Your Questions, Answered
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It is pronounced “Bee-Ree.” The name is derived from two Latin prefixes and reflects our mission to help individuals return to a better state of being. Specifically, the "Re" in our name represents our hope for every student to: Be Renewed, Be Revived, and Be Rejoiceful.
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Our goal is to eventually not exist. We hope that through our advocacy and curriculum, we contribute to a solution that lowers recidivism rates to a point where our services are no longer necessary.
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No. BeRe is a social enterprise. We focus on a sustainable business model that allows us to consistently provide high-quality financial resources to as many justice-impacted people as possible.
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There are three primary reasons:
1.Unique Challenges: Justice-impacted people face specific financial hurdles that traditional curricula do not address.
2.Specialized Support: We believe this community deserves to know that resources were created specifically with their unique needs and dignity in mind.
3.Beyond Employment: While many programs focus on workforce development, we teach individuals what to do once they have actually earned their money.
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Our products are designed for correctional facilities, non-profits, and faith-based organizations that serve justice-impacted individuals.
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Our flagship offering is Financial Literacy 102: A Financial Guide Before Reentry. We also provide specialized workshops and speaking engagements to advocate for the importance of justice-informed financial literacy.
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Our Financial Literacy 102 curriculum is a "program in a box." It is a ready-made solution that provides everything an organization needs to launch a financial education initiative immediately.
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Money
Credit
Banking
Budgeting
Health & Wealth
Education
Career Exploration
Renting
Homeownership
Transportation
Money in Relationships
And more!
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There are 12 one-hour lessons. Each includes pre-made lesson plans, interactive materials, and digital presentations. We also include optional case studies and reflections to allow for a more intensive program if desired.
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We provide free ongoing support to any organization or individual implementing our program. When you purchase the Teacher’s Guide, our team is available to help ensure your program is a success.
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Our founders, Ethan and Rissa Harris, were regular volunteers at the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility in Ohio. After a young man expressed an urgent desire to learn about finances before his release, they realized there was a critical gap in reentry support. BeRe was founded to fill that need.
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Our mission is to teach the stewardship of time, resources, and abilities to justice-involved individuals, equipping them with the tools to build a stable and sustainable future.
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Absolutely. We offer workshops ranging from 1 to 4 hours. You can select specific financial topics based on the needs of your participants, and you have the option to include workbooks for all attendees.
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A Classroom Set is designed to outfit an entire program. It typically includes the Teacher’s Guide and Resources along with a bulk supply of student workbooks to provide a complete, ready-to-use educational environment.
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You can sign up for our newsletter on our website or reach out to us at info@be-re.org for specific inquiries regarding our curriculum and advocacy efforts.
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No. While it is designed with reentry in mind, the curriculum is highly effective for "returning citizens" who are already home, as well as individuals in halfway houses, diversion programs, or under community supervision (probation/parole).
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Yes. We offer Classroom Sets designed for larger groups. These sets provide a more cost-effective way to equip an entire class and include the necessary Teacher’s Guide and resources.
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Absolutely. Our "Program in a Box" model is designed to empower your existing staff or volunteers to lead the course confidently using our pre-made lesson plans and digital presentations.
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You can request a quote or a specific workshop by visiting the "Request a Workshop" or "Contact" section of our website. We will work with you to determine the best combination of workbooks and support for your facility.
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BeRe acts as the bridge to stability between these two essential pillars. While workforce development programs teach individuals how to earn income, and SEL programs teach them how to manage emotions and decisions, BeRe applies those lessons to real-world survival.
We believe that income alone does not guarantee success. By integrating financial literacy with SEL principles—like impulse control and responsible decision-making—we help individuals manage the specific financial stressors of reentry. Our curriculum ensures that the hard work done in workforce and SEL programs isn't undermined by financial crisis, creating a holistic path that lowers recidivism and promotes long-term personal growth.
As leaders in the justice-informed financial literacy space, we understand that navigating the intersection of reentry and personal finance comes with a unique set of questions. We have curated the FAQs on this page to address the core of our mission, curriculum, and impact.
If you have a specific inquiry or would like to discuss how we can support your organization's mission, we are here to help. Please visit our Contact Page to start a conversation. We look forward to connecting with you.