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Better Futures News
Webinar: Join Better Futures and NACo May 16 from 1-2:15 PM (CST) for a webinar on improving outcomes for high-risk adults. Learn how Better Futures has developed a model of success that is improving the lives of high-risk adults and helping change policy and practices that perpetuate the cycle of dependency.
Better Futures announces Name Change! After 5 years of working to improve the lives of high-risk men in Minnesota, The NetWork for Better Futures announced it has changed its name to Better Futures Minnesota.
Better Futures' Blog: NACo and Better Futures announce partnership to advance cost-saving, smart justice practices.
Better Futures' Blog: Pay-for-success Contracting and the Employment of Returning Citizens. More > |
Participant Purchases Home
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Paul Rafus (L) and Jeff Williams (R) |
Unable to rent an apartment because of his criminal record, Paul Rafus was living in his van before he came to Better Futures. "I'm so thankful to Jeff Williams (Better Futures' recruiter) for recruiting me and being able to move into their guest house." Paul worked with Makram El-Amin, a Better Futures life coach, on short and long term goals - one of his goals was to purchase a home for him and his children.
To help get his plan into action, Paul took a budget class that helped him learn how to manage his money smarter. After several months of saving he was in a position to purchase a home.
"Sitting at the closing table with a group of bankers and my realtor was overwhelming. I never thought I would be able to purchase a home. It was less than a year ago that I was living in my van," says Paul. "If it was not for Better Futures and their staff I would not have pursued getting a house." Paul is excited and feels a sense of accomplishment, "I love having a place for my kids to come home to."
As a member of Better Futures, Paul has become a mentor and role mode to other men.
Congratulations Paul! |
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Independent Evaluation of Better Futures' Performance
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has engaged West Ed, a nonpartisan research firm, to complete a formal evaluation of Better Futures Minnesota's performance and impact. Our work with West  Ed was initiated this past year and they have assembled critical data for the evaluation which consists of treatment and comparison groups of about 150 men each. We are on track to generate preliminary results this summer and complete the full evaluation in early 2015.
Preliminary results will show rates for:
- Return to prison
- Health care utilization
- Child support payments
- Employment and wage history
The evaluation data will:
- Provide baseline data from multiple systems
- Help us assess what's working and what needs improvement in our model
- Provide information to build better models of success
- Guide policy reform and changes in current practice
This evaluation is an example of our commitment to learning, sharing results, and refining our model. |
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Improving Our Model for Success
At Better Futures we are continuously learning and improving our model to achieve greater impact and results for our participants and the community. This year we have implemented a basic employment training program designed to help participants develop the
hard and soft skills needed to become productive citizens and quality workers. 
The training is a mix of soft skills delivered through six modules. Topics include self-concept (anger management), family relationships (parenting responsibility & techniques), civil & legal responsibility (including paying taxes), victim awareness, personal health & hygiene, job preparation, job search & interviewing skills and how to be a dependable employee.
"The training will help advance our participants knowledge and awareness of oneself and engage with their community and family" says Jeff Williams, Better Futures recruiter.
Helping participants build successful pathways to a new life is an exciting part of Better Futures' model of success. |
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Cycles for Change
Our April highlight is The Community Partners Bike Library (CPBL) program through Cycles for Change.  This is the 4th year that Better Futures has collaborated with Cycles for Change. They have provided 8-10 bikes each year for our participants. This has helped men with transportation, recreation and exercise goals.
Congratulations for completing orientation:
Marvin Banks
Valdez Blackmon
Jermaine Davis
Matthew Little
Andre Moore
Eric Skripka
Antonio Williams
Read more about our partnership with Cycles for Change on our blog. |
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Rest in Peace Erick Felton and Demetrius Harper
We are saddened by the tragic deaths of Better Futures Minnesota participants Erick Felton and Demetrius Harper. Like many of Better Futures' men, Erick and Demetrius were actively working toward positively transforming their lives.
 | | Erick Felton |
Erick came to Better Futures in April of 2011 at the age of 18. He was unsure about what he wanted to do with his life, yet he was determined to try to figure it out. He was off to a strong start with Better Futures and was on his way to achieving goals that he had set for himself.
 | | Demetrius Harper |
Demetrius came to Better Futures in July of 2008. He struggled initially with the work structure but worked hard, becoming a steady worker for Better Futures and eventually finding outside work. He leaves behind three lovely children.
Erick and Demetrius are examples of just how difficult it is for young African American men, having made mistakes, to turn their lives around. Jeff Williams, Better Futures' recruiter, says "we will never know what they would have become but I know they were both trying to make a better life for themselves and their children."
They will be missed. |
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