Mission Statement

At Lawsons Development Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering communities by addressing the root causes of violence, crime, and instability. Our mission is to provide transformative support and resources to:

• Ex-offenders seeking a fresh start and a pathway to success (RRR Recidivism Reduction Regime Program)

Re-entry is a topic that has been mishandled and misguided. I for one can speak to this issue personally, after serving 10 years., l was released and learned to navigate through the hardships and struggles of re-entry. Policies restrict people with backgrounds from servicing ex-offenders and at-risk youth due to background clearances and other red tape, however LDFC will be working with the community and people and will use and the local heroes and who have trodden the same waters. Recidivism is result of men and women not having the support needed to stay of the jaws of incarceration. We plan to create a relationship with the prison and establish a file on the client. We will access their needs from a proactive approach and then collaborate with the institutions that are available to assist in the well-being of the individual. I.e., if an inmate can drive a state vehicle or become a fireman then why aren't we able to fast track the written requirements for a driver's license before they are released? Collaborating with New Horizons to work with before release to avoid the long process, to avoid the time it would take accomplish these things upon release.

• The homeless striving for stability and self-sufficiency

Advocating that religious bodies be more collective in their outreach ministry. Individual efforts have been more detrimental than helpful and considering how poverty and homelessness affect the community and family dynamic we have to act with a different level of urgency.

• At-risk youth in need of mentorship, guidance, and alternatives to destructive paths

(Suspension Alternative Program SAP, here we will petition the school to allow us to mentor, monitor, and tutor young students when suspended. Rather than allow the suspension to count toward their academic profile, the alternatives of the SAP program to mentor, monitor, and tutor the youth, (while out on suspension) will work to use this as a means to stand in place for the suspension. The school, (if agreed will then provide their terms to meet while out on suspension. Furthermore, we place them with small businesses to work and introduce them to the work environment, which will provide the opportunity to work if they want to begin that level of commitment. Tim's Foreign Auto Services, Twist Sillit Food Truck, Kings Kutz Barbershop, Best On the Block Lawn Care.

• Young adults facing barriers to education, employment, and personal growth

Our youth idolize people who been to prison, sold drugs, and street gangs. This true peer-to-peer mentoring and advocation. Utilizing likeminded individuals to advocate and mentor is ideal for change and breaking cultural barriers. Boots on the ground, hands to the post!

• Fathers and mothers of at-risk youth and young adults, equipping them with tools to foster stronger, healthier families

We will rebuild our family dynamic! Most families are broken due to trauma and mental health. We must fix the foundation, and the building will become sustained. We will collaborate and petition that agencies be more relentless with their services. The secret to success will be LDFC will do it right because the community deserves it.

Through trauma-informed care, mental health support, emotional intelligence training, and structured mentorship, we break cycles of hardship, restore hope, and build thriving communities free from violence and crime.

 Your support—whether through donations, sponsorships, or grants—allows us to transform lives, strengthen families, and create sustainable change. Partner with us to turn struggle into success and restore dignity and opportunity to those who need it most.