Our Story
BeRe’s Cofounders, Ethan and Rissa Harris, were regular volunteers in the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility in Highland Hills, OH. During one of their volunteer sessions, one of the youth expressed interest in wanting to learn more about finances. He was very excited for his upcoming release date and had a job lined up upon his reentry. Realizing there was an important need for financial literacy education within correctional facilities, Ethan and Rissa Harris founded BeRe.
Our Mission
BeRe’s mission is to teach the stewardship of time, resources, and abilities to justice-involved individuals within correctional facilities.
The company’s purpose is in its name. The first part, “Be,” recognizes a state of being. The Latin prefix “Re” establishes the goal of returning to something better.
Be Renewed. Be Revived. Be Rejoiceful.
Rissa Harris, MPA - CEO
As CEO, Rissa leads with a deep commitment to empowering justice-involved individuals through the stewardship of time, resources, and abilities. She strives to build strategic partnerships with correctional institutions, community organizations, and stakeholders, ensuring BeRe's programs reach those who can benefit most. A visionary in business development, she continually seeks innovative avenues to expand BeRe's reach and enhance its offerings, fostering sustainable growth and greater impact. Above all, Rissa is dedicated to serving justice-involved individuals, championing their potential, and advocating for their successful reintegration into society.
Ethan Harris, CFHC - President
As BeRe's President, Ethan champions the organization's focus on teaching stewardship to individuals within correctional facilities. Holding a certification as a Financial Health Counselor, Ethan brings a wealth of expertise to fulfill BeRe's mission. This specialized knowledge directly informs the comprehensive and impactful educational materials he meticulously develops for BeRe's programs. His work ensures that every lesson is tailored to the unique needs of justice-involved individuals, fostering a deeper understanding of financial responsibility and sustainable habits for their future. In addition to his leadership role, he serves as BeRe's lead financial literacy instructor, directly teaching participants how to effectively steward their resources.