Founded by former criminals essentially to serve as an advocate for crime victims, one method AzCG utilizes to be such an advocate is to change the way former criminals make decisions through programs and guide them to finding employment so as to prevent future crimes from occurring.
“Our programs, one based upon the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and the other a public speaking forum, elevate the professional standards among our participants so they make better decisions and become more marketable in the workforce,” says Frantz Beasley, President of AzCG.
Following the example set forth in Newark, N.J. under Mayor Booker’s direction, AzCG does not require people to participate in programs to get assistance with resume building or job leads. Rather, classes are reserved for those who want to participate. Often, people need a job to pay bills first and then can concentrate on character development once that crisis is averted.
“I’m happy they helped me find work quickly so that I may better concentrate upon making positive changes in my mindset through their classes,” says john doe client.
The results speak for themselves. During 2012, AzCG helped 152 people complete its curriculum and find employment earning an average of $15 per hour. Statistically, nearly 77% of them would have returned to prison but did not. With a budget of less than $100,000 AzCG impacted Maricopa County’s economy in the positive by more than $7 million with its programs.
“We believe in addressing immediate employment needs wrapped around a core of Character Development courses so that we may change criminal behavior,” says Beasley. “By engaging previous criminals in understanding the negative impact of their crimes and helping people find honest work, AzCG is proud to be doing its part,” he added.
