Mission Statement
When military veterans with criminal records return to their communities after completeing their sentence, they may receive limited social support. Having a lack of support may increase their risk of substance abuse, self-harm, and/or re-offense.
The mission of On Your Feet (OYF) is to see that our veterans make a smooth integration into the community from the corrections system. It is our goal that no military service member falls through the cracks of our country which they have served.
Walk with the Veteran through the often difficult transition back into the community.
Encourage the Veteran to live healthier lives while providing the network and support necessary to do so.
Celebrate milestones in the journey to healthy integration.
Collaborate with various systems. Circles work in cooperation with police, supervision agents, treatment professionals, social service workers, etc.
Description
On Your Feet consists of small groups of volunteers (four to seven in each group) who provide intensive support and accountability to the Veteran following their release from prison. The Veteran is called a "Core Member" in the veteran circle.
Each veteran circle lasts approximately 1 year with weekly 1-2 hour meetings attended by all OYF members, including the military veteran with the criminal record (Core Member). An OYF volunteer can anticipate meeting no more than 4 hours per week.
Volunteer involvement in the Veteran circle is most intense during the first 60-90 days following the Veteran's release from prison. Involvement gradually diminished over time as the Veteran successfully reintegrates society and becomes less dependent on the circle.
Volunteers receive 30 hrs of extensive, free training and continuous support. Training is based on a restorative justice model.
