YOU MATTER

Developed in partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams School of Social Work, You Matter© is a culturally relevant, trauma-informed therapeutic support model created for individuals returning from long-term incarceration. Grounded in the evidence-based principles of risk, need, and responsivity, this model takes an asset-based approach that emphasizes personal agency, relational healing, and community reintegration. You Matter© guides participants in cultivating prosocial relationships and roles — in family, work, and community — to promote stability and reduce recidivism.

Following three successful pilot cohorts in 2024 and 2025, You Matter© has been determined to be an evidence-based model for reentry success. The curriculum supports participants in cultivating prosocial relationships and roles — in family, work, and community — to promote stability and reduce recidivism. The model’s intellectual property is owned by The Center and offered to partners through licensing and implementation support, ensuring consistent, values-aligned delivery across diverse reentry and community-based settings.

For more information, please contact us.