The Foundry USA - Forged With Pride

I am Norman Araby Peoples. Two years ago, I and a few friends founded a non-profit organization; The Foundry, USA, with the intent of addressing some of the obstacles faced by individuals in the re-entry phase of life.

I am a registered AVP facilitator, so are the rest of the co-founders of The Foundry, USA.  AVP is an international organization dedicated to non-violent conflict resolution.  Information about AVP can be found at avpusa.org.

Participants of AVP will recall that in opening statements we speak about our desire to prevent our loved ones from following us to a broken system and possibly develop more positive character traits.  It is my position that this “mission” is one best addressed by people who have survived this predicament themselves.  I, personally, am a proponent of self-reliance.

For years we have been waiting for someone to show up and assist us in our recovery efforts.  Well, no one’s made it yet.  It is my contention that we are on our own.  One of the major obstacles people face is housing.  We’ve figured out a way to help address this portion of our problem.  We are hoping that by assisting people in their housing needs we can help demonstrate people’s desire and ability to adapt to societal norms.  Most of the skills necessary for a smooth transition from structured living conditions to self sufficiency are not addressed while people are living in controlled environments, We will address that condition ourselves.

It is our intent to purchase a property with the intent of shared living experience.  We will have people who are in different stages of re-entry living together to help provide a support network for reinforcement of AVP values and social skills necessary for successful integration into society.

We grant that housing is but one aspect of re-entry, but if we can agree that foundations; and stable ones, are an integral part of any successfully waged campaign you may be able to see required connection between housing, employment and successful integration.

We are currently opening our first house in Minneapolis.  We will target at risk clients with an emphasis on AVP participants.  Our clients will be employed and must participate in a banking program, work on reacquisition of driving privileges and community service.