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    FICGN

    Our Story

    From Humble Beginnings

    In the summer of 2014, a simple Facebook group marked the inception of the Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network (FICGN).

    What began as a small online community quickly grew as individuals who shared a unique journey of transformation and education found a space to connect and support one another.

    Milestones & Growth

    2014

    Our inception as an informal Facebook group on July 15th, 2014.
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    2015

    Our community reached its first significant milestone, growing to 100 members. This rapid expansion highlighted the widespread need for support among formerly incarcerated individuals pursuing higher education.
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    2016

    Membership continued to rise, and by the end of the year, we had 250 members. Recognizing the power of professional networking, we also established a LinkedIn group to further connect our members.
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    2017

    This year marked significant organizational development. We celebrated reaching 500 Facebook members, introduced our first official logo, and formed a Co-founder Committee with ten dedicated members from our growing community. Additionally, we created our first membership form in December to better organize and support our expanding network.
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    2018

    With a clear mission in mind, we formalized our organizational structure. We drafted our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV), established bylaws, and developed a strategic plan. Our logo received a refreshing update, and most notably, we achieved 501(c)(3) status, laying the groundwork for future growth and sustainability.
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    2019

    This year marked the creation of our first website, providing a dedicated platform for our community. We also established various financial and organizational accounts, received our first donations, and appointed Terrell A. Blount, MPA as our Founding Executive Director, guiding us with his vision and leadership.
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    2020

    Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, FICGN continued to thrive. We maintained focus and investment into our growing community, ensuring members could still access vital opportunities for educational, career, and community support.
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    2021

    FICGN officially hired its first full-time team member, enabling a concentrated focus on advancing our mission with targeted energy and dedication.
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    2022

    FICGN received its first grants, totaling $130,000 ($5,000 and $125,000). These funds allowed us to expand our programs and initiatives, supporting more formerly incarcerated individuals in their educational and professional journeys.
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    2023

    Our senior leadership team grew with the addition of a Program Director and a Director of Finance and Administration. These new roles strengthened our organizational capacity and enhanced our ability to deliver impactful programs.
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    2024

    FICGN expanded to a six-person team, reflecting our continued growth and the increasing recognition of the importance of our mission. We introduced new programs, strengthened existing ones, and built strong partnerships with other organizations to enhance our support for justice-involved individuals.
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    ...And We're Just Getting Started

    To date, FICGN's membership has reached over 2,050+ globally, reflecting the increasing recognition of the importance of our mission.

    Our Mission

    FICGN exists to support and empower formerly incarcerated individuals who are pursuing or have completed their college education.

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    Our Vision

    We envision a world where formerly incarcerated individuals are celebrated for their achievements and contributions.

    Our Impact

    Since our inception, FICGN has grown into a robust network that not only supports its members but also advocates for broader systemic changes.

    2050+
    FICGN Members
    2175+
    Degrees Earned
    48
    States Represented
    100+
    Network Jobs Posted

    Our Future

    Looking ahead, we plan to introduce new programs, enhance existing ones, and continue building strong partnerships with organizations and professionals who share our vision.

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    Get Involved

    Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for all justice-involved individuals

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