauma, prioritize safety
and trust, and ensure leadership is equipped to handle trauma-sensitive
situations.
• 5-8: Developing Healing Organization - The organization has taken significant
steps towards becoming healing-focused but still has areas to improve. You may
be somewhat inconsistent in applying trauma-informed principles or in ensuring
resources and training are adequately provided.
• 3-4: Emerging Healing Organization - The organization is at the early stages of
understanding and integrating healing practices. There may be a lack of
organized effort in addressing trauma, limited resources for trauma-impacted
individuals, or insufficient training for leaders.

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II. INFRASTRUCTURE
This section focuses on the organization's structural elements, such as fundraising and volunteer
management plans, volunteer recruitment and retention issues, partnerships with other
organizations, and the adequacy of its data collection systems.
20. Does your organization have a viable fundraising plan developed within the past 12
months? Yes (3), N/A (2), Unsure (1), No (0)
21. Does your organization have a written volunteer recruitment and management plan? Yes
(3), N/A (2), Unsure (1), No (0)
22. Does your organization struggle to recruit or retain volunteers? Yes (3), N/A (2), Unsure
(1), No (0)
23. Does your organization effectively partner with other organizations to support its
congregants/community? Yes (3), N/A (2), Unsure (1), No (0)
24. Does your organization have adequate data collection systems? Yes (3), N/A (2), Unsure
(1), No (0)
Interpretation:
• 11-15 points: Strong Infrastructure - The organization has a solid foundation
in all evaluated areas. Fundraising, volunteer management, partnerships, and
data systems are well-established and effective.
• 6-10 points: Moderate Infrastructure - The organization shows capability in
several areas but may have weaknesses in others that need addressing to
improve overall structural efficiency.
• 0-5 points: Needs Improvement - Several structural elements within the
organization are weak or missing. Significant improvements are required in
areas such as fundraising, volunteer management, partnerships, and data
collection systems.

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Appendix #10 – Empower Faith Assessment Part 2 – Online Capture

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Appendix #11 – Pre & Post Test Online Captures

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Appendix #12 – Data Intake Form

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Appendix #13- Queen Consulting Firm Website (Under Development)

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Appendix #14 – Empower Faith Collaborative Partners

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Appendix #15 – Empower Faith Enrichment Guide

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Abstract (if available)

Abstract Despite representing only 5% of the global population, the United States leads the world in incarceration, housing about 25% of all incarcerated individuals. This mass incarceration has significant social, economic, and political consequences, leading the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare to prioritize "promoting smart decarceration." With an annual correctional expenditure nearing $80 billion, traditional reentry and rehabilitation efforts often fall short, leaving many individuals unprepared for societal reintegration.

This capstone project presents "Empower Faith," an innovative initiative that uses social support theory to equip churches with the knowledge and tools needed to support reentry and engage with returning citizens. Research highlights the effectiveness of faith-based approaches in the reentry process, showing that spiritual engagement during incarceration is linked to positive reintegration outcomes and reduced recidivism. Churches, central to American social life and rooted in principles of forgiveness and redemption, are well-positioned to provide crucial support.

However, many churches lack the resources and readiness to assist returning citizens effectively. Empower Faith aims to bridge this gap by offering training and resources to enhance these religious institutions' capacity to support successful reintegration. By doing so, Empower Faith contributes to the broader goals of decarceration, improving public safety and community well-being. This project represents a strategic convergence of social work, criminal justice reform, and community engagement, fostering a more inclusive and supportive reentry process for individuals impacted by the justice system.

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Asset Metadata

Creator Bevans, Shaquinta Denise (author)

Core Title Empower Faith: equipping faith communities for effective engagement & compassionate reentry support

School Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

Degree Doctor of Social Work

Degree Program Social Work

Degree Conferral Date 2024-08

Publication Date 08/19/2024

Defense Date 08/06/2024

Publisher Los Angeles, California (original), University of Southern California (original), University of Southern California. Libraries (digital)

Tag capacity building,church,Churches,faith-based,incarceration,recidivism,reentry,Religion,returning citizens,smart decarceration,social support,trauma-informed care

Format theses (aat)

Language English

Contributor Electronically uploaded by the author (provenance)

Advisor Smith-Maddox, Renee (committee chair), Elliott-Brown, Karin (committee member), Paul, Joseph (committee member)

Creator Email sbevans@usc.edu,sbevans79@yahoo.com

Permanent Link (DOI) https://doi.org/10.25549/usctheses-oUC1139991YY

Unique identifier UC1139991YY

Identifier etd-BevansShaq-13403.pdf (filename)

Legacy Identifier etd-BevansShaq-13403

Document Type Capstone project

Format theses (aat)

Rights Bevans, Shaquinta Denise

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Repository Name University of Southern California Digital Library

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