7-Eleven stores, TEEM to offer housing, transportation plan

An interfaith group dedicated to breaking the cycles of incarceration and poverty in Oklahoma is now offering a scholarship program to provide housing and transportation to incarcerated persons when they are released from prison.

7-Eleven stores has partnered with the nonprofit organization TEEM to create the program. 7-Eleven provided $100,000 for the initiative, enough to provide assistance to 200 participants this year.

TEEM Executive Director Kris Steele says the initiative will be a scholarship program, not a loan. Steele says resources in the account will match participant funds up to $500.

About 8,400 inmates are released from Oklahoma’s prisons each year. TEEM uses evidence-based curriculum, one-on-one mentoring, effective case management, occupational skills training, social services assistance and job placement services to reduce recidivism rates, strengthen families and increase public safety.