GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: California Prison Programs: From Brown v. Plata to National Model — CDCR's Rehabilitative Transformation ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-04-03 10:36:19 EDT Research Date: 2026-03-23 Topic: Rehabilitation / California Prison Reform Model JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/california-prison-programs-from-brown-v-plata-to-national-model-cdcrs-rehabilitative-transformation/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- This document compiles research on California's prison rehabilitation programs for GPS's rehabilitation vision, cataloging diverse programming models from cognitive behavioral therapy to arts-based interventions. Key findings include extraordinary recidivism outcomes—GRIP's 0.5% and Project Rebound's 0% versus California's 41.9% average—alongside detailed structural patterns showing effective program design relies on credible messenger models, peer education pipelines, trauma-informed foundations, and portable credentials. The research identifies common program structures (10-22 week duration, 2-4 days/week, cohorts of 20-25) and documents CDCR's Innovative Programming Grants funding of $4 million/year supporting 299 programs since 2014. STATISTICS (35) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] IPG Programs Established Since 2014 The Innovative Programming Grants program has funded the establishment of 299 programs since 2014. Value: 299.0 programs Tags: policy,budget,programs Sources: CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs - [reported] IPG Current Funding Cycle 2025-2028 The current IPG cycle (2025-2028) provides $4 million/year for 3 years, totaling $12 million. Value: 12.0 million dollars Tags: budget,policy,programs Sources: IPG 2025-2028 Awards - [reported] IPG Previous Funding Cycle 2022-2025 The previous IPG cycle (2022-2025) provided $4 million/year for 3 years, totaling $12 million. Value: 12.0 million dollars Tags: budget,policy,programs Sources: IPG 2022-2025 Awards - [reported] IPG Initial Funding in 2015 The IPG program started with $2.5 million in one-year grants in 2015. Value: 2.5 million dollars Date: 2015-01-01 Tags: budget,policy,programs Sources: CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs - [reported] IPG 2016 Award Amount $14.5 million was awarded in IPG grants in 2016. Value: 14.5 million dollars Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: budget,policy,programs Sources: CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs - [reported] Organizations Funded in 2025-2028 IPG Cycle 25 organizations were funded in the 2025-2028 IPG cycle. Value: 25.0 organizations Tags: policy,programs Sources: IPG 2025-2028 Awards - [reported] SEED Curriculum Length California Reentry Institute's SEED program is a 37-lesson trauma and emotional intelligence curriculum totaling 166.5 hours. Value: 166.5 hours Tags: programs,mental_health Sources: IPG 2025-2028 Awards - [reported] ARC Staff Size and Composition The Anti-Recidivism Coalition has nearly 200 staff, 80% of whom are formerly incarcerated. Value: 200.0 staff (approximately) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,reentry,programs Sources: Anti-Recidivism Coalition - [reported] ARC Formerly Incarcerated Staff Percentage 80% of Anti-Recidivism Coalition staff are formerly incarcerated, reflecting the credible messenger model. Value: 80.0 percent Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,reentry,programs Sources: Anti-Recidivism Coalition - [reported] HART Improved Relationships Outcome HART participants showed improved relationships by 13%. Value: 13.0 percent improvement Tags: programs,mental_health Sources: Anti-Recidivism Coalition - [reported] HART Increased Self-Esteem Outcome HART participants showed increased self-esteem by 11%. Value: 11.0 percent improvement Tags: programs,mental_health Sources: Anti-Recidivism Coalition - [confirmed] GRIP Recidivism Rate of 0.5% Since 2012, GRIP has had 421 graduates released, with only 2 returning to prison—a 0.5% recidivism rate compared to California's 41.9% general recidivism rate. Value: 0.5 percent recidivism (vs. 41.9 California general recidivism rate) Tags: programs,reentry Sources: GRIP Training Institute; GRIP 2025 Study (Calhoun, Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology) - [reported] GRIP Total Graduates Released Since 2012, 421 