By Neely Wester | Program Associate
Happy Spring from the Free Minds Family! A huge thanks to you all; with your help you have enabled our reentry program to continue to innovate and provide a safe and therapeutic program for our members returning home. Despite the challenges members face, your support has created space for members to be in community and solidarity with one another. The collective power and camaraderie shown through members' support of one another has been outstanding and inspiring. Your indelible support has made this crucial material and mental health support possible. Thank you!
Welcome, New Congressman John Lewis Fellow: Gene
Gene, our newest Congressman John Lewis Fellow, started his fellowship in January! Gene is a Washington, D.C. native and Free Minds member who was recently released from prison after serving 21 years. His release came after the passage of the Second Look Amendment Act, a DC law offering young people with extreme sentences an opportunity for resentencing. After his release, he was selected as the Congressman John Lewis Fellow. Gene also serves as a Poet Ambassador and as the Vice Chair of Thrive Under 25, a transformative coalition in the District that uses advocacy, legislation, and public education to end the racist, damaging, and punitive responses of DC’s adult criminal legal system toward people who came into contact with the system when they were under age 25. Gene is passionate about giving back to the youth and building up the DC community. Gene uses poetry and storytelling to raise awareness about the root causes of incarceration and to promote hope and healing through the arts. His poetry touches on various salient topics such as racial justice, the prison industrial complex, collective power, and love.
Congratulations To Our Newest Peer Support Graduates
A huge congratulations to our newest graduates as we celebrate a very important part of Free Minds—the support from fellow members to help navigate the challenging road of reentry. This spring, 13 members graduated from our Peer Support Training Program, a 12-week program that equips members with the skills, resources, and support to help each other navigate the challenges of reentry. The graduation ceremony was filled