WE NAVIGATE
FREEDOM
The Uncuffed Project is dedicated to catalyzing transformative change, steering systemic shifts towards a
more just and equitable world. Our commitment lies in making a lasting impact by delving into the root
causes of social challenges, grounded in a profound understanding of our community's needs.
Collaboration is at the heart of our approach, as we strive to innovate, empower, and carve a brighter
future. The Uncuffed Project operates with a distinct vision, focusing on the marginalized,
justice-impacted, and unhoused individuals, including women, men, and juveniles. We create a safe
space and provide essential resources to prevent future recidivism and homelessness. Our services
encompass housing, medical insurance, classes, and training, ensuring a successful reentry into their
environments
At The Uncuffed Project, we firmly believe that change is a collective endeavor. It necessitates investing
time, resources, compassion, and financial contributions. Volunteers are esteemed for dedicating their
time and expertise, partnerships bring together diverse resources, and the generosity of donors,
sponsors, and grantors provides crucial support.
Recognizing a vital need within our community, The Uncuffed Project strives to restore the dignity of those
who have experienced homelessness, incarceration, justice impact, or the youth foster system. The
immeasurable shame and discomfort felt by individuals who believe society has dismissed them propel
our commitment to being the change. We are dedicated to addressing societal neglect and fostering a
supportive environment that promotes dignity and empowerment.
BREAKING THE RECIDIVISM CYCLE
Imagine you are being released back to society after many years in prison. You have none of the basic essentials needed to survive. You have no place to go and no one to trust. This is the plight of countless individuals fighting to navigate their way to freedom.
Over 7.6 million people in America are currently incarcerated, on probation, or out on parole. And while 650,000 inmates are released every year, more than 56% of released individuals are re-arrested within a year. And within 5 years, 3 out of 4 released individuals are re-arrested. It is our mission to end the cycle of arrest, conviction, incarceration, release and rearrest.
FEATURED MEDIA
Hear from the people we've helped.
"As a formerly incarcerated person who has been afforded the proverbial "second chance" at life, I support this project and those men and women still incarcerated who have and continue to work diligently towards gaining their freedom”
Lee A. West
TEAM MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
Leon "Bip" Roberts
Senior Navigator
Leon Joseph "Bip" Roberts is former American Major League Baseball second baseman and outfielder. He played from 1986 to 1998 for the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, and retired with the Oakland Athletics.
After his career ended on the field, another profession took off in the announcers booth. Always the consummate professional, Bip took his love for the game to the next level. His keen insight and expertise analysis of baseball came from being an insider, who understood the nuances of the game and made him a favorite amongst announcers.
Bip’s thriving spirit needed to be fed and nurtured on a deeper level, so he volunteered to be of service at his local place of worship, "The Well Church." He has worked in their Outreach Program for the past three (3) years, faithfully serving the community of Livermore. He humbly became an Evangelist Teacher, Usher, and Greeter.
The work with the church opened his heart and inspired a deep longing to go back to his native community of Oakland. There he continues his teachings, but his time is now spent specifically with the youth playing baseball. Every season brings unique life lessons to the young men involved with Bip playing baseball.
During his community outreach, Bip discovered The Uncuffed Project. His passion to give back to the marginalized and disenfranchised among those less fortunate was evident and he quickly became the Senior Navigator with the organization. His work is tireless and he is driven to make a difference within the inner city of Oakland. The Uncuffed Project is fortunate to have a man of Bip’s caliber champion their cause.
Brought to you by the award winning producers, Navigating Freedom Podcast (A.K.A The People's Podcast) features real people, incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, or who work to end the unjust carceral system. Through story telling and interviews we address topics that directly affect the freedoms, liberty, and quality of life of those marginalized having difficulties navigating what we perceive to be a free society.
This platform gives us a voice to reach out and reach back to prevent the prison industrial complex from stifling and reshaping our voices. Just because you have been freed, doesn’t mean that you are free.
Find our podcast on
OUR PARTNERS
November 2022, The Uncuffed Project announced it’s working with Google to provide digital skills programs to advance economic opportunity for people impacted by incarceration. In June, Google shared its investing $4 million toward a new fund that aims to expand its justice reform work. Over 500 nonprofit organizations across the country applied to receive support from the fund, and The Uncuffed Project is one of the recipients selected by Google based on its history of helping people who have been impacted by incarceration receive training, career resources, and job placement support.