GRIP graduates have been released from prison. Value: 421.0 graduates released Tags: programs,reentry Sources: GRIP Training Institute - [reported] GRIP Returns to Prison Only 2 of 421 GRIP graduates returned to prison since 2012. Value: 2.0 returns to prison (vs. 421 total graduates released) Tags: programs,reentry Sources: GRIP Training Institute - [reported] The Last Mile Employment Rate The Last Mile reports a 75% employment rate among graduates. Value: 75.0 percent employment Tags: programs,reentry Sources: The Last Mile - [reported] The Last Mile Total Participants The Last Mile has had 1,500+ participants and 1,000+ returned citizens reintegrated. Value: 1500.0 participants (minimum) Tags: programs,reentry Sources: The Last Mile - [reported] The Last Mile Returned Citizens Reintegrated Over 1,000 returned citizens have been reintegrated through The Last Mile. Value: 1000.0 returned citizens (minimum) Tags: programs,reentry Sources: The Last Mile - [reported] The Last Mile Operations Scale The Last Mile is an Oakland-based nonprofit operating in 17 classrooms across 8 states. Value: 17.0 classrooms Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: programs,operations Sources: The Last Mile - [reported] Project Rebound 0% Recidivism Rate Project Rebound reports a 0% recidivism rate among its students, compared to California's 41.9% general recidivism rate. Value: 0.0 percent recidivism (vs. 41.9 California general recidivism rate) Tags: programs,reentry Sources: CSU Project Rebound - [reported] Project Rebound System-Wide GPA Project Rebound students have maintained a system-wide 3.0 GPA since 2016. Value: 3.0 GPA Tags: programs,reentry Sources: CSU Project Rebound - [reported] Project Rebound Graduation Rate 71% of Project Rebound students graduate within 3 years. Value: 71.0 percent Tags: programs,reentry Sources: CSU Project Rebound - [reported] Project Rebound Employment/Postgrad Rate 87% of Project Rebound graduates secure employment or postgraduate admission. Value: 87.0 percent Tags: programs,reentry Sources: CSU Project Rebound - [reported] Project Rebound Campus Count Project Rebound operates on 19 CSU campuses. Value: 19.0 campuses Tags: programs,reentry Sources: CSU Project Rebound - [reported] OMCP Internship Hours Required The Offender Mentor Certification Program requires a 4,000-hour supervised counseling internship in Phase 3. Value: 4000.0 hours Tags: programs,drugs,reentry Sources: CDCR OMCP Page - [reported] San Quentin Peer Mentoring Ratio San Quentin has 40+ mentors for ~130 mentees, a 1:3 ratio. Each mentor is assigned up to 3 mentees with responsibilities including orientations, check-ins, and pre-release preparation. Value: 40.0 mentors (minimum) (vs. 130 mentees (approximately)) Tags: programs,facilities Sources: California Model — Peer Mentorship - [reported] Mount Tamalpais College Student Count Mount Tamalpais College (formerly Prison University Project) serves approximately 300 students per semester with 20 courses per semester. Value: 300.0 students per semester Tags: programs,facilities Sources: Mount Tamalpais College - [reported] Mount Tamalpais College Total Students Since 1996 Mount Tamalpais College has served nearly 5,000 students since 1996. Value: 5000.0 students (approximately) Tags: programs Sources: Mount Tamalpais College - [reported] Hustle 2.0 Scale of Operations Hustle 2.0 is a self-directed, in-cell CBT program operating in 800+ prisons across 47 states. Value: 800.0 prisons (minimum) Tags: programs,mental_health Sources: Hustle 2.0 - [reported] Hustle 2.0 Content Volume Hustle 2.0 consists of three workbooks, 1,266+ pages, and 32 courses. Value: 1266.0 pages (minimum) Tags: programs,mental_health Sources: Hustle 2.0 - [reported] Hustle 2.0 Violence Avoidance Rate 91% of Hustle 2.0 participants avoided further violence. Value: 91.0 percent Tags: programs,violence Sources: Hustle 2.0 - [reported] Hustle 2.0 No Further Misconduct Rate 93% of Hustle 2.0 participants had no further misconduct. Value: 93.0 percent Tags: programs,violence Sources: Hustle 2.0 - [reported] Hustle 2.0 Restrictive Housing Avoidance Rate 82% of Hustle 2.0 participants didn't return to restrictive housing. Value: 82.0 percent Tags: programs,solitary Sources: Hustle 2.0 - [reported] Hustle 2.0 Cost Savings Hustle 2.0 is 85% less expensive than traditional group-facilitated CBT. Value: 85.0 percent less expensive Tags: programs,budget