We build community
and provide hope for those impacted by incarceration.
Soteria is a testament to the fact that people closest to the problem are also closest to the solution. Our founder wrote the vision for Soteria from his prison cell over 25 years ago. Since he was released and opened our doors in 1999, Soteria has acquired (2) 16 bed transitional homes, 18 affordable rentals, opened a social enterprise, and is debt free.
Over the past 4 years, for those who completed the full 12 month program, 0% recidivated. Soteria understands reentry. As an impact-led organization with 57% of our staff being previously incarcerated, we are where hope for the future begins.
Thousands of families in our community have been impacted by incarceration, poor financial management & a lack of education.
As a community development corporation, Soteria CDC is passionate about extending a helping hand to our brothers and sisters.
We empower low-income families with resources and training to help them reach a place of self-sufficiency, as well as work with government, churches, organizations and local leaders to bring out long-term positive change in our community.
We empower success.
Soteria Community Development Corporation is committed to empowering and assisting previously incarcerated individuals to reach their full potential as citizens in the Greenville community. From financial-planning skills and goal setting to positive decision-making, job training, and affordable rentals, we aim for everyone who walks through our doors to achieve a healthy, responsible lifestyle.
Our Impact
From 2021 to 2023, for those who spent at least one day in our residential reentry program, 2% returned to prison; for those who completed 6 months of our program, 3% ; and for those who completed 12 months, 2%. For the men and women who successfully completed our curriculum to graduate after 6 months and also after 12 months, 0% recidivated. In South Carolina, the average rate of recidivism is 21%.
In 2023, Soteria provided a transitional home to 59 unhoused, unemployed, and previously incarcerated individuals. We also served 34 men, women, and children through our affordable rentals and helped over 500 walk-ins find employment, housing, and resources necessary for record expungements.
Your Impact
You have the opportunity to transform the trajectory of families in need in the Greenville community. Donations to Soteria CDC help individuals and families impacted by the criminal justice system to get back on their feet through education, temporary housing, and employment opportunities.
Jerry Blassingame: The Visionary
Soteria was born from the personal testimony and vision of Jerry Blassingame, a Greenville, S.C. native whose life—like many of those we serve—was impacted by crime.
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