Case for Support
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Rise & Recover is revolutionizing the justice system in Alabama by providing a treatment-first approach to breaking cycles of incarceration, addiction, and poverty. Our mission is to help individuals in the criminal justice system reclaim their lives through holistic recovery, workforce readiness, and reintegration programs.
We are seeking $5 million over the next five years to scale our impact, expand our capacity, and create a replicable model that can serve communities across Alabama and beyond.
Founded under the leadership of Miah Tolbert, Rise & Recover currently serves approximately 80 clients per year. However, with expanded funding, staffing, and infrastructure, we can triple that number—providing life-changing interventions to hundreds of individuals annually.
Our impact is clear: over 900 cases are processed annually through our system, and every person we divert from incarceration represents a family kept together, a workforce strengthened, and a community uplifted.
THE CRITICAL NEED
Alabama’s criminal justice system is failing those who need help the most.
98–99% of local cases involve African Americans, highlighting systemic inequities.
Low-level offenders face decades of incarceration without intervention.
Without stable housing, employment, or mental health support, recidivism rates remain high.
The current system prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation, keeping families trapped in cycles of crisis.
Rise & Recover is changing this narrative. We offer an evidence-based alternative—one that prioritizes treatment over incarceration, rehabilitation over punishment, and dignity over stigma.
OUR IMPACT
Since its founding, Rise & Recover has been a lifeline for individuals caught in the criminal justice system. Through our work, we have:
Prevented incarceration for hundreds of nonviolent offenders through our treatment-first approach.
Partnered with judges and attorneys to create a structured alternative to jail time.
Provided holistic services that prioritize mental health, job readiness, and stable housing—addressing the root causes of recidivism.
Developed a scalable model that has the potential to transform Alabama’s justice system at a statewide level.
However, our current capacity is maxed out. Without additional funding, we cannot meet the rising demand for our services. The time to act is now.
JOIN US
This is more than a funding request—it’s an invitation to be part of a transformational movement. Every dollar invested in Rise & Recover translates into lives restored, families reunited, and communities strengthened.
With your support, we can scale our impact, reform Alabama’s justice system, and set a new standard for rehabilitation and recovery nationwide.
Join us. Let’s rise together.
miah.tolbertdccs@outlook.com
(334) 431-5556
AREAS OF INVESTMENT
1. Capacity Expansion – $2 Million
Facility Growth: Secure a larger space to accommodate growing demand and add essential services like housing, wellness areas, and job training facilities.
Staffing Expansion: Hire 2 full-time and 2 part-time case managers to meet increasing client needs and reduce staff burnout.
Technology & Infrastructure: Implement case management software to streamline tracking, reporting, and collaboration across agencies.
2. Holistic Recovery & Reintegration – $1.5 Million
Transitional Housing Program: Secure dedicated housing support for clients post-treatment.
Workforce Readiness & Job Placement: Develop a structured employment pipeline, including job training and employer partnerships.
Mental Health & Family Support: Expand counseling services and create a dedicated children’s play area for families in the program.
3. Statewide Expansion & Policy Reform – $1 Million
Create a Replicable County Model: Develop a Rise & Recover County Expansion Toolkit to help other communities implement similar programs.
Pilot County Partnerships: Launch in at least three additional Alabama counties, ensuring judicial and community buy-in.
Legislative Advocacy: Work with policymakers to make treatment-first interventions a statewide mandate for eligible nonviolent offenders.
4. Operational Sustainability – $500,000
Fundraising & Donor Development: Expand corporate partnerships and philanthropy initiatives.
Data Collection & Reporting: Implement systems to track long-term success, influence policy, and secure additional funding.
Community Awareness Campaigns: Increase visibility of Rise & Recover’s impact to build broader support.