Sources: Hustle 2.0 - [reported] California General Recidivism Rate California's general recidivism rate is 41.9%. Value: 41.9 percent Tags: reentry,demographics Sources: CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs - [reported] ReEvolution Junior Mentors Capacity ReEvolution's Junior Mentors program serves 44 new participants per year. Value: 44.0 new participants per year Tags: programs Sources: IPG 2025-2028 Awards FINDINGS (10) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] HART Expansion to All California Prisons The Hope & Redemption Team (HART) expanded from 7 to 33 prisons and is now a statewide CDCR program in every prison. Tags: programs,policy Sources: Anti-Recidivism Coalition - [reported] HART Reduced Violent Incidents HART program reduced violent incidents among participants. Tags: programs,violence Sources: Anti-Recidivism Coalition - [reported] GRIP 2025 Peer-Reviewed Study A 2025 peer-reviewed study of GRIP was published in the Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: programs,reentry Sources: GRIP 2025 Study (Calhoun, Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology) - [reported] Hustle 2.0 Co-Authored by Incarcerated Individuals Hustle 2.0 was co-authored by incarcerated individuals from Pelican Bay. Tags: programs,solitary Sources: Hustle 2.0 - [reported] IPG Typical Cohort Size Range IPG-funded programs typically have cohort sizes of 15-30 participants. Tags: programs,policy Sources: CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs - [reported] IPG Program Duration Range IPG-funded programs range from 7 weeks to 12 months, with 8-16 weeks being most common. Tags: programs,policy Sources: CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs - [reported] Credible Messenger Model as Key Design Principle Across successful California prison programs, the credible messenger model—using formerly or currently incarcerated facilitators—is identified as a key effective design principle. Tags: programs,policy,staffing Sources: CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs - [reported] Trauma-Informed Foundation Universal Across Successful Programs Trauma-informed care is universal across successful California prison rehabilitation programs. Tags: programs,mental_health,policy Sources: CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs - [reported] Hustle 2.0 College Credit From Southern Utah University Hustle 2.0 participants can earn college credit from Southern Utah University. Tags: programs,reentry Sources: Hustle 2.0 - [reported] Self-Directed Programs Reach Restricted Populations Self-directed program options, such as Hustle 2.0's in-cell CBT, are identified as an effective design principle because they can reach populations in restrictive housing who cannot access group programs. Tags: programs,solitary,policy Sources: Hustle 2.0 POLICYS (18) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] HART Workshop Structure HART runs 10-week workshops, 4 days/week, 6 hours/day, with 4 cycles per year running continuously. All facilitators are formerly incarcerated, many returning to prisons they paroled from. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: programs,reentry Sources: Anti-Recidivism Coalition - [reported] GRIP Program Duration and Structure GRIP is a one full year (52 weeks) program, meeting once per week for 1-2 hours, using a 215-page guided coursebook. It is rooted in restorative justice, trauma-informed care, and neuroscience. Tags: programs,mental_health Sources: GRIP Training Institute - [reported] The Last Mile Program Structure The Last Mile offers Web Development and Audio/Video Production tracks, each 6 months, 4 days/week, 8 hours/day. Curriculum includes HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node.js, Express, MongoDB, MySQL, and Git. Tags: programs,reentry Sources: The Last Mile - [reported] OMCP Eligibility Requirements OMCP requires 5+ years remaining on sentence (including lifers), no serious disciplinary infractions in 2+ years, and minimum 9th grade reading level. Tags: programs,policy Sources: CDCR OMCP Page - [reported] OMCP Post-Certification Role After certification, OMCP graduates serve as paid co-facilitators in CBI programs across all adult institutions, earn milestone and educational merit credit, and hold portable certification for post-release employment. Tags: programs,reentry,drugs Sources: CDCR OMCP Page - [reported] California Model Four Pillars Under the California Model, peer mentorship is one of four pillars alongside normalization, dynamic security, and trauma-informed care. Tags: policy,programs Sources: California Model — Peer Mentorship - [reported] Peer Literacy Mentor Program Structure The Peer Literacy Mentor Program has 20 trained mentors per site, requires GED/diploma minimum, and uses three-module training. Tags: programs,policy Sources: California Model — Peer Mentorship - [reported] Youth Peer Mentor Program Training The Youth Peer Mentor Program requires 100+ hours classroom instruction, 160-hour certification through practicum, Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification, and Motivational Interviewing training. Tags: programs,mental_health,policy Sources: California Model — Peer Mentorship - [reported] CBI-SUD Program Structure CBI-SUD runs 2 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 14 weeks. Tags: programs,drugs Sources: CDCR CBI Page - [reported] CBI-Life Skills Program Structure CBI-Life Skills runs 3 days/week, 2 hours/day, for 22 weeks. Tags: programs Sources: CDCR CBI Page - [reported] CBI-SO Program Structure CBI-SO consists of 54 sessions across 8 modules. Tags: programs Sources: CDCR CBI Page - [reported] CBI Available at All CDCR Institutions Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI) programs are available at all CDCR institutions, using both contracted counselors and OMCP-certified incarcerated co-facilitators. Tags: programs,policy Sources: CDCR CBI Page - [reported] Pawsitive Change Dog Training Program Structure Marley's Mutts 'Pawsitive Change' is a 14-week dog training program with 20-25 participants per cycle. Tags: programs Sources: IPG 2025-2028 Awards - [reported] Paws For Life K9 Rescue Year-Round Structure Paws For Life K9 Rescue offers year-round dog work at 21 hours per week. Tags: programs Sources: IPG 2025-2028 Awards - [reported] Insight Garden Program Duration Insight Garden Program is a 48-week garden-based restorative training program. Tags: programs Sources: IPG 2025-2028 Awards - [reported] Mount Tamalpais College AA in Liberal Arts Mount Tamalpais College offers an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, with credits transferable to any CSU or UC campus. Tags: programs Sources: Mount Tamalpais College - [reported] HART Three Core Curriculum Areas HART's three core curriculum areas are: AVATAR Parole Preparation and Relapse Prevention, Criminals and Gang Members Anonymous (CGA) 12-step recovery, and Emotional Intelligence. Tags: programs,gangs,reentry Sources: Anti-Recidivism Coalition - [reported] The Last Mile Selection Requirements The Last Mile requires essay questions, logic test, in-person interview, GED minimum, 12-36 months remaining on sentence, and clean 18-month disciplinary record. Lifers serve as instructors for each cohort. Tags: programs,policy Sources: The Last Mile CASE DETAILS (11) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Project Rebound Founded 1967 Project Rebound is the nation's longest-running prison-to-college pipeline, founded in 1967 by John Irwin at SFSU. Date: 1967-01-01 Tags: programs,reentry Sources: CSU Project Rebound - [reported] John Irwin House First Transformative Housing The John Irwin House, opened in 2018, was the first transformative housing for formerly incarcerated students. Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: programs,reentry Sources: CSU Project Rebound - [reported] OMCP Origin at Solano State Prison The Offender Mentor Certification Program began at Solano State Prison in 2009. Date: 2009-01-01 Tags: programs,drugs,facilities Sources: CDCR OMCP Page - [reported] San Quentin Learning Center Opening San Quentin (now San Quentin Rehabilitation Center) is the flagship site. An 80,000 sq ft Learning Center opened February 2026. Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,programs Sources: San Quentin Learning Center / Governor Newsom Announcement - [reported] Mount Tamalpais College Founded 1996 Mount Tamalpais College was founded in 1996 with two volunteers and no budget. Date: 1996-01-01 Tags: programs Sources: Mount Tamalpais College - [reported] Mount Tamalpais College National Humanities Medal Mount Tamalpais College (then Prison University Project) received the National Humanities Medal from President Obama in 2016. Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: programs Sources: Mount Tamalpais College - [reported] Cal State LA San Quentin Bachelor's Program Cal State LA is expanding its Prison Graduation Initiative bachelor's degree program to San Quentin in fall 2026 with a 35-student inaugural cohort. First graduates are expected spring 2028. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: programs,facilities Sources: Cal State LA San Quentin Expansion - [reported] ARC Founded 2013 by Scott Budnick The Anti-Recidivism Coalition was founded by Scott Budnick in 2013 in Los Angeles. Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: programs,reentry Sources: Anti-Recidivism Coalition - [reported] HART Created 2017 by Sam Lewis The Hope & Redemption Team was created in 2017 by Sam Lewis, a formerly incarcerated lifer. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: programs Sources: Anti-Recidivism Coalition - [reported] GRIP Developed by Jacques Verduin at San Quentin GRIP (Guiding Rage Into Power) was developed by Jacques Verduin at San Quentin. It is now administered by GRIP Training Institute. Tags: programs Sources: GRIP Training Institute - [reported] San Quentin Learning Center Four Buildings The San Quentin Learning Center consists of four buildings: Building A (technology/media center, coding, podcast studios, reentry center), Building B (library, classrooms, offices), Building C (multipurpose, cafe, store, outdoor learning), and Building D (security processing). Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,programs Sources: San Quentin Learning Center / Governor Newsom Announcement METHODOLOGY NOTES (1) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] GRIP Three Didactical Modalities GRIP uses three didactical modalities: Instruction (neuroscience of violence, emotional literacy, trauma), Process (deep emotional material exercises), and Practice (embodiment exercises anchoring insights into behavior). Tags: programs,mental_health Sources: GRIP Training Institute DATASETS (2) ---------------------------------------- # Common Structural Patterns Across California Prison Programs Summary of key structural elements showing the range and most common values across California prison rehabilitation programs. Element Range Most Common -------------------------------------------------------- Duration 7 weeks to 1 year 10-22 weeks Frequency 1-5 days/week 2-4 days/week Session Length 1-2 hours 2 hours Cohort Size 15-30 20-25 Mentor Ratio 1:1 to 1:3 1:3 Mentor Training 100-4,000 hours 100+ hours minimum # Recidivism and Outcome Comparisons Across California Prison Programs Comparison of key outcome metrics across major California prison rehabilitation programs versus the state average. Program Key Outcome Comparison ---------------------------------------------------------------- GRIP 0.5% recidivism (2/421) vs. 41.9% CA average Project Rebound 0% recidivism vs. 41.9% CA average The Last Mile 75% employment — Hustle 2.0 91% avoided violence — KEY ENTITIES (23) ---------------------------------------- - Anti-Recidivism Coalition [organization]: Los Angeles-based organization founded by Scott Budnick in 2013 with nearly 200 staff, 80% formerly incarcerated, using the credible messenger model. (aka: ARC) - Cal State LA [organization]: University expanding its Prison Graduation Initiative bachelor's degree program to San Quentin in fall 2026. (aka: California State University, Los Angeles) - California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation [organization]: California state agency responsible for operating the state prison system; defendant in Brown v. Plata litigation (aka: CDCR, California prisons) - California Model [program]: CDCR's overarching reform framework with four pillars: peer mentorship, normalization, dynamic security, and trauma-informed care. - California Reentry Institute [organization]: Organization operating the SEED program, a 37-lesson trauma and emotional intelligence curriculum (166.5 hours), funded by IPG. - CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs [organization]: Division within CDCR that administers the Innovative Programming Grants and rehabilitative programming. (aka: DRP) - Georgia Prisoners' Speak [organization]: Advocacy organization documenting conditions inside Georgia prisons through photos and insider accounts, including food inadequacy. (aka: GPS) - GRIP Training Institute [organization]: Organization administering GRIP, a 52-week restorative justice and trauma-informed program developed by Jacques Verduin at San Quentin. 0.5% recidivism rate among 421 graduates. (aka: GRIP, Guiding Rage Into Power, Insight Prison Project) - Hope & Redemption Team [program]: ARC's statewide CDCR program created in 2017 by Sam Lewis, operating in all 33 California prisons with 10-week workshops facilitated by formerly incarcerated individuals. (aka: HART) - Hustle 2.0 [program]: Self-directed, in-cell CBT program in 800+ prisons across 47 states. Co-authored by incarcerated individuals from Pelican Bay. 85% less expensive than traditional group CBT. - Innovative Programming Grants [program]: CDCR grant program funding nonprofit organizations to provide rehabilitative programming inside California state prisons. Started 2015, has funded 299 programs since 2014. (aka: IPG) - Jacques Verduin [person]: Developer of GRIP (Guiding Rage Into Power) at San Quentin. - John Irwin [person]: Founder of Project Rebound in 1967 at SFSU. - Mount Tamalpais College [organization]: College at San Quentin founded 1996, serving ~300 students/semester with Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. National Humanities Medal recipient 2016. Nearly 5,000 students since founding. (aka: Prison University Project) - Offender Mentor Certification Program [program]: Program training incarcerated individuals to become licensed substance abuse counselors with CAADAC certification. Began at Solano State Prison in 2009. (aka: OMCP) - Pelican Bay State Prison [facility]: California state prison whose Security Housing Unit held gang-validated inmates for indeterminate terms, some exceeding 20 years, prior to the Ashker settlement (aka: Pelican Bay) - Project Rebound [program]: Nation's longest-running prison-to-college pipeline, founded 1967 by John Irwin at SFSU. Operates on 19 CSU campuses with 0% recidivism rate. (aka: CSU Project Rebound) - Sam Lewis [person]: Formerly incarcerated lifer who created the Hope & Redemption Team (HART) in 2017. - San Quentin Rehabilitation Center [facility]: Flagship California rehabilitation site with 80,000 sq ft Learning Center opened February 2026. (aka: San Quentin, San Quentin State Prison) - Scott Budnick [person]: Founder of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition in 2013. - Solano State Prison [facility]: California state prison where the Offender Mentor Certification Program began in 2009. - Southern Utah University [organization]: University offering college credit for Hustle 2.0 program completion. - The Last Mile [program]: Nonprofit providing tech-industry training (coding, web development, audio/video production) in 18 classrooms across 8 states. 1,500+ participants since 2010. SOURCES (15) ---------------------------------------- - Anti-Recidivism Coalition, Anti-Recidivism Coalition [official_report, primary] URL: https://antirecidivism.org - Cal State LA San Quentin Expansion, California State University, Los Angeles [official_report, primary] - California Model — Peer Mentorship, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation [official_report, primary] - CDCR CBI Page, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation [official_report, primary] - CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation [official_report, primary] - CDCR OMCP Page, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation [official_report, primary] - CSU Project Rebound, California State University [official_report, primary] - GRIP 2025 Study (Calhoun, Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology), Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology by Calhoun (2025-01-01) [academic, primary] - GRIP Training Institute, GRIP Training Institute [official_report, primary] - Hustle 2.0, Hustle 2.0 [official_report, primary] URL: https://hustle20.com - IPG 2022-2025 Awards, CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs (2022-01-01) [official_report, primary] - IPG 2025-2028 Awards, CDCR Division of Rehabilitative Programs (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] - Mount Tamalpais College, Mount Tamalpais College [official_report, primary] URL: https://mttamcollege.edu - San Quentin Learning Center / Governor Newsom Announcement, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (2026-01-01) [press_release, primary] - The Last Mile, The Last Mile [official_report, primary] URL: https://thelastmile.org