If success could be measured in smiles and warm feelings,

this moment would capture a 100% success rate.

No wonder the recidivism rate has never gone higher than 6% since LEAP’s inception nearly a decade ago.There are so many measures of success: families re-united, self-esteemed restored, housing, jobs, and more.

Recidivism – the rate at which people return to prison for new crimes – is often the one we are asked about. While recidivism rates and estimates vary, most studies cite a rate of between one-third and two-thirds. That means that, for the general prison population, between 33% and 66% of people wind up back in prison for newly committed crimes within a few years of release. At LEAP, the recidivism rate of our graduates has varied from 4% – 6%.

This is what Success looks like:

Krystle C.
(Class 21)
LEAP has allowed me to grow in so many ways. I have so many accomplishments to be proud of and I know that without the stability and peace of the LEAP house and Dragonfly, I would not be where I am today. Full time employment at Dragonfly as Store Manager. A registered small business owner. Part time employment with the University of Miami, and facilitating classes at TGK correctional. I hope to continue my journey with LEAP and give back to future women.
Dani E.
(Class 20)
A son, two prison sentences, three overdoses later—here I stand. But today, I stand with more hope in my heart than I can ever remember having. Today, I stand with seven years of sobriety, surrounded by a village of strong people who believe in me, encourage me, and refuse to see me through the lens of my past.
Zo H.
2018 LEAP Graduate
LEAP opened me up. I no longer see darkness. I see the horizon. There is life beyond my past.
Tarshea Sanderson
(Class 11)
Because of LEAP's Mentoring Program and my fabulous mentor, I came out of prison gainfully employed. Two months after release I moved into my own place and have slowly and deliberately become the woman that had been buried deep inside of me. The woman I chose to bury because of low self-worth and esteem and a unhealthy self- image. I continue to practice the skills I learned in LEAP on a daily basis
Christie S.
(Class 11)
Since my release, I have been frequently reminded of the importance of support outside of those walls. The LEAP ladies have been a source of encouragement during a time that has been challenging and sometimes downright heartbreaking. Without their support, my life would be full of more questions and doubt. I am so thankful for the love, support, and positivity that LEAP has supplied before and after my release from prison. I am forever grateful for my new family.
Rebecca "Cafe" B.
(Class 11)
LEAP has taught me a whole new way to see the world and myself. I see that I have value and now look at difficulties as opportunities, not obstacles. I have a job that I love as a cook at Camillus House, my own apartment, and spend as much time as possible in service to my church and those in need. I am honored to serve on the LEAP board of directors so that I can help other women coming out of prison.
Erlinda B.
(Class 7)
LEAP students develop a mindset of doing the right thing, making the right choices, having a positive attitude, and staying focused on making their dreams a reality. The program gave me a reason to get up in the morning and focus on what was important, so upon release from prison, I could apply what I learned from LEAP and be a role model to my children, grandchildren and become once again a law-abiding citizen of the community.
Stacy N.

I have been in and out of the judicial system for 30 years, not once was I given the opportunity to rehabilitate or learn a new way of life… Until LEAP came along and gave me that opportunity. It gave me the chance to change my life.

Alexis M.

I felt like family from the very beginning. This sense of belonging has been instrumental in my healing.

Joyce C.

LEAP helped me find the missing pieces to put my trauma-torn life together again (and) helped me step into an enhanced version of myself.

Joyce’s Poem 
Life is beautiful and precious,
fragile and resilient,
intricate and simple.
To be loved and lived.

I love life and am grateful to be alive.

Amanda Y.

Every day I am faced with situations where I am able to utilize the tools I learned in the LEAP program. For the first time ever, I feel alive, connected, and willing to do what it takes to create my destiny.

The LEAP program works. Help us reach more women by supporting our life changing programs.