Who We Serve

Who We Serve

RARE Academy supports a diverse community of individuals and organizations who are committed to growth, opportunity, and meaningful change. Our work centers lived experience, but our impact reaches across systems, sectors, and communities. 

System-Impacted Individuals

We serve people whose lives have been shaped or constrained by various systems—including the criminal legal system, racism and discrimination, child welfare and foster care, homelessness, domestic violence, substance use systems, and cycles of generational poverty.

Whether someone is returning from incarceration or navigating other forms of systemic harm, we provide holistic support that strengthens digital skills, workforce readiness, emotional healing, leadership capacity, and long-term stability. 

Nonprofits and Community Organizations

We collaborate with mission-aligned, community-based partners to expand their capacity, strengthen their reentry and peer-support models, enhance digital literacy, and adopt trauma-informed approaches. Together, we build programs that empower individuals and transform communities. 

Government Agencies

We work alongside city, county, and state agencies to co-create equitable solutions, provide training, and support workforce, housing, and community reintegration initiatives. Our Systems Simulation helps agencies better understand barriers and design more effective policies. 

Businesses and Employers

We support employers in building inclusive workplaces that recognize the value, resilience, and skills of system-impacted individuals.
RARE helps businesses:

• Develop equitable and trauma-informed hiring practices

• Build pathways for peer support specialists within their workforce

• Create stronger onboarding and retention strategies

• Increase workplace empathy, safety, and supervisor readiness for supporting diverse employees

We believe employers play a powerful role in reshaping opportunity, and we help them lead the way.

Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life

Recognizing the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life, we extend our services to support them in accessing resources, strengthening community ties, and overcoming employment and housing barriers. Our peer support model ensures veterans have guidance from those who understand both transition and systemic obstacles.

Leaders, Trainers, and Change-Makers

We serve those responsible for training and influencing others — from employers developing staff, to nonprofits preparing volunteers, to funders, stakeholders, and decision-makers shaping policies and investments. The Systems Simulation is a powerful tool for building shared understanding, aligning teams, and equipping leaders with the insight to advance equity. Whether you are training employees, mobilizing a board, or engaging a coalition, we provide an interactive learning experience that translates awareness into action.