Facilitating Opportunities for Reentry, Growth & Empowerment
"We're building a new prison experience — where men lead by example, support one another, and prepare to make a positive impact — both inside these walls and beyond them."
Dooly State Prison • Georgia
Our Mission
To build mentors who create a culture of peace, responsibility, and service — modeling the change we want to see in every community.
Leadership begins when we stop living only for ourselves and start building others. FORGE mentors put the needs of the community before personal comfort or recognition.
We are not bystanders in this system. Inmate behavior and culture play a decisive role in whether dorms remain stable or become volatile. We accept responsibility for the shared environment.
FORGE is built on research from 25+ successful programs across 8 states, drawing from models with proven outcomes — including programs with near-zero recidivism rates.
The Reality
In the last six years, we as inmates have seen violence skyrocket. Not just murders, but stabbings and fights — many of which are never even reported. Things must change.
We all want to go home one day. This includes staff and inmates. Because of this, many of us see that we must take on some of the responsibilities to build our own rehabilitation system and create a safer environment to live in.
We've come to recognize that we are stakeholders in this system. FORGE channels this reality into a structured, accountable role where peer influence is used to reduce harm rather than amplify it.
"The conditions we live in are shaped daily by peer behavior — how conflicts are handled, whether violence is encouraged or discouraged. We take responsibility for the shared environment."
— FORGE Founding Document
The Evidence
FORGE's design is informed by decades of correctional research and proven program models.
Sources: RAND Corporation (2013), GRIP Training Institute, RSVP San Francisco
The Program
A 9-month, three-phase journey from participant to certified peer mentor.
What We Stand For
Weapons, threats, and violence are not tolerated within FORGE. Possession of a weapon or promotion of violence results in immediate removal, without exception. True strength is shown through control — not intimidation.
Rather than relying solely on discussion, mentors practice responding to realistic scenarios that mirror the situations they face inside the facility. This prepares them to respond responsibly when real situations arise.
FORGE mentors operate within clearly defined boundaries. They do not investigate incidents, impose discipline, or replace staff authority. When safety risks arise, mentors are trained to disengage and refer appropriately.
You can't give what you don't have. Before anyone can mentor others, they must complete their own personal transformation work. Phase 1 ensures every mentor has done the inner work first.
"Leadership is not granted. It is forged."
And in that process, we discover that service isn't sacrifice — it's freedom.
Our Supporters
Positive Outreach Development Society
A Georgia-based organization committed to community development and supporting transformative programming for incarcerated individuals.
Resources
Complete 34-page program architecture, curriculum, and assessment framework
Full narrative overview of FORGE's mission, model, and approach
Handbook covering leadership, conflict resolution, dorm standards, and code of conduct
Printable one-page overview of the FORGE program
11×17 tri-fold brochure for outreach and presentations