Edward L. Andrews leads from experience—and builds with purpose.

A sociologist, author, lecturer, urban trauma specialist, and the founder of SCRIP, Edward combines lived experience with disciplined program design to help people rediscover who they are.

Edward L. Andrews speaking at a SCRIP event — Founder & Executive DirectorEdward L. Andrews

“I created SCRIP so people would have more than a way home. They would have a way forward.”

The story behind the mission

Lived experience became a blueprint for change.

After serving 22 years of incarceration and returning home in 2016, Edward understood that freedom alone does not remove the barriers people carry with them. Trauma, broken relationships, stigma, unemployment, unstable housing, and limited support can make reentry feel like another sentence.

In 2019, he founded SCRIP to create the kind of coordinated pathway he knew was missing—one that addresses behavior and healing while connecting people to education, counseling, employment, housing, mentorship, and community.

That vision grew into ASCEND, SCRIP’s structured behavioral intervention system, and a family of programs serving adults and young people across correctional and community settings.

SCRIP leaders connecting at a community event — Community leadershipCreating spaces for honest conversation

Community members gathered around SCRIP outreach tables — Program reachMeeting people where they are

A large gathering of SCRIP community members and partners — The networkAchievement supported by a community

Leadership & recognition

Experience recognized across corrections, justice, and community leadership.

Edward’s work reaches beyond SCRIP’s program rooms—from preparing future correctional professionals to building relationships with leaders across Connecticut’s justice and civic systems.

Edward Andrews teaching a class of Connecticut Department of Correction cadets — Training & educationEdward Andrews teaching Connecticut DOC cadets.

Edward Andrews beside the Connecticut Hall of Change Great 8 display — Connecticut Hall of ChangeRecognized as a 2022 Great 8 inductee.

Edward Andrews with the Honorable Judge Tindill in a Connecticut courtroom — Justice leadershipEdward Andrews with the Honorable Judge Tindill.

Former Connecticut House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz speaking at a SCRIP gathering — Civic engagementFormer Connecticut House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz speaking with the SCRIP community.

Edward Andrews with Deputy Chief State's Attorney Lisa M. D'Angelo and a justice-system leader — Justice-system relationshipsEdward Andrews with Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Lisa M. D’Angelo and a justice-system leader.

Leadership philosophy

People deserve accountability without losing their dignity.

See the whole person

A person’s history matters, but it does not have to define the limits of their future.

Address what sits beneath behavior

Lasting change requires the courage and support to examine trauma, patterns, choices, and relationships.

Build structure around hope

Compassion becomes more powerful when it is paired with clear roles, standards, documentation, and follow-through.

Measure what matters

Completion is meaningful, but progress must also be observed in behavior, stability, employment, connection, and sustained freedom.

The people behind the work

A multidisciplinary team united by one mission.

SCRIP’s strength comes from professionals who respect each other’s role and work together around the whole person.

Meet SCRIP’s Board of Directors

Program Manager

Mary Jane “MJ” Laboy

Coordinates program operations and helps turn SCRIP’s model into consistent, participant-centered service.

Case Manager

Xaimar Cruz

Connects participants and young people to practical resources, referrals, follow-up, and individualized support.

Clinical Partner

Lisa Janchill, LMSW, LADC

Brings clinical social-work and addiction expertise to SCRIP’s trauma-informed programming and participant support.

Clinical Partner

Jose Avila, LCSW

Brings licensed clinical social-work expertise to SCRIP’s collaborative, trauma-informed approach.

Urban Echoes Media Facilitator

Emanuel “Manny”

Guides young people in podcasting, storytelling, production, and the confidence to use their voices.

A participant engaged during a SCRIP community event — Participant engagementHelping people find and use their voice

One team, distinct roles

Education, clinical care, case management, and mentorship work better together.

ASCEND and SCRIP’s youth programs are intentionally collaborative. Facilitators teach. Clinicians address clinical concerns. Case managers connect participants to resources. Mentors and media professionals create opportunity and belonging.

Explore SCRIP’s programs

Invite Edward to speak · Explore a partnership

Bring lived experience, disciplined leadership, and a proven commitment to transformation into the room.

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