What we do
TRAINING and EDUCATION.
Refoundry trains formerly incarcerated people to repurpose discarded materials into home furnishings and mentors them into their own business and career path. Our curriculum includes mental health/addiction referrals, classes in internet, finance, business, resumé-building and interview skills, apprenticeships, business coaching and more.
Breaking Cycles of Incarceration
This powerful video spotlights Refoundry entrepreneur Gene Manigo's inspiring story. (Thanks to the generosity and talent of Brooklyn-based Wrapt Films.)
650K
people released from prisons each year
50%
are rearrested within one year of release
60%
are unemployed one year after release
We’re working to change that.
2
Refoundry model was tested and refined in two cities: South Los Angeles, and Brooklyn, NY
10
Ten businesses were incubated in craft industries, including wood, metal, and upholstery.
125
Refoundry entrepreneurs now employ over 125 people from their home communities.
FROM HANDYMAN TO BOSS MAN
CONAN CASTILLO:
"I was a handyman making $14/hour. Now I own my own business, employ 22 people from my community – using what I learned to help two start their own shops – and hit $2 million in sales last year. Best of all, I send my two oldest children to college, and my youngest to private school."
Conan Castillo, Owner, Al’s Furniture (LA Alpha)
