The Education and Employment Ministry is an interfaith, 501(c) 3, nonprofit organization that exists to break cycles of incarceration and poverty in Oklahoma. By providing education, social services, job training and ultimately, job placement services to individuals re-entering society, TEEM aims to reduce recidivism rates, strengthen families and increase public safety. TEEM takes a three-pronged approach to breaking cycles of incarceration and poverty in Oklahoma by providing its participants with education, social services and job placement assistance. We holistically prepare our participants for employment and successful reintegration by incorporating mentoring, character building, job and life skills training into our program. TEEM's courses are evidence-based and supported by thorough research. Because Oklahoma consistently ranks among the highest in the nation in male and female incarceration rates, TEEM is poised to make a lasting impact in the lives of many of the 8,400 Oklahomans who re-enter society after a period of incarceration each year. We believe individuals who truly desire to succeed should not be defined by past mistakes, but rather, by their potential for future success. With the support of the community, we strive to break the stigma attached to individuals who have been impacted by incarceration. By giving a hand up, we help these men and women refine their skills, achieve their goals and obtain self-sufficiency.