Al Copeland,
Evangelism
Al Copeland has 15 years experience in the field of Human Services, with extensive knowledge of substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health issues. He is a Licensed Alcohol Drug Clinician (LADC-II), a Certified Alcohol Drug Addiction Counselor (CADAC), and is licensed in batterers’ intervention counseling. Highly respected by his professional peers, he was honored by the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Corporations of Massachusetts with the Provider Recognition Award for Outstanding and Dedicated Service to the Field of Substance Abuse in 2003. He has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and a Master's of Science Degree in Organization, Management & Leadership, both from Springfield College. In 2010, Mr. Copeland received certification as an Offender Workforce Development Specialist from the National Institute of Corrections in San Antoine, Texas.
Since 2007, Al has worked at the Boston Ten Point Coalition as a reentry case manager of the BRI. The Boston Reentry Initiative (BRI) is a partnership between the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, the Boston Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office. BRI creates a formal inter-agency support system for inmates before their release from the House of Correction.
As a reentry case manager, his responsibility is to assist male ex-offenders ages 17 to 33 years to navigate the criminal justice system, as well as life after incarceration. Al provides life coaching, mentoring and generates services that fit their individual needs. He attributes his dedication to serving this population to his faith in God, passion for community building, and his desire for a safe and prosperous community.
Because of his commitment to Social Justice and second chances, Mr. Copeland is actively involved with Boston Workers Alliance (BWA), an agency that addresses the issue of CORI reform.
Al lives at home with his wife Valerie Copeland.