Mountain View, Calif. – LegalZoom (Nasdaq: LZ) has announced an expansion of its partnership with Defy Ventures, a nonprofit dedicated to career readiness, personal development, and entrepreneurship training for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. This enhanced collaboration will prioritize mental health through trauma-informed care, a crucial step in addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities.
Empowering Second Chances Through Mental Health Support
With a $100,000 commitment in 2025, LegalZoom is helping Defy Ventures expand its mental health and wellness programs. By integrating trauma-informed principles across its initiatives, Defy Ventures ensures participants can access the tools needed to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience.
“Defy Ventures exemplifies the incredible power of resilience and the potential for true transformation,” said Nicole Miller, Chief Legal Officer at LegalZoom and Board Member of Defy Ventures. “Our expanded partnership reflects LegalZoom’s dedication to social equity and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and communities.”
Holistic Programs for Personal and Professional Growth
Defy Ventures offers a comprehensive suite of programs, including:
CEO of Your New Life: A program emphasizing personal transformation and confidence building.
Entrepreneur Bootcamp: Equips participants with business acumen and entrepreneurial skills.
Business Accelerator: Provides tools and mentorship to help participants launch and sustain businesses.
The mental health and wellbeing program, first introduced in 2023 with LegalZoom’s support, adds a critical layer to these efforts by addressing past trauma and the challenges of reintegration.
Key Areas of Investment
LegalZoom’s 2025 funding will support initiatives that directly enhance the mental health care offered by Defy Ventures, including:
Revising and Enhancing Curriculum
Trauma-informed care principles will be integrated into all program materials, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
Expanding Support Groups
Mental health and wellbeing support groups will be established for post-release clients, providing peer support and guidance as they navigate life after incarceration.
Training Staff in Trauma-Informed Care
Staff will receive dedicated training sessions, equipping them with best practices to address participants’ mental health needs effectively.
Providing Ongoing Technical Support
Regular case conferences and technical support will help deepen staff expertise on mental health and wellness topics.
Impact and Transformation
Defy Ventures’ holistic approach has already achieved remarkable outcomes. With a three-year recidivism rate of less than 15%—far below the national average—the organization demonstrates the power of combining professional development with robust mental health support.
“By addressing the underlying trauma and systemic barriers these individuals face, we create an environment where real second chances are possible,” said Miller.
Commitment to Social Equity
This expanded partnership underscores LegalZoom’s broader mission to advance social equity and economic opportunity for underrepresented communities. Many of these individuals face significant challenges related to employment history, race and ethnicity, gender identity, and incarceration.
Through its partnership with Defy Ventures, LegalZoom is paving the way for meaningful transformation, proving that mental health is a cornerstone of personal and professional success. By focusing on trauma-informed care, this collaboration offers hope, empowerment, and the resources needed to rebuild lives and communities.
Related topics:
