Recidivism, although difficult to pronounce, has a simple definition. It refers to the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend. The rate of recidivism in Kansas is about 35%, meaning just over onethird of individuals incarcerated in Kansas are likely to re-enter the system. Reducing that number is the goal of SoulCraft: Redemption and Empowerment, a nonprofit organization co-directed by 2013 Eureka High graduate Sage Gorman and his partner, Mr. Ansu Thomas.
SoulCraft has achieved its 501(c) (3) designation as a nonprofit, but the organization is just getting started. “At this point, we’re just trying to get our name out there,” says Gorman, who explained that SoulCraft’s ultimate goal is to work inside the prison system through a contract with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC). For now, the organization plans to use resources already available to gain momentum.
SoulCraft offers multimedia services such as video production and custom multimedia solutions. Gorman, who holds an associate’s degree in multimedia design, says that eventually Soul Craft hopes to provide multimedia training or even employment to their residents. Thomas, a licensed Level 2 peer mentor, motivational speaker, and author of the book “Deliver Me From Me,” published in 2023, is offering his services as a speaker. His powerful presentations, while usually relating to life struggles, addiction, and incarceration, can be tailored to fit any audience.
Soulcraft’s focus is on recidivism in “justice-involved” people and those struggling with addiction. Justice-involved, said Gorman, refers to those who are on parole or probation or inmates still incarcerated but close to release. “That’s where our focus has been,” he said, “but we’d like to help anyone who is struggling through the hard parts of life.”
Programs through Soul-Craft will include things like peer counseling, help with educational goals, and employment skills. They intend a tailored approach, working one-on-one with clients to identify barriers an individual might have with reintegrating into society.
Thomas and Gorman met at El Dorado Correctional Facility, where they ran a successful recidivism program reaching 0% recidivism over three years, involving some of the facility’s highest-risk inmates. The idea for SoulCraft began there, explained Gorman; it came from a common desire to make a difference and help people believe in themselves and improve their chance of success outside of the justice system.
Currently, SoulCraft is reaching out to community partners, offering Thomas as a speaker, and looking toward fundraising opportunities. Several speaking engagements are already scheduled in Emporia, and they hope to host an event in the fall, which is expected to take place in Wichita.
Those who would like to get involved, donate, learn more, or book Ansu Thomas as a speaker can do so by reaching out on the website Soulcraft- re.com.
