In addition to employment, justice system-impacted people speak of their need for community. Instead of serving life sentences of shame and solitary despair, they crave the support of their peers, a place to find friendship, commiserate and be inspired. And love. And fun. A Facebook of their own. A club that actually wants them.
I believe the confluence of emergent technology and positive changes in society's attitudes towards this population has made the timing right. It's having its "moment."
I think this also represents a seminal business opportunity. They buy a lot of hamburgers and sneakers, but neither McDonald's nor Nike has never marketed directly to them. They could easily elect any president, but no politician seeks their vote.
But if brought together, they could flex their collective economic muscle and political might.
I aim to place Commissary Club at the epicenter of this tectonic shift.
We'll help people get jobs and find housing, except we'll handle the processes every step of the way. Our members will find mentors, lawyers, take classes, gain advice, go on a date and make friends. And have fun. Together. Facebook for ex-cons.
I've been in this space for 15 years and I've done time. We've needed this.