THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE PROJECT
Change from the inside
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Pathways to Freedom Educational Programs
This is a series of large (200+ participants) workshops serving individuals recovering from addiction, incarcerated men and women, and other underserved populations. Presented as 2-day workshops twice a year at Valley State Prison, Central California Women's Facility, and the California Institution for Women
Youth Offender Program Mentor Training
Training long term inmates at Valley State Prison for Men to serve as positive role models for newly incarcerated men ages 18-22.
Service Learning Training
Two-day experiential educational program to train new volunteers. Program descriptiopn: Through practical exercises, you will learn how foundational selfless service skills have the potential to transform both your life and the world around you. Learn to incorporate these skills in your personal and work life, and discover your inner passion for selfless service.
Inmate Mentor Support Educational Programs
Weekly 2-hour educational programs to support inmate Mentors (Freedom to Choose graduates who help other inmates). There are two levels: Fundamentals of Mentorship (1st year) and Advanced Mentorship Skills (2nd year). As of September 2018, there are 200 men at Valley State Prison and 40 women at California Institution for Women who participate in these programs.
Where we work
Awards
“Local Hero” Award 2012
Common Peace Center for the Advancement of Non-Violence & Agape International
Service to Humanity Award 2011
University of Santa Monica
E-Chievement Award 2009
Bohemian Foundation
External reviews
Videos
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
We don't have any major challenges to collecting feedback
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE PROJECT
Board of directorsas of 02/07/2024
Dr. David Paul
The Freedom to Choose Project
Term: 2010 - 2025
Bonnie Paul
The Freedom to Choose Project
David Paul
The Freedom to Choose Project
Michael Baldwin
Molly Reid
Michael Lattimore
Southern California Electric Company
Karen Peterson
Fran Lewbel
Kim Culmone
Mattel
Kirk Souder
Leland Keel
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Not applicable -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No