Sterling Braden, a former felon who spent time in a Cuyahoga County jail after being convicted of improperly discharging a firearm at the age of 18, faced challenges in finding stable housing and employment due to his criminal record. After being kicked out of college for not disclosing his past, Braden struggled to find opportunities in Cleveland. This experience led him to create Friend a Felon, an app that helps formerly incarcerated individuals find jobs and housing in places that do not exclude ex-offenders.
In 2021, Braden launched Friend a Felon, initially as a mobile app and now rolling out a web version, to assist in connecting those with criminal records with employers who are willing to provide opportunities. Recognizing the importance of stable employment in reducing recidivism rates, Braden believes that if given the opportunity, felons can prove to be hardworking and loyal employees. As his app gains traction, Braden plans to add capabilities that further simplify the process of finding job opportunities and navigating paperwork for both employers and individuals.
Cleveland, where Braden resides, is also home to a collaborative effort led by the Cuyahoga County Office of Re-Entry to support successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society. Through partnerships with various organizations, this initiative aims to improve opportunities and resources for those with criminal records. Braden’s innovative approach with Friend a Felon aligns with this broader community effort to address the barriers faced by ex-offenders in finding stable employment and housing.
During the pandemic, Braden seized the opportunity to learn how to build the app on his own, after facing challenges with hiring software development companies. Despite his lack of business experience, Braden taught himself how to develop the app by watching online tutorials and utilizing his computer skills. Through trial and error, he managed to create a functional version of Friend a Felon, allowing users to input their felony convictions and relevant information to facilitate the job search process.
To identify potential employers willing to hire individuals with criminal records, Braden conducted extensive research on companies and reached out to them directly. While facing initial challenges with companies rejecting applicants with criminal records, he later adopted a more streamlined approach using social media to connect with employers. With a growing user base on his platform, Braden continues to innovate and develop the app, incorporating artificial intelligence technology to enhance user experience and provide additional support and resources for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Despite initial setbacks in promoting his app and securing sales, Braden’s perseverance paid off when he gained support from gener8tor, a VC firm and accelerator, and other mentors in the social impact program. With guidance and funding from various sources, including a seed-stage fund and a partnership with JumpStart, a nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs, Braden refined his business model and pricing structure to cater to different company sizes. The success of Friend a Felon in connecting thousands of individuals with job opportunities, housing, and financial assistance underscores the impact of supporting reintegration efforts for formerly incarcerated individuals.
