Jason Bryant appointed TO Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Janel Knight Trulear
janel@emccommunications.com
617-875-6581
CROP names new executive director, expands career training to address California's $20B economic gap
Oakland-based reentry organization achieves 90% employment rate while adding new career pathways in high-demand industries for justice-impacted workers
OAKLAND, Calif., February 10, 2025 – Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs (CROP) — a nonprofit organization reimagining reentry to reduce recidivism — announced today its Board has appointed Jason Bryant as executive director. The appointment coincides with CROP's expansion of its "Ready 4 Life" program to include career training in transportation, skilled trades, and peer support services, addressing the critical 27% unemployment rate among formerly incarcerated individuals.
The economic toll of excluding justice-impacted individuals from the workforce is staggering. In California, unemployed and underemployed workers with a record result in a $20 billion loss to the state’s GDP, with the Bay Area economy missing out on $4.15 billion and Los Angeles losing $9 billion in lost wages, tax revenue, and spending.
"Jason helped design CROP's 'Ready 4 Life' program from the start. His appointment as executive director marks an important evolution for CROP," said Terah Lawyer, president of CROP. "As we embrace our new dual leadership model, I'm deeply confident in our shared vision and complementary strengths. Jason’s lived experience and proven leadership will help us scale our impact at a time when California desperately needs innovative solutions to reduce recidivism and strengthen our communities."
Bryant's journey with CROP began while incarcerated at Soledad State Prison, where he co-founded the organization and created workforce development and personal leadership programming for others who were incarcerated. Following his commutation in 2020, Bryant took on the role as CROP's first director of programs.
“CROP's innovative approach to reentry has always set it apart. Now, with Terah and Jason at the helm, we're poised for even greater impact," said Akhtar Badshah, CROP's board chair. “Their partnership embodies our core values of transformation and second chances. The Board is excited to be a part of this new chapter and confident that CROP will continue to lead the way in transforming lives and improving California communities through effective reentry solutions."
As executive director, he will oversee the organization's expansion of career development offerings, building on CROP's track record of nearly 90% employment rate among program graduates in the first cohort.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to use my lived experience and history with CROP to help make a bigger impact in the lives of people returning home," said Bryant. "As we expand our career pathways and access to stable housing, we're not just helping our graduates find good jobs—we’re strengthening families, making communities safer, and creating new opportunities to strengthen California’s economy."
CROP's expanded Ready 4 Life program now includes training for high-demand careers:
Skilled Trades:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training
Construction & HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Healthcare: Medical Peer Support Specialist Certification
This 14-week program equips Fellows with the skills, certifications, and experience needed for a career in Addiction Counseling and MediCal Peer Support.
Software Sales:
Equips Fellows with the skills and confidence to thrive in corporate software sales. Offers specialized training in sales techniques, networking, and professional development for a rewarding career in this dynamic field.
These new offerings complement CROP's comprehensive four-pillar approach to reentry success, which has achieved a 100% housing rate for program graduates.
To request an interview with CROP's leadership team, please contact Janel Knight Trulear: janel@emccommunications.com or 617-875-6581.
About CROP
Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs (CROP) is reimagining reentry after incarceration to reduce recidivism through personal leadership training, career development, and stable housing upon parole. Designed and led by formerly incarcerated individuals, CROP transforms lives, heals communities, strengthens our economy, and reduces crime.
CROP’s signature ‘Ready 4 Life’ reentry program operates in Los Angeles and West Oakland. For every 150 people who successfully reenter society, CROP saves taxpayers $42 million dollars while breaking the cycle of incarceration and trauma. Learn more at croporganization.org.