Defy is an entrepreneurship, employment, and leadership training program that serves people with criminal histories.
United States
Joined March 2011
- Tweets3K
- Following3.1K
- Followers7.4K
- Likes3.8K
We are excited to receive a grant through eBay Foundation’s Global Give grantmaking program and continue to make a deep impact in the communities we serve!
@eBayNewsroom
#defytheodds #entrepreneurshipprograms #businessgrowth #antirecidivism
Defy Ventures retweeted
Last week, SCI Chester kicked off its third program with @DefyVentures, an organization that helps reentrants develop their own small business so they can succeed in reentry.
Defy’s entrepreneurial program equips incarcerated individuals with employment-readiness skills, healthy habit development, and entrepreneurship training designed to support successful reentry. The program empowers participants to build confidence, develop practical life and business skills, and pursue their own entrepreneurial goals upon returning to their communities.
ALT Incarcerated individuals stand in a line facing team members from the organization during a Defy Ventures session in the SCI Chester gymnasium.
We are thrilled to announce a $1M gift from @SmartRecruiters!🎉
This gift will help double the number of people we serve annually by 2030. Thanks to SmartRecruiters for investing in #secondchances!
Read more: defyventures.org/smartrecrui…
Thanks to @agarfinks for volunteering with Defy & for her insightful article on her experience in @thetermsheet newsletter.
Read the full article here to learn how this experience impacts both our program participants & volunteers: bit.ly/4cJfpke
In the mood for snack? From 10/17-10/21, head over to @DoADoubleGood Popcorn & help our Defy Illinois chapter raise vital funds to serve more justice-impacted people who need access to educational & vocational opportunities!
popup.doublegood.com/s/z961y…
#givingback #reentryprograms
Defy Ventures retweeted
JCOD Director Judge Songhai Armstead (ret.) joined @DefyVentures to provide support and coaching during the Business Coaching Day at the California Correctional Institution (CCI) this past month on July 10th.
Our SoCal chapter shares their mid-year success with LA2050.
Thank you to @LA2050 for supporting our work of second chances, fair chance hiring, and economic opportunity!
Congratulations to @DefyVentures’ class of Entrepreneurs in Training who graduated on April 29th! This update is part of Defy Ventures' mid-year grantee update, which you can read here: l8r.it/vtGi
“It was great seeing the impact our community leaders had on the (entrepreneur trainees), investing their knowledge and support and spreading a message of hope.” - Community Resources Manager Harrison Glin
The California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco hosted their first Defy Ventures Coaching Day for entrepreneurs-in-training. Read the full story on Inside CDCR:
cdcr.ca.gov/insidecdcr/2024/…
ALT Defy Ventures volunteers coach incarcerated entrepreneurs-in-training at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco.
Defy Ventures retweeted
So great to join @DefyVentures' Business Pitch Showcase and Graduation last week and to speak to their Entrepreneurs in Training - thank you for including JHA!
Read more about how Defy helps individuals with incarceration histories find ways to employment and prevent recidivism. #defytheodds
An anti-recidivism nonprofit helps formerly incarcerated people start businesses and get tech jobs.
Meet Timothy Jackson, who spent 12 years in prison and got out in 2017. He now runs his own business and employs five others.
1/5
ALT Photo: Timothy Jackson Quote: Five, six years later and I’m signing checks. This is crazy.” Source: Timothy Jackson spent 12 years in prison and got out in 2017. After enrolling in a training program, he now runs his own business and employs five others.
Defy Ventures retweeted
On April 23rd, our Small Business Coach and Team Lead Jeremy, (aka "Jubilant Jeremy, as seen in the screenshot below) was part of @DefyVentures' Deep Dive Business Coaching Night! A virtual space for currently/formerly incarcerated EITs to work on their business ideas.🤩
Upcoming #volunteer event deadline 🙌
#EVENT LA2050 is partnering with 24 organizations to host a range of impactful volunteer activations across LA. You can Support Second Chances w/ @DefyVentures virtually on 4/3. Details: l8r.it/pbaI 🖥️
Defy Ventures retweeted
We’re partnering with 24 organizations across LA County to host diverse volunteer activations during LA2050 Grants Challenge voting, from April 2nd to May 8th. You can clean the beach, help a former foster youth move into their first home, assemble lunches for those in need, beautify an elementary school garden, and more! Check it out: la2050.org/grants-challenge/…
Are you based in Illinois, love podcasts & stories of resilience and drive? Sign up for @ChangeAgentspod and Defy’s podcast listening event happening on March 5th! bit.ly/3HZLSlF
P.S. don't forget to invite a friend!
🌟 Exciting News from Defy Alumni! 🌟
Defy alumni Coss Marte’s entrepreneurial journey after prison is being featured in the Sundance documentary film “Conbody vs Everybody”! 🎬✨✨
moviemaker.com/conbody-coss-…
#DefyAlumni #ConbodyVsEverybody #SundanceFilm #SuccessStory
Did you know that Defy has chapters across the country?
And behind each Defy chapter, there is a dedicated executive director who believes 2nd chances are possible for everyone! Why? ED Quan shares his thoughts below:
Donate to our Why-athon campaign at bit.ly/support-defy-23
Appreciation to @NASDAQ for this detailed profile of Defy’s work! We invite you to explore the insights shared by CEO & President Glazier, shedding light on our mission to cut recidivism in half and shift perceptions about people with criminal histories.
bit.ly/nasdaq-defy-profile
Have you ever wondered WHY Defy #volunteers are the heartbeat of positive change?
Longtime and dedicated volunteer Adriana shares this:
“The programs [...] foster genuine human connections that transcend societal boundaries. These experiences have been immensely fulfilling.”
WHY is Defy valuable for EITs? Here's what EIT Michael had to say:
“The most important thing that I’ve learned from Defy is how to simply become a better person.”
Will you help us expand our impact next year & help more EITS in 2024? Donate at bit.ly/support-defy-23
#GiveBack
Defy believes in the powerful transformation of 2nd chances for our EITs.
If you’ve ever experienced the life-changing impact of a 2nd chance, would you consider supporting it for others with a gift to Defy?
Learn more & donate at bit.ly/support-defy-23
#GivingTuesday2023
