L.E.A.D. hosting final event of the year November 14th
DEFY VENTURES:  The impact of Entrepreneurial Learning in Justice-Impacted Populations
- Lunch and Learn November 14th at Dugan Center

[October 31, 2022]    On Monday, November 14, 2022, Lincoln Economic Advancement & Development, Inc. (LEAD) is partnering with Defy Ventures for a Lunch and Learn Event to delve into Defy Ventures’ programming at Logan Correctional Center. The event will be held at noon at the Dugan Center, 1500 N. McLean St., Suite #8 in Lincoln.

Defy Ventures is a national network of chapters working to end recidivism in persons within the justice system. Illinois is the newest of the participating states, working with men at Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center, with men at Pontiac Correctional Center, and with women at Logan County Correctional Center. The participants in the program, referred to as Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs), learn skills to prepare them to succeed in their reentry. In 2021, EIT graduates had an 84% employment rate, and 86% of EITs found employment within 90 days of their release. National EIT recidivism (return-to-prison) rates are less than 10%, down from 20% for their non-participating counterparts.

Defy Illinois offers meaningful ways for the business community to get involved that can help shift opportunities for formerly incarcerated people. Executive Director Melissa O’Dell says, "it’s harder to stigmatize someone or condemn someone if you actually get to know them and their circumstances that brought them into the system in the first place.”

Attendees at the Lunch and Learn will learn about the Defy Ventures program and understand how to get involved in the process. Reserve your seat and a free box lunch by email at [e-mail].

This program is part of LEAD’s Strategic Plan. LEAD’s mission is to empower Lincoln’s economic health and vitality. To learn more about LEAD, please visit www.thriveinlincoln.org.

[Andrea Runge]