Our History
Better Decisions is a Nashville-based, volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to helping women make better choices and build brighter futures. Since 1985, we have empowered incarcerated and at-risk women through education, mentorship, and compassionate support.
​
Our program combines individualized mentoring with group classes to teach essential life-planning and problem-solving skills. The curriculum was developed with the guidance of Dr. Milton Burglass, the originator of the decision-making program, and with contributions from the Ecumenical Institute and the Schenectady Thresholds program. These foundations, along with years of feedback from students, mentors, and teachers, have created a living curriculum that continues to evolve to meet the needs of our participants.
Our Five-Step Framework
-
See the Situation Clearly – Understand the facts, feelings, and self-image.
-
Know What You Want – Identify goals, values, and priorities.
-
Expand the Possibilities – Explore options beyond the obvious.
-
Evaluate and Decide – Weigh consequences and make informed choices.
-
Act – Implement decisions and reflect on outcomes.
Where We Serve
Better Decisions has a long history of supporting women in the Nashville area. We have been serving at the Tennessee Prison for Women, now renamed the Debra Johnson Rehabilitation Center (DJRC). Since 2023, we have also partnered with Thistle Farms, expanding the reach of the women we serve.
Our Board of Directors
Our dedicated board members bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to empowering women. Many also serve as mentors and guides, chair different committees, and support the growth and impact of the Better Decisions program.
_edited_edited.jpg)
