Our History

G.R.A.S.P., which stands for Guidance Recidivism Assistance Programs, was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in August of 2010 by Jodi Childs Harrison and John Harrison, who recognized the need for supporting individuals in recovery and transition in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The Harrisons appointed Michael Richker as their CEO.

G.R.A.S.P. was formed to provide support to adults in need of shelter and assistance upon exiting incarceration, institutionalization, or treatment centers due to substance abuse or mental health issues. Dedicated to helping those seeking recovery during this transitional period when entering back into society, the organization has been sponsoring this demographic of individuals for 13 years, successfully funding housing costs, food and clothing, communication, and even assisting with transportation, professional development, and recovery services.

Since 2010, G.R.A.S.P. has grown to foster partnerships with more than (11) verified transitional living facilities and provides at minimum (2) weeks of financial assistance with subsidized housing costs to qualifying sponsees. The accountable reentry programs at the facilities that G.R.A.S.P. works with follow strict substance abuse protocol, and provide life skills and employment resources, which when provided have been proven to be the most efficient way to aid local indigent individuals in their recovery. G.R.A.S.P. continuously visits these facilities to ensure their criteria for accommodating these individuals is being met.

The vetting process to recruit and approve individual sponsorships is possible through G.R.A.S.P.’s extensive partnerships with the Sarasota County Drug Court, Sarasota County Jail, Sarasota County detox centers, and treatment programs throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, as well as the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, First Step of Sarasota, The Salvation Army, Centerstone, and ARC among other organizations. G.R.A.S.P. is proud to work with these organizations who refer individuals in need of resources to continuously. Over its 13 years of service, G.R.A.S.P. has worked hard to build and maintain these relationships.

In the past two years, G.R.A.S.P. has grown from serving 252 individuals in need in 2022 to serving 388 individuals in 2023. The organization is happy to report an average 76% success rate, and plans to continue to serve the community and provide opportunities for its denizens in need of sponsorship and support during their transitional periods, with the long term goal of setting these individuals up for success in their reentry to society.

The important work that G.R.A.S.P conducts is made possible with the generous support of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Manatee Community Foundation, the Sarasota Community Foundation, The Cowles Charitable Trust, and other thoughtful donors in the community.