The "Beyond the Sentence" Model

60% of incarcerated individuals have a language-based learning disability. We’re here to give them the tools to speak for their future. Using the SPELL-Links Reading and Writing program, incarcerated individuals will improve not only their reading and writing but their comprehension and vocational readiness.

For adults transitioning from the justice system to the workforce, the ability to communicate verbally is the single most important tool for long-term vocational success. At Beyond the Sentence, we treat oral language not just as a clinical goal, but as a professional prerequisite.

Social communication, or Pragmatics, is the "unwritten rulebook" of human interaction. It is the ability to use language socially to achieve goals, build relationships, and navigate complex environments. For incarcerated individuals, social communication is more than a skill—it is a survival mechanism and the primary driver of successful reentry.

For many incarcerated individuals, the system can feel like a place where their voice is ignored or silenced. Self-advocacy flips that script. It is the practice of effectively navigating high-stakes environments—like healthcare units, legal meetings, and parole boards—by using clear, structured, and intentional language.

We are a non-profit organization and rely on donations to continue providing our programs for free. Your donation can help us reach more learners and change more lives. Every little bit helps!

If you have any questions about our programs or want to get involved, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would love to hear from you!