The Chill Station, Inc.

• Provide a livable wage to returning citizens
• Help employees support themselves and their families
• Build confidence and self-esteem in those seeking a second chance
• Transform benefit recipients into tax-paying contributors
• Create pathways to meaningful careers and financial independence
• Reduce recidivism rates in our community
• Support our innovative project transforming old band uniforms into beautiful, functional aprons - giving new life to these materials while honoring the school's musical heritage
• 10% of all donations go towards the music program at Frederick Douglass High School, our founder's alma mater – honoring the place where he once played trumpet in the marching band

The  Rev. Chester France and the Chill Station Board Members are embarking upon a great mission to enhance lives  and "YOU" will want to support this mission!

The Chill Station, Inc. (DBA Lifting Labels) is a community based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to reduce poverty, create sustainable jobs and improve the quality of life for people returning to their communities after incarceration. Lifting Labels will employ formerly incarcerated men and women to handcraft quality ceremonial choir robes, church pulpit apparel, academic regalia and judicial robes.

THE NEED:
Over 5,000 individuals have been released from Maryland State prisons each of the last 5 years. About 42% (2,184) return annually to Baltimore City followed by Baltimore County with 13% (719). The City continues to struggle to support the reintegration of returning citizens thus contributing to recidivism. Sustainable employment is key to the acquisition of other essential services including health care, housing and support for individuals and their families.

THE MISSION:
To break the cycle of poverty by building careers for Baltimore's returning citizens thereby reducing recidivism. 

PROJECT GOALS:
There are no sewing businesses in Maryland that have the expertise and capacity to create made-to-order clergy, faculty academic regalia, and judicial robes: thus , clergy, and others send measurements or travel to apparel businesses outside of Maryland. 
Lifting Labels will do business here in Maryland to:
1.   Hire returning citizens
2.   Provide job skills training
3.   Build career confidence 

FUNDING:
The Chill Station won second prize and $5,000 for its Investment Pitch at Open Works.  Subsequently, TCS/Lifting Labels has received a commitment of $200,000 in loans and grants to launch its manufacturing operations over the next two years. We are raising $20,000 to help reach our $50,000  three-month startup operational budget. This will allow the company to:
1.  Construct the prototype robes
2.  Pay living wages for employees
3.  Purchase machines and equipment and marketing and sales materials
4. Lease for operations in downtown Baltimore.


       Pictured: Rev. Chester France Receiving the 2nd prize Open Works Check 


Special Gift
With your $50 or more donation to The Chill Station/Lifting Labels, you can receive our Board Member Chris Wilson’s book, The Master Plan: My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose. Simply donate $50 or more through GoFundMe and email your mailing address to [email redacted] with Master Plan in the subject line. We will send you Chris’ book free with our compliments, while supplies las.t

Your donation will help make a great impact. Thanks in advance for your generous  contribution to this initiative that will make a difference and change lives where we live, work and worship.