In the News
(PRESS RELEASE) Innovative “Master Plan” Program to be Implemented in Albany Juvenile Detention Program
“The Master Plan” Developer Chris Wilson Personally Training Mentors in Albany,
New York’s First Test Site
Berkshire Farm Center, working with the Chris Wilson Foundation, will be implementing an innovative
new program to provide support to juvenile offenders at the Albany County Juvenile Detention Center.
The new program trains local mentors who, themselves, were previously incarcerated to implement The
Master Plan, a 12-unit program based on Wilson’s book designed to promote resilience and autonomy
in the incarcerated individual and to strengthen the life skills of those who are planning for reentry into
the community.
Chris Wilson was born and raised in Washington, D.C. At the age of 17, he was charged with a crime,
convicted, and sentenced to natural life in prison. During times of isolation he decided to not only to
turn his life around, but to make a difference in the lives of people who currently live in poverty-stricken
communities similar to his childhood surroundings.
While imprisoned, he earned his high school diploma, graduated from all of the vocational shops,
earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Sociology from Anne Arundel Community College, and taught
himself to speak and write in several foreign languages. Wilson became a mentor, started a career
center and book club and, after serving 16 years in prison, he has returned to society a changed man. He
now resides in Baltimore and is the owner and founder of the Barclay Investment Corporation, a multi
service social enterprise, specializing in residential and commercial contracting work.
The Chris Wilson Foundation was developed to help provide support those who struggled with the same
barriers to opportunity, education, and employment that he did after 16 years in prison. The Master
Plan program has been tested in one other state and is now being implemented for the first time in New
York State.
Chris Wilson will be in Albany and available on Friday, January 27 at noon to meet with you to discuss
his life story and, with professionals from Berkshire Farm Center, introduce the new program being
implemented in Albany.
This is an important – and inspirational – story that will fascinate your viewers, readers and listeners.
Please let me know ASAP if you’d like to schedule an interview!