Former Inmate Transforms Closed Prison into Recidivism Reduction Campus

Kerwin Pittman, a former inmate who served 11 and a half years for conspiracy to commit murder, has made history by becoming the first ex-prisoner to purchase a prison in the United States. In November 2025, Pittman acquired the vacant Wayne County Correctional Center in Goldsboro, North Carolina, for $275,000. His vision is to transform the facility into the Recidivism Reduction Campus, aimed at supporting formerly incarcerated individuals in their reintegration into society.

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After his release eight years ago, Pittman founded the nonprofit Recidivism Reduction Educational Program Services, Inc. (RREPS), which focuses on reducing re-offending rates among formerly incarcerated individuals. The organization offers various services, including an anti-recidivism hotline, mentorship programs, and mobile resource centers. The impetus for the Recidivism Reduction Campus stems from Pittman's own experiences and the challenges faced by many individuals upon re-entry into society, where 44% of those released from North Carolina state prisons in 2021 were re-arrested within two years.

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Pittman's plan for the Recidivism Reduction Campus includes transitional housing for up to 300 residents, where they will participate in a six-month program designed to help them regain stability. The program will offer industry certifications for high-demand trade jobs, mental health support, and life skills resources. The facility will undergo significant redesigns, including the removal of prison-like features such as barbed-wire fences and dormitory-style housing, transitioning to a more supportive environment akin to a college dorm.

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Pittman emphasized that this initiative is not about perpetuating incarceration but rather about redefining justice in America. He stated, “This effort is not about continuing incarceration. It is a blueprint for transformation, led by those who have lived it.” He aims to demonstrate that investing in individuals who have experienced the criminal justice system can lead to meaningful change.

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While Pittman's vision has garnered support, challenges remain. The project requires approximately $2 million for refurbishment, and funding will rely heavily on private donations, with potential local, state, or federal funding avenues being explored. The success of the campus will depend on community engagement and the ability to secure necessary resources.

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Construction on the Recidivism Reduction Campus has not yet begun, with Pittman estimating a two-year timeline to complete the project. As he works towards this goal, Pittman remains committed to creating a supportive environment for those transitioning from incarceration, aiming to break the cycle of re-offending and foster healing within communities.

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“Me going into the system young, getting in trouble and being able to come out on the other side of that — and to be honest, just following my spirit and God leading the way,” — Kerwin Pittman, Executive Director of RREPS

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“This moment isn’t just about me. It’s about every person who has been counted out, every family waiting for their loved one to come home whole, and every community that deserves healing,” — Kerwin Pittman, on the announcement of the Recidivism Reduction Campus

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