About | ACCD, Inc.

About Us

Another Chance Community Development Inc. (ACCD), is a non-profit organization that has been providing services in Palm Beach County and Port St. Lucie since 2010. It is under the leadership of Gayle Bush-Harrell who has over 20 plus years' experience in staffing, human resources, counseling, and job placement. She is committed to empowering and motivating ex-offenders, military veterans, and at-risk individuals, as they begin their journey of transitioning back into the community.

One of the primary objectives of the organization is to reduce the overall rate of RECIDIVISM. This will be achieved by providing wrap-around services through the "4 C's Approach". (Communicate, Cooperate, Collaborate, Coordinate)

The organization Communicates, Cooperates, Collaborates, and Coordinates with various community agencies to assist military veterans, ex-offenders, and at-risk Individuals to remove barriers that hinder them from obtaining gainful employment and transitioning back into the community. ACCD will also assist participants with obtaining an ID, expungement or sealing, of their record, when possible, and registering to vote.

MISSION

ACCD mission is to re-integrate ex-offenders, military veterans, and at-risk individuals back into the community, reduce the rate of recidivism in our county, and improve public safety.

Why Us

Unlike most re-entry programs, ACCD is committed to ensuring the success of ex-offenders, veterans, and at-risk individuals. By providing needed services and treatment, our programs are intended to reduce the health and social costs of incarceration, as well as substance use and dependence to the public, and increase the safety of Florida’s citizens by reducing crime and recidivism. Additional anticipated outcomes include: increased number of individuals served; increased abstinence from substance use; increased employment rates; decreased recidivism rates; increased housing stability; decreased criminal justice involvement; improved individual and family functioning and well-being; increased social connectedness; and decreased risky behaviors.

ACCD is committed to ensuring the success of ex-offenders, veterans, and at risk individuals. Through our Case Management Support Services, we assist the participants to find the necessary services that will help them to become self-sufficient and overcome the challenges that life presents. We track participants for 6 months post completion of services to enhance sustainability.

VISION

Our vision is that Ex-Offenders, Military Veterans and At-Risk Individuals will become productive members of the community by obtaining gainful employment; thereby, reducing the rate of RECIDIVISM.

What We Do

Communication

Simply informing someone, regarding where to acquire assistance, does not guarantee that they will follow recommendations. We discuss at length with our participants ~ what their specific needs may be. In addition, we also, communicate with the participants’ families. This gesture is intended to reconnect them with their families and foster a healthy relationship with peers as well as prospective employers. In addition, we communicate with agencies and community resources regarding services that are available to the participants.

Collaboration

We, diligently, collaborate with local agencies, in order to obtain the necessary assistance that participants need while minimizing duplication of services. Career Development training for important Life Management Skills, Case Management, Vocactional Rehabilitation, and Job Placement, to ex-offenders, veterans, and at- risk individuals. This method of service delivery assists the participants in becoming self-sufficient and obtaining gainful employment in future endeavors.

Cooperation

We help participants to realize the benefit of cooperating and participating in their community. This inevitably, will help build character, show dedication, and instill a sense of responsibility. Participatory cooperation will lead to “the road of success!” We seek and obtain cooperation with community resources and agencies that assist with meeting the needs of our participants.

Coordination

We assist in coordinating the many aspects of ex-offenders, veterans, and at-risk individuals, who have the daunting task of re-establishing themselves back into the mainstream of society.