Our Story
The First Free Breath Foundation was born from a deeply personal place.
In 1995 two of Kyanna Garrett's brothers were wrongfully convicted and incarcerated — a reality that has shaped her understanding of justice, family, and financial survival in ways that no textbook ever could. For over 30 years Kyanna has watched her family navigate a system that does not make it easy for incarcerated individuals or their loved ones to access the resources, education, or financial support they need to survive — let alone rebuild.
The First Free Breath Foundation exists because of them. And because of every family like theirs.
Our Mission
The First Free Breath Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial literacy education and wraparound support services for two communities that are consistently underserved:
Families of incarcerated individuals — the mothers, spouses, children, and siblings who are often left behind to manage household finances alone, navigate legal costs, and maintain stability under extraordinary pressure.
Returning citizens — men and women reentering society after incarceration who face significant barriers to employment, housing, banking access, and financial independence.
We believe that financial literacy is not a luxury. For these communities it is survival. It is the difference between breaking a cycle and repeating it.
What We Do
The First Free Breath Foundation delivers programming and resources in three areas:
Financial literacy workshops and curriculum — practical, accessible financial education covering budgeting, credit building, banking access, and income development for families and returning citizens.
Wraparound support navigation — connecting families and returning citizens with community resources, legal aid organizations, reentry programs, and financial assistance networks.
Advocacy and awareness — educating communities, institutions, and partners about the financial barriers facing incarcerated families and returning citizens and building bridges to the resources that can help.
Our Status
The First Free Breath Foundation is incorporated in the State of Ohio and holds an Employer Identification Number. We are actively working toward full 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. All inquiries about partnership, programming, sponsorship, or support are welcome.
Our Founder
Kyanna Garrett founded The First Free Breath Foundation as an extension of the mission she built Mo2V8 Enterprises around — that financial truth and financial tools should be available to everyone regardless of their circumstances or the systems that have worked against them.
This work is not separate from Mo2V8. It is the heartbeat of it.
Two of her brothers have been represented by the Ohio Innocence Project and attorney Kimberly Corral in their ongoing wrongful conviction case. Their fight for justice is ongoing. The Foundation is Kyanna's answer to the question of what she can do while she waits for the system to make things right — and long after it does.
Get Involved
The First Free Breath Foundation is actively seeking:
Community partners and organizations serving incarcerated families and returning citizens in Ohio and beyond.
Sponsors and donors who want to invest in financial literacy programming for underserved communities.
Volunteers and subject matter experts in financial services, legal aid, mental health, and reentry support.
Speaking and workshop opportunities in correctional facilities, reentry programs, community organizations, and faith communities.
To inquire about partnership, sponsorship, or programming please reach out directly.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 513-268-1029
In His service.
Kyanna Garrett, Founder