Meet Edward Andrews | Executive Director/ Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Edward Andrews and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Edward, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
As i was released from prison, I had immediately observed the gap in which many other existence agencies overlooked. Due to my lived-experience I saw the demand for the services in which we provide at SCRIP.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Individuals in the inner-city and those release from prisons are not getting the proper treatment. For example: when one does a crime, or repeatedly return to prison or use drugs, the mass look down on these individuals as if they are low lives. What the mass failed to realize many of the people use drugs and commit crimes because of their untreated trauma issues. I am talking about Urban Trauma, generational, prison and so when many of these people feel hopeless, next, their self-hatred explodes. When a person returns home, many places want them to get a job, not knowing, getting a job can be a huge trigger if one do not address the root of the cause. At SCRIP, this differentiates us from others. Due to my lived-experiences, I implement the overlooked elements which anchored us marginalized people in being successful. We concentrate on the trauma first, next the guys meet 1.1 with trauma specialist therapist, then we assist with employment (career developer and financial literature), lastly we assist with finding apartments. SCRIP opened it first residential Development Center December 1st. The residents cannot work for the first three months (we pay for 6 months), our wrap around services include: trauma intervention, sexologist, 1.1 with therapist, career developer, financial literature, nutritionist, physical trainer and yoga/meditation.
After 3rd months we already have a job lined up for them. This is the difference. The guys have to want to invest in themselves first.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had to be honest with you, many people know and get at me for not going no where. Either I am in the office or pretty much at home. I am from Brooklyn, NY. The places I knew to visit was the Statute of Liberty, Apollo, 5th Avenue, Carolina’s Restaurant, back then it was Sylvia- in CT the restaurants I would include but not limited to is: Sandra’s, Mama’s, Hot Pot in Hartford, Queens Delight in Bridgeport, Rock-n-Chicken, Qui Meso and Chowder Pot.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank Allah/ God. I want to thank Hartford Foundation, Hispanic Federation, Bissell Foundation, CT State Judicial Branch, Goldfarb, BFA and Allen Family. I want to thank my family for their support and the SCRIP’s team and board members. Lastly, I want to thank Kelm Academy, Florida State University and Dr. Maysa Akbar and her team.

Website: www.scripconnect.org

Instagram: scrip.connection@gmail.com

Linkedin: scrip.connection@gmail.com

Twitter: scripconnection

Facebook: scrip.connection

Youtube: scrip

Image Credits
Edward Andrews with State Rep Robyn Porter and Charles Grady Inductee me into the Hall of Change Edward Andrews sitting down with James (Bimmy) Antney at Rock-n-Chicken Edward Andrews congratulating Mr. Benito Lugo for his hard work – assisting with mentoring and Case managing