The Prison Adopt-a-Block Program is designed to identify inmates with the potential for becoming transformational leaders while they are still incarcerated.  This initiative is an effort to demonstrate, in concrete practical steps, how to build positive relationships between adult inmates, with transformation potential, and their children, families and communities on the outside that are hungering for the very commodity they represent—positive male leadership.  Many of the children in poor neighborhoods do not have fathers, nor do their friends have fathers.  This program was successfully implemented by ACM at the Lorton Reformatory in Lorton, Virginia.  It builds on the fact that many ex-offenders wish to “give something back” to the communities they once harmed.  They also possess a unique ability to reach youth since, on the streets that comprise their world, ex-offender status gives credibility and authority neither law enforcement nor other “mentors” can hope to achieve.

This initiative seeks to take back high crime/murder areas “block by block”.  It requires working with inmates to contact former associates and family members in gangs to reduce gang-related violence.  Inmates will assist ACM in maintaining peace and stopping retaliatory acts in response to gang -related violence.  This provides authorities the time to do their job and ACM time to work on promoting reconciliation between the rival groups.  It provides ex-offenders with new skills to resolve conflicts in prison—between prisoners and with prison officials--without violence.

For further information on this program, contact Mr. Rodney Newman, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (202) 986-6200