LaBarbera Learning Solutions

07/15/2024

Based on the first data collection and analysis round, it appears that House of Mercy reentry ministry is achieving its desired outcomes. Specifically, program participants rated themselves highly regarding their perceptions of HOM’s programs and services, ability to think adaptively under stress, psychological strength and approach to problem-solving, perceived social support, employment and educational trajectories, and positive use of leisure time. The evaluation findings support the continued inclusion of existing program components to support successful reentry and offer suggestions for additional programming.

Based on the first round of data collection and analysis, it appears that HOM is achieving its desired outcomes. Specifically, program participants rated themselves highly in terms of their perceptions of HOM’s programs and services, ability to think adaptively under stress, psychological strength...

03/19/2024

Long Beach Rescue Mission, we salute you and your efforts to train your staff in the peer support principles offered by LaBarbera Learning Solutions. Jeff Levine, your commitment to staff development and the citizens of Long Beach is commendable. Armed with interpersonal skills, CBT principles, and developing resiliency, your staff is prepared to bless the men and women who come through the doors of LBRM. Thank you for your work! We are honored to equip you for service. https://www.labarberalearning.com/peer-support-specialist-training

03/13/2024

Congratulations to Shon Wheatley, Ed.S. at the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) for signing up three students in the Peer Support Specialist Certification program at LaBarbera Learning Solutions. We are excited to see how these dedicated peer supporters will support their peers in reentry. We set up THIE with a dedicated learning portal; they are ready to rock! Let us know how we can set up your organization for success! https://www.labarberalearning.com/peer-support-specialist-training

03/12/2024

The first of many in a series of articles on peer support in reentry. (Excited to brainstorm a book in collaboration with Jarret Keith of Testimony Ministries to support our friends coming home!). Testimony Ministries Jarret Keith

Self-awareness is becoming aware of our thoughts and feelings. By understanding ourselves, we are better positioned to understand others and help them in their healing journey. As peer supporters, self-awareness is essential to preparing to encounter those we support, their families, and the system....

12/30/2023

Exciting news! Congratulations to House of Mercy Ministries and Jeremy Read for receiving their Second Chance Reentry grant. As their Independent Evaluator, I am honored to partner with them to demonstrate the effectiveness of their program to show how they are changing lives and making a real impact in the reentry process.

08/30/2023

Effective is a core skill in interpersonal . It helps you build strong and healthy with others, enables you to communicate your thoughts and desires effectively, allows you to resolve conflicts effectively, and promotes in various areas of your life. Take advantage of this one-week-only special offer, 50% off our Develop Your Active Listening Skills mini-course, using coupon code "LaborDay23" at checkout. See the full range of self-paced, on-demand courses at https://labarberalearning.talentlms.com/catalog

06/24/2023

Behind the grim statistics lies a hidden struggle that perpetuates a vicious cycle.

Two-thirds of individuals released from state and federal prisons find themselves back behind bars within three years. They face an uphill battle, grappling with discrimination, homelessness, poverty, dysfunctional relationships, substance abuse, and mental and physical health issues.

But amidst the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope – reentry peer support. Discover how this powerful form of support can transform lives, break the cycle of recidivism, and create thriving communities.

Successful reentry programs give formerly incarcerated individuals the opportunity to become productive members of society and make a meaningful difference in the community by providing the support they need to access the tools, resources, and stability to rebuild their lives for the better. Accordi...

01/26/2023

Many participants in the prison-based theological training program—The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI)—described how the members of their class come together in ways they wouldn’t have before TUMI. Mary Flin. Epiphany: Life Change

12/14/2022

See part two of a three-part series where I report results of a year-long impact evaluation. In part two, participants frequently described increases in interpersonal intelligence. Participants used examples of compassion, social responsibility, restored relationships with family members, and association with positive social groups/fellowship/community connectedness related to this theme.

Participants frequently described increases in interpersonal intelligence. Participants used examples of compassion, social responsibility, restored relationships with family members, and association with positive social groups/fellowship/community connectedness related to this theme.

12/07/2022

TUMI is equipping men and women for Christian leadership and service, it is creating healthy thinking patterns, it is bringing self-awareness and self-respect to its participants, it is creating positive interpersonal relationships inside and outside prison walls, and it is equipping participants with problem-solving skills, impulse control, the ability to manage negative emotions, and freedom from substance use disorders.

Across the country, men and women are being equipped with leadership and theological principles to impact their neighbors, even if those “neighbors” are right there in the prison or jail where they live. TUMI is changing lives and communities impacted by the criminal justice system and we have t...

11/03/2022

I’ve interviewed 141 justice-involved men and women and collected surveys from 157. Read their response to the question, "Tell us about the kind of person you were before you came to prison and how you are different now that you’re a TUMI participant.”

I’ve collected over 40 hours of interview data from 141 people and survey data from 157 people. One of the questions I asked during interviews and on the survey was, “tell us about the kind of person you were before you came to prison and how you are different now that you’re a TUMI participan...

10/19/2022

Loved my time in Hutchinson Correctional Facility interviewing TUMI participants today. I heard stories of change and how they are creating different trajectories for their future. Our past mistakes do not have to define our present and future, by the grace of God.