Training Your Mind Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing transitional housing and comprehensive support programs for individuals nearing the end of their prison sentences in Arkansas. Founded by Verna Burnett and Justin Jones, the organization addresses the critical issue of recidivism by offering a safe space and the necessary tools for successful reintegration into society.
At Training Your Mind Inc., our mission is to provide shelter and support to homeless individuals in our community. We believe that everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to call home, and we work tirelessly to make that a reality.
We offer structured, transitional housing in Saint Francis County, Arkansas, supported by five essential program pillars: Mindset & Wellness (therapy and counseling); Life Essentials (financial and digital literacy); Future Readiness (job placement and entrepreneurship); Growth & Therapy (our therapeutic gardening initiative); and Secure Foundation (stable housing). This holistic approach ensures participants gain not only skills but also the mental and emotional stability needed for lasting freedom.
Volunteer with Training Your Mind Inc. and directly invest in human potential. Whether you have a green thumb for our therapeutic gardening program, business skills to mentor an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply a desire to help with facility setup, your time is invaluable. Join us and become a hands-on partner in rebuilding lives and strengthening Saint Francis County.
If you’ve heard the term recidivism, you know it’s bad. But what does it actually mean?
Our main goal is simple: to disrupt the cycle of recidivism in Arkansas by providing a structured, six-month pathway to successful reintegration. We offer more than just a place to stay; we offer a transformation. We aim to equip every participant with stable housing, gainful employment, and a new, resilient mindset so they can become positive, contributing members of their families and communities. Our ultimate measure of success is lasting freedom.
We offer a holistic program built on five essential pillars to ensure a successful transition:
• Mindset & Wellness: Intensive mental health and substance abuse counseling, utilizing proven strategies like CBT to help participants manage triggers and build emotional stability.
• Life Essentials: Practical skills training covering financial literacy, budgeting, and essential computer/digital literacy to navigate modern life.
• Future Readiness: Workforce development that includes job placement partnerships, certified skills training, and business classes for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Growth & Therapy: Our unique therapeutic gardening program provides a hands-on, therapeutic outlet while teaching valuable skills in patience and cultivation.
• Secure Foundation: Safe, supportive, and secure transitional housing in our 80+ room facility in Saint Francis County, providing the necessary stability to focus on recovery and rebuilding.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Training Your Mind Inc. is funded through a strategic mix of sources to ensure sustainability and independence:
• Government Grants: We actively pursue competitive federal and state grants from agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Labor (DOL) that fund reentry, housing, and workforce development.
• Foundations and Corporations: We rely on support from private and community foundations, as well as corporate giving programs that align with our mission of social justice and community building.
• Individual Donations: The generosity of community members, like you, is vital. These donations fund program materials, support our facility's operation, and help us provide immediate resources to those in need.
We focus on the interconnected issues of recidivism, mental health, and homelessness among returning citizens because these issues are the core drivers of the revolving door of the justice system.
1. Recidivism: The state of Arkansas faces a high rate of individuals returning to prison. We focus on this because every successful reintegration means one less crime committed, one less tax dollar spent on incarceration, and one more family reunited.
2. Mental Health & Substance Abuse: A high percentage of incarcerated individuals struggle with untreated mental health issues and addiction. We address this because a sustained, sober, and stable mind is the foundation for a productive life.
3. Homelessness & Unemployment: Individuals often leave prison with nowhere to live and no marketable skills, making a return to crime almost inevitable. By providing transitional housing and workforce readiness, we eliminate these immediate barriers and provide a real opportunity for a fresh start.
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