Programs discouraging violence grow at critical time

"It's kind of a weird way to start a career..."
Brandon Chrostowski's journey to becoming a respected chef didn't begin the way anyone would expect.
Himself included.
"I got arrested," he explains.
But thanks to a mentor who happened to be a chef, he soon found the recipe for a brighter future.
Chrostowski founded EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute.
It's a nonprofit to help offenders or those at risk of becoming one find purpose and opportunity.
"(You) have a place where someone's got your back," Chrostowski says. "And within that place there's a skill that's taught to the top. And when you have an elite skill, you're always employable."
The program boasts a less than one percent recidivism rate, and has helped people of all ages rebuild their lives.
"Right now we have a class of about 30 and we have another class next week where 50 people applied," says Chrostowski.
For Kristin Biggs, the path to helping others has been especially painful.
"I don't want anybody in Chicago or in Atlanta, nobody to feel what I feel," recalling how her son Reshaud - 17 for only a day - died at the hands of a gunman.
"When you're going through what I'm going through, giving is one of the best things you can do and it makes me feel better when we give."
Biggs formed Release and Unleash - aimed at parents and especially their kids.
Three months ago, she started hosting workshops teaching financial literacy, mental health awareness and other skills.
Wednesday, she wrapped up her first series of sessions, looking to make positivity not just consistent, but permanent.
"They feel like they don't have anywhere to go," says Biggs. "They're just trying to find and outlet to what's going on in their own minds."
Two programs, one mission: helping people realize there is help...and hope.