Break It To Make It (BITMI) is a unique program that assists incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into their communities and achieve long-term self-sufficiency through the arts, higher education, and rehabilitative services. This program provides a variety of support and services using a collaborative model composed of three organizations: Los Angeles City College, The Strindberg Laboratory, and The Los Angeles Mission.
With guidance and support focused on education, rehabilitation, and re-entry, BITMI participants will break free from the negative stigmas associated with incarceration to empower and make themselves successful in their academic careers and as productive citizens of their communities.
What it Provides
Los Angeles Mission
- Case Management
- Students pursue learning opportunities
- Housing, food, clothing, mental & legal assistance
- Educational component in discipleship, academic & life skills
- Spiritual support
- Substance abuse & mental health counseling
- Job training
- Job/Career development
- Community support system
Los Angeles City College
- Courses
- Academic Support
- Financial Assistance (Fee Waivers & Book Vouchers)
Strindberg Laboratory
- College Credited Theater Training Workshops
- Credited Theater Training Workshops.
Want More Information or Need Immediate Assistance?
Please contact:
breakittomakeit@lacitycollege.edu
For immediate assistance please call the Los Angeles Mission toll free at:
1-866-879-1679
Shows and Events
Freedom Festival
On September 28 and 29th with support from Assemblyman Mike Gipson through the Break It to Make It the partnership between Los Angeles City college, Strindberg Laboratory and the Los Angeles Mission and Los Angeles City College hosted their first ever Freedom Festival. The Freedom Festival celebrated freedom for everyone, including those coming home from correctional facilities. The event showcased a wide variety of art, performances and speeches as well as booths with information on housing and educational and employment opportunities.
Free Yo’ Mind
Free Yo’ Mind was part of The Break it to Make It program’s “Freedom Festival” at Los Angeles City College. The actors were participants of workshops with The Los Angeles Mission. All of the actors who participated in the production received two transferable college credits. The play was about people who are striving to overcome their trials and tribulations by using the advice and wisdom of Martin Luther King’s “What Is In Your Life’s Blueprint” speech to help them find their way to a brighter and more just future.
Break It to Make It Banquet
First annual Break it to Make it banquet honoring those that are part of the program. During the event experts were performed from “The Destiny is the Journey” from our theater workshops at the Los Angeles Mission. All participants received two transferable college credits.
Destiny is the Journey
“The Destiny Is The Journey” was an original play created by actors from the Los Angeles Mission and Los Angeles City College through the Break it To Make it Program. The play takes you on a voyage through the eyes of a troubled soldier who journeys through the desert and jungle after a fierce battle in order to meet the man in the mountains who can set him free.