4WARD FOCUS

4WardFocus is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting justice-involved families and communities.

Our mission is to unlock and expand access to critical information, resources, and support, not just to give a second chance but the best chance to successfully move forward.

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Why This Matters

1 in 3 Adults

70–100M Americans have a criminal record.
Nashville Crisis

Zip code 37208 has the highest incarceration rate in the nation.
Family Impact

144,000+ TN children have experienced parental incarceration.
The Employment Factor

Recidivism drops from 52% to 16% when a returning citizen maintains a job for just one year.
Economic Barrier

Formerly incarcerated Nashvillians face an unemployment rate 8x higher than the state average.

See Our Impact in Action

OUR MISSION

We exist to inspire hope, fuel personal growth, and create opportunities for people to move forward beyond their setbacks.
OUR VISION

To build a community where every individual, regardless of their past, has a clear pathway to restoration, purpose, and a successful "second chance.”
OUR CHALLENGE

Navigating the 44,000+ legal and systemic barriers that prevent returning citizens from accessing housing, employment, and stability.

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Story of Hope

Jessica Birch (TN Mother, Pardon Recipient, & Advocate).

After years of navigating the systemic barriers of a past record, Jessica Birch received a life-changing pardon from Governor Lee, finally opening doors to housing, employment, and full presence for her family. Today, she leads the way for others as a dedicated advocate and founder, proving that restoration is possible when we believe in second chances.

Read Jessica's story

*Meet Our Founder*

**Nikki Ellis**
Hello, I'm Nikki Ellis, and I am excited to introduce myself as the founder of 4Ward Focus. I bring many experiences as a former healthcare executive, community advocate & outreach liaison. In addition, I'm a loving and protective mother, caring daughter, sister, and supportive friend.
I am also one of the 70 million people in this country who our justice system has also impacted. Experiencing firsthand the enormous challenges and difficulties these events have brought upon my life and, most importantly, the lives of my children has compelled me to support the many families who are desperately trying to rebuild their lives.

Despite having tremendous support from my family & friends, I struggled to connect with the vital information, tools, and resources that would help me. After spending over a year going through multiple programs with several organizations, I finally found the right help from an organization with the resources and heart to equip me to move my children and me forward.
More than five million U.S. children have had an incarcerated parent. And Tennessee is tied with five other states for the third-highest prevalence of parental incarceration, with one in 10 children in the state (144,000) having lived with a parent or guardian who served time in jail or prison after the child was born.
The high incarceration rate in the United States and Tennessee, with Nashville having the highest incarcerated zip code in the country – unparalleled among developed nations – continues despite a decrease in crime. Incarceration destabilizes families, reduces their income, makes them vulnerable to housing insecurity, and adversely affects child development, including the development of coping skills.
Hence, my purpose, 4WardFocus, was birthed through the disappointment and sadness of thousands of children impacted by the separation and struggles of justice-involved parents and the feelings of despair I felt trying to find stability for my own family.
4Ward Focus is committed to as a mobile hub to meet families right where they are, in their communities, and connecting them to the information, resources, and support to receive more than a 2nd chance but the best chance to successfully move families forward.