Create jobs.
Reduce recidivism.

The Issue

Mass incarceration is devastating.

Mass incarceration is a major problem in the Unites States. Our country has 4% of the world’s population, but 25% of its prison population¹. Sadly, 50% of those formerly incarcerated end up back in prison within 5 years of leaving². The prison industry costs taxpayers $182 billion annually, and it helps create devastating cycles of poverty and imprisonment that devastate families³. We lock up too many people, for too long, and then make it incredibly difficult for them to re-enter society when they leave. The net result is a complex problem in need of an innovative solution.

2nd Chances

Second Chance Employment is critical.

One of the biggest issues contributing to the high recidivism rate in the USA is that companies are unwilling to hire people with a criminal record⁴. This form of legal discrimination is considered best practice and a wise risk reduction in most of corporate America. At Awake, we want to show the market that this vulnerable people group is capable of building the best window and door products in the market. Learn more on our “Careers” page how we focus on employee development and offer extensive services to ensure our second chance employment is meaningful and breaks the prison cycle.

They Say

"Mass incarceration is the most pressing racial justice issue of our time."

Michelle Alexander

- author of The New Jim Crow

"A nation should not be judged by how it treats it highest citizens but its lowest ones."

Nelson Mandela

- former President of South Africa

"The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned."

Bryan Stevenson

- Founder of The Equal Justice Initiative

"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."

Theodore Roosevelt

- 26th President of the United States

Life Skills

01/05

Awake is intentionally building an employee base focused on second chance employment for formerly incarcerated individuals or those at risk of entering the prison pipeline (especially kids aging out of foster care). Rather than avoiding these individuals, we seek them out and invite them to our team.

We have created a culture fully sold out on our vision to make a difference on this important issue. Even our staff that doesn't have a criminal record chose to work at Awake because they want to be part of the solution. Our company is a place of growth, training, and development for all.

We partner with organizations throughout AZ to help aid in our social mission. Halfway houses, schools for at risk youth, and local non-profits are all part of an ecosystem we are proud to be a part of. Awake builds products people want, and in turn, that creates good paying jobs for the vulnerable.

We believe in the dignity of hard work. There are no handouts at Awake, just opportunities that exist for those that want to work hard to better their life. We are not a charity. We are proud to give people a second chance. If they take it, we teach them to do great work and excite our customers.

Awake offers employees continuing education and volunteer opportunities around our social mission and our goal to combat mass incarceration and reduce recidivism. This training educates and informs on this critical civil rights issue, while also providing volunteer opportunities.

Our trusted community partners

Unhooked Recovery

Uhooked Recovery is a residential alcohol and substance abuse program in Mesa, AZ that caters to the unique needs of men and women suffering with Substance Use Disorders (SUD).

Learn More

St. Joseph the Worker

We're grateful for the amazing team at St. Joseph the Worker and their support in assisting our employees with material needs as they begin employment with us!

Learn More