OFI Programs
101 - Sons / C2C
Courage to Change – 101 Sons 'Guns and Gangs Reform Program
Overview and Purpose
The Courage To Change program(C2C) is a dynamic initiative that not only addresses the immediate needs of justice-involved individuals from underserved communities but also symbolizes a bridge to greater societal integration and personal transformation. This program utilizes the historical significance of the Oro Church—a beacon of overcoming adversity—as its foundation, reflecting the church's enduring legacy of resilience and new beginnings.
The men and women are placed in structured cohorts that provide comprehensive WRAP Around services that support the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals and assists those within the final one to two years of their prison terms. The Oro Church itself plays a crucial role, serving as a sacred and secure environment where participants can release their burdens of guilt, shame, and pain, embarking on a transformative healing journey.
This program is deeply rooted in the pursuit of freedom that led to the establishment of the Oro Church, serving as a continual reminder and symbol of the quest for personal liberation. Looking forward, the OFI is committed to expanding its outreach through even more innovative programs that promise to uplift, educate, and empower, paving the way for a brighter future for the community's youth and all those seeking a second chance.
Firms are placed into gender based (101 Sons/101 Daughters) reintegration cohorts. OFI supports these individuals with an 8 week intensive transition course. The participants are placed in cohorts and a safe community to work on the next phase of life.
“We title these cohorts as 101 Sons/101 Daughters because there is always room for one more person willing to change their lives.”
Program Founder - Nelia DiBiase
The supports provided include connections with employers, entrepreneurship guidance, and life skills training. Participants are encouraged to stay in the community to help mentor others who are newly exiting the criminal justice system.
Acknowledgement for Victims
At Oro Freedom Institute, we recognize that healing must be inclusive of all those impacted by crime and harm. We acknowledge with deep respect and compassion the pain, trauma, and lasting effects experienced by victims and survivors. Their voices, stories, and needs are essential to any meaningful journey toward accountability and justice.
Our program is focused on rehabilitation for individuals whose offenses fall under the “Guns and Gangs” subculture with a rigorous and comprehensive intake process that considers our participants’ accountability for their actions, time served, and a GENUINE desire to transform their lives. 99% of our participants were victims of ACE (adverse childhood events) themselves.
While our work in the Courage to Change program centers on rehabilitating individuals who have caused harm, we remain committed to fostering empathy, responsibility, and transformation. We believe that supporting change in those who have offended is one step toward preventing further harm—but this cannot happen without also honoring the courage and resilience of victims.
We strive to promote restorative practices that create opportunities for healing, dialogue, and reconciliation—when and only if survivors choose it. Above all, we stand with victims and affirm their right to safety, dignity, and support.