LifeBuilders of the Treasure Coast, Inc.

Description

LifeBuilders, a 501(c)3 incorporated in 2009, was developed as The Office of the Public Defender recognized that low-income individuals involved in the 19 th Judicial Circuit court and dependency systems had financial needs that could not be met. LB was founded to fill gaps in financial assistance for low-income individuals placed in diversionary court programs on the Treasure Coast (Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin & Okeechobee Counties), as well as those involved in a child dependency action. LB provides the needed resources to assist rehabilitating individuals into a crime-free and productive life in the community.

Many face the same problems leaving jail as they did entering (poverty, unemployment, unstable housing/homelessness, mental illness, chemical dependency). These contribute to initial and ongoing involvement in the criminal justice system. Many offenders intend to become law-abiding citizens upon release but face an uphill battle to meet basic needs. Low-income households frequently exhaust all community and/or family financial resources and still face obstacles to turning their life around and avoiding a return to criminal life. If these challenges can be addressed, the likelihood of re-offending is reduced and people can successfully reintegrate into mainstream life. Clients request assistance with housing, utilities, counseling, education, and drug court scholarships as well as smaller incidental expenses such as obtaining an ID, clothing and work-related tools, household items and job assistance.