Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Post

Reflecting on the day I entered adult prison as a teenager feels like a lifetime ago, a journey marked by resilience and growth. Today, as the Director of a Progressive Reentry Program, I find solace in the transformative path that led me from those dark days to a place of empowerment and redemption. The weight of uncertainty and fear on that fateful day now serves as a distant reminder of the strength I discovered within. Through the struggles of incarceration, every setback became a lesson, and every challenge an opportunity to rebuild. It was within those prison walls that I discovered my resilience and the untapped potential to make a positive impact. As the Director of a Progressive Reentry Program, I am fueled by the desire to offer others the chance for a different narrative. I've walked the difficult road of reintegration, and it's my mission to guide and support individuals navigating similar paths. The scars of the past are not erased but transformed into a source of empathy, understanding, and motivation. In this role, I witness the transformative power of compassion and second chances. Every success story within the program echoes my own journey, a testament to the belief that people can change, given the right support and opportunities. Today, I stand as a beacon of hope for those who, like me, once felt lost in the shadows of incarceration. The heartache of that initial incarceration has been replaced by a sense of purpose and responsibility. It's a daily commitment to break the cycle, to dismantle the barriers that hinder reentry, and to champion the resilience of the human spirit. Through this work, I've come full circle — from the darkness of imprisonment to the light of empowerment, proving that redemption is not only possible but a journey worth undertaking. #juvenilejustice #reentrymatters #secondchances #empowerment #ourstories #livedexperience #anythingispossible

Reentry is anything but a simple transition from incarceration to freedom. Met with insufficient social support and few opportunities for economic advancement, many justice-impacted individuals return home only to find themselves involved with the legal system soon after—a cycle seen all too frequently in this country. Justice and Mobility Fund Senior Directors, Le'Ann Duran and Scott Nolen, share how we’re working to break this cycle and catalyze mobility for justice-impacted citizens by helping organizations that are tackling problems caused by interaction with the criminal justice system prepare for significant scaling. https://lnkd.in/gACPTYDk #ReentryMatters #CriminalJustice #SecondChances

As a Credible Messenger, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of guidance and support in the lives of incarcerated youth. 1. The Power of Words: Behind the bars of a juvenile justice center, every word carries weight. By speaking life and encouragement into these youths, we can ignite a spark of hope that fuels their journey towards rehabilitation and success. 2. Navigating the Path2Redemption: As a Credible Messenger, my role is akin to a GPS navigator, guiding these young individuals towards a path of positive change. Through mentorship, counseling, and skill-building programs, we equip them with the tools they need to navigate life beyond incarceration. 3. Breaking the Cycle: For many incarcerated youth, the cycle of incarceration seems inevitable. However, by offering support and alternative pathways, we can disrupt this cycle and empower them to envision a future free from the confines of prison walls. Together, we can be the catalysts for change, guiding these young individuals towards a brighter future filled with promise and opportunity. Join me in advocating for the empowerment of our youth, both behind bars and beyond. Learn more by visiting Path2Redemption.org #EmpoweringYouth #JuvenileJustice #CredibleMessenger

It takes time to adjust to life on the outside after years of incarceration. This is an incredibly important concept to remember when we are embarking on re-entry to our communities. The relationships that justice-impacted men and women had with loved ones prior to incarceration are impacted by prolonged periods of separation. Just as we have changed during our imprisonment, they have changed as well. Sometimes, it is difficult to know who we can lean on for support. This is why our re-entry program begins on day one of incarceration, and is tailored to the unique demographic of justice-impacted individuals. #phillipajonesconsultingllc

The I Am a Citizen reentry program participants shared their experiences, providing devastating insights into the flaws of the current system in D.C. and illuminating ways that programs like I Am a Citizen are so helpful for people navigating reentry. . Together, we can do so much more to support our fellow residents returning home following a period of incarceration. There is a lot to be learned by listening to the people most affected by the system, and their lived experience should be at the core of any reform efforts. . Read Report: bit.ly/dcornothingflipbook . #IAmACitizen #Justice #JusticeReform #WashingtonDC

This April, join us in recognizing Second Chance Month, an initiative to raise awareness and improve perceptions of individuals returning from incarceration, encourage second-chance opportunities, and drive momentum for policy change throughout the country. In the United States, one in three adults in the United States has a criminal record, which limits their access to education, jobs, and housing, among other necessary facts of life. Even after completing their sentences, those who have been released from prison face many challenges in addition to widespread social stigma. To read more about Second Chance month, you can read the White House’s proclamation here: https://lnkd.in/eMYjsFcX #secondchancemonth

Did you know securing stable housing within six months of release decreases the likelihood of returning to prison within three years by 60%? Stable housing is not just a roof, it's a key to breaking the cycle of incarceration. Let's invest in reentry programs, support affordable housing, and foster second chances. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gXKxCy4Q

🌟 Excited to share about incredible work being done in reentry and community corrections and an powerful phrase that stuck with me from Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana RRC years ago. 🎖️At Volunteers of America we believe in the power of hope, dignity, and transformation. Our programs offer a second chance to individuals returning from incarceration, providing support every step of the way. 💼 We offer job training, education, and counseling services to help individuals rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. By restoring dignity through respect and empowerment, we pave the way for transformative change. 🌱 Offer hope: After incarceration, individuals often face significant challenges and obstacles. Offering hope means providing support, encouragement, and opportunities for a better future. It's about instilling belief in individuals that they can overcome their past mistakes and build a positive life. 🌱 Restore dignity: Many individuals leaving incarceration may feel a loss of dignity due to societal stigma and the challenges they've faced. Restoring dignity involves treating individuals with respect, empathy, and compassion. It's about recognizing their inherent worth and supporting them in reclaiming their self-esteem and confidence. 🌱 Transform lives: Reentry and community corrections aim to facilitate transformative change in individuals' lives. This involves helping them break the cycle of incarceration, develop new skills, and adopt positive behaviors. Transformation can encompass various aspects, including personal growth, educational achievements, employment opportunities, and strengthened relationships. Overall, this phrase encapsulates the overarching goals and mission of reentry and community corrections programs, which strive to empower individuals, promote rehabilitation, and facilitate successful community reintegration. 🤝 Together, we can break the cycle of incarceration and create a brighter future for all. Join us in making a difference in the lives of those seeking a fresh start. #Reentry #CommunityCorrections #SecondChances #Hope #Dignity #Transformation #HealthyCommunities4all Miguel López | Ninoshka Caballero | Alexander Garcia, MPA | Wendy Soto | Dr. Jerry C. Martinez | Gina Rivera | Jonathan González | Shirley Pabon | Marielle Fernández | Melendez Zelma | Ro-Ellen Sinkewich | Barbara Banaszynski | Asia Gibbs | Tori Kypreos | Miguel López | Junior Dillion, MA, LMHC, Ph.D.

Unlocking a New Life: The Challenges of Reentry after Incarceration Discover the challenges faced by individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration. From finding employment to rebuilding strained family connections, this video sheds light on the important aspects of successful reentry. #ReentryChallenges #LifeAfterIncarceration #EmploymentStruggles #FamilyConnections #OvercomingObstacles #ReintegrationJourney #SecondChance #SupportNetwork #ReentrySuccess #BuildingNewlife

How can you help to make the change possible? https://lnkd.in/eMyfZrnA As years long we are targeting this same problem forever, as 4 states signed EO as change begin. We are targeting 10 million household issues. Can we make 10 million productive workforce instead of spending billions to put them in the box? If you are not 4 states that already signed, what can you do to make it happen in your state? Learning from the pain as April 29th we lost 4 officers in our city. We need to find the resources and create productive programs that making change. Before you can think about what you can do, let's try to ask questions and you may also want to think about them too. 1. Are you or your family members ever incarcerated in past, present? Do you know anyone ever incarcerated? How do you feel about after they released? 2. Are you or your family members ever been any victims of crime? How did you feel as past, present and future? Will you take your pain and hate into your grave? Will you ever forgive? 3. If you never have known anyone ever incarcerated or never been a victim in your lifetime, how do you feel about 2nd chance? 4. If you are an employer, will you train or hire people released from prison? why and why not? There are many reasons for a person to become incarcerated. Shall they be punished for their lifetime?! Below I want to share few links you may want to look into. What can you help to support the EO already signed in your states? Offering with WOTC program. This is a 10 years commitment and it is everyone's effort to make it happened. Is it time for us to find a better solution? references below; https://lnkd.in/ewq7ThGf https://lnkd.in/eniDn2_2 https://lnkd.in/gwZpZNje #re-entry #WOTC #workforce