Let every sunrise be a new beginning.

How long has this particular housing program been a round?

More than 6 years

What is the max capacity for housing on the farm?

We originally started with 40 studio apartment. We  recently built 30 more economical apartments out of shipping containers, and we are currently building 25 more.

How long are residents allowed to stay in the program?

We understand that transition is different for everyone. There is no definitive date when occupants are required to move. We do encourage occupants to think about and make plans for the future especially their next place of residents. We also use the incentive to encourage good behavior and a timely transition out. At 1 year occupant become eligible for 50% of the program fee returned, but at 15 months that percentage drops to 25% and then 0 at 18 months.

How does someone apply for the program?

There are a few way to get our attention. The most common and effective is to simply send an email to  dbranaman@gmail.com. Be sure to check out the criteria first. After an initial screening, the application can be sent via email. We will have an online application eventually.

How much is the program fee (rent)?

Each Occupant is required to pay 20% of their weekly paycheck towards the program fee. After a year of good work ethic and meeting community expectations, each occupant becomes eligible to receive 50% of everything paid to the program fee as they transition out of the program.

Why was this program created?

This program was created primarily for a few reasons:

To provide housing and employment (all in one location) that would serve as a solid foundation and a road map to success for people coming out of incarceration.

To invest-in, support, and give work training to individuals coming out of incarceration so that they may have the opportunity to be productive members of society and make productive life advances.

To embrace returning members of our community and reduce recidivism by calling them neighbors, coworker, and contributors rather than reoffenders.

What are the rules for the community?

No drugs

No alcohol

No guest after 9 pm

Housing is contingent upon full time employment

Respect your neighbors and the property (clean and take care of)

Attend the weekly Focus meetings

Is there a curfew?

There is no curfew for the occupants of this community but we do strongly encourage good time management especially with work and the number of programs and classes.

What kind of programing is offered?

Everyone is expected to be in good standing at work and to maintain their own living environment. That means being an accountable employee in their respective position while at work and when at home that means cooking and cleaning. I think this is one of the most powerful aspects of the program. The first step in being a productive member of society is taking care of yourself.

Fines, fees, and certificates. It is the expectations that while living in the community everyone takes care of past fines and fees and also obtain driver’s license (whether they plan on driving or not) This is something that is highly encouraged.

All occupants are expected to attend a Focus Meeting which is held 3 times a week where we do just that, Focus. We take an hour out of the day to Focus on the things that we truly value, the things that are positive in our life, and essentially focus on what we give up when we give in to drugs. This is not AA, NA, etc. and we rarely talk about substance abuse. Instead, we focus on all the things that are moving us in a positive direction. We share and listen to what is currently moving us and keeping us grounded. We remind ourselves that the stakes are high and that there is so much more to life.

How soon after joining the program will I be able to begin working?

As long as we are able to obtain proper documentation for e-verification, the goal is to get people to work as soon as possible. On average, individual are at work within 5 days.

Is transportation offered?

Transportation is provided to the grocery store twice a week. Transportation is also provide to Medical appointments, any additional programming, and drug screenings when needed.

What are the benefits of joining this program?

The greatest benefit is having stable housing and employment all in one location. One has the opportunity to practice self-care while putting the pieces of their life in order and building a career. Other benefits include: proximity to work (no transportation needed), growing within a company that judges you based on your work ethic and not your background, great partnership with parole and probation office, like minded community, and the incentive for becoming a productive member and moving on.

How many people have come through the program?

As of 7/12/2022 we have helped approximately 250 Reentry and an additional 25+ that have never been to prison but needed help transitioning.

What is the success rate of the program?

Success can be measured in many different ways. We see success as embracing a new productive life filled with big and small accomplishments. Also working and living a positive lifestyle.

In general, we have reduced the recidivism rate to less than 10% (our actual data tracking sheet coming soon)

How do we measure Recidivism?

We track each individual over the course of 3 years. If the whereabouts are unknown we access the prison database to make sure they have not returned to prison.

Our success Rate?

Recidivism rate is 6.5%

Does everyone receive the 50% incentive back after a year?

No, if there is a relapse, alcohol use, fired or quits without notice, or frequently violates the community expectations; they become disqualified for the incentive. Roughly 90% of people who remain in the program a year receive the 50% incentive. Keep in mind many people leave earlier than the year and receive a lower percentage as long as they have met the community expectations.

What if I wanted to leave early? Are there any penalties?

Transition is different for everyone. Although the incentive to stay and be productive on the farm increases up to a year, participants can leave whenever they are ready. The incentive works as such:

If you transition out successfully after 3 months you earn 20% of all funds paid to the program fee

If you transition out successfully after 6 months you earn 30% of all funds paid to the program fee

If you transition out successfully after 9 months you earn 40% of all funds paid to the program fee

If you transition out successfully after 12 months you earn 50% of all funds paid to the program fee

If you transition out successfully after 15 months you earn 25% of all funds paid to the program fee

If you transition out successfully after 18 months you earn 0% of all funds paid to the program fee

How much do people receive after a year of being in the program?

On average the incentive checks fall between $3,000 and $4,000. It is important to understand that this is an incentive for meeting the community expectation and being productive. This would not be typically granted under any other real life rental situation. It is meant to be addition support, but only for those who deserve it.

What determines my eligibility for the program?

We take a total assessment of the individual in question. Please take a look at the criteria for a basic overview.

Are there any other locations?

There are Hickman’s locations throughout Arizona, in California, Colorado, and Nevada, but the reentry housing only exist in Arlington and Tonopah, Arizona at this time.

What are the rules on alcohol and drugs?

We have a zero tolerance for Alcohol and (or) drugs. As a member of the community you will not be allowed to use either whether on or off the property. Violation of this rule may result in termination of the housing agreement and employment.

What jobs are available?

Career opportunities can be found under careers (link to careers)

What is the starting pay?

Pay will depend at on the position. Many of the entry level positions start at $13.00 whereas some skilled reentry employees have been known to make over $22/hr.

Are there any counseling services available?

Certified counseling service are not provided onsite but we facilitate transportation to any appointments

Is this a Co-ed facility?

Yes, as is the world

What happens after someone completes the program?

We understand that transition is different for everyone, but the goal is to help everyone become “productive members of society” and comfortable growing outside of the program. When an individual leaves it is our hope that they transition in a way that suites them best whether that is continuing their career at Hickman’s or some other company. Typically we help walk them through renting or buying a home if they have the means and the market allows… and then we keep in touch. This work/living program that we have put together is meant to be a trampoline not a Jacuzzi.

 

Please email Acheatham@hickmanseggs.com if there are any other questions

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