Best Practices Approach

RBN Center has embraced the arts as an innovative and holistic approach with a set of practices for self-expression, emotional healing, cognitive problem-solving skills, and positive community engagement and social capital for the targeted population of ex-offenders, their families, and the families of the incarcerated.

“Research and public opinion support that arts education fosters mental discipline, encourages productivity, cultivates the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances and encourages confidence in individuality, knowledge, competence and personal potential.

The role of the arts in integrated, interdisciplinary learning is essential to developing creativity and meeting the demands of the 21st century workforce. Cultivating imagination in our children serves as a cost-effective model to achieve innovation, which responds to the demands of the global economy. Businesses believe that the arts are an important component in building a well-educated workforce.

According to a national survey, 58% of businesses (and 76% of large businesses) say that their arts support is essential to educating children in their communities. The OAC supports a wide range of programs that nourish the imagination and creativity of young people, while cultivating thinking skills.” — Ohio Arts Council

Drawing on programmatic best practices that recognize principled assessment and domain-centered programs as being key to successful reentry, and recognizing the impact of family engagement on the reduction of criminogenic factors, RBN has embraced a strength-based, family-focused approach to achieving successful pathways for offenders who are transitioning from prison to community. This family case management approach builds on family strength and support, therefore reducing recidivism and reinforcing the family unit.

“Effective reentry requires a holistic approach with a set of practices, which link offenders as they move from the inside out and engage communities from the outside in.” — Terry Collins, former ODRC Director

Benefits & Affiliations

• New revenue streams through Federal social services dollars, FAFSA, tax credits, voter registration, census inclusion as a result of Benefit Bank resource at Center.
• New Jobs.
• New vocational training, community service, and internship site.
• Safe space for at-risk families to explore healing through the arts.
• Bridging at-risk families with community through expressive arts events.
• Reentry resource networking hub.
• Co-chair, Stark County Reentry Initiative Community Advocacy & Education Committee.
• Member At-Large, Ohio Ex-offender Reentry Coalition.

“I truly believe that reentry is and will remain a major process that works to assist offenders, their families and other stakeholders in becoming participants in increasing and sustaining safe, secure and successful communities where we all can live.”  — Terry Collins, former ODRC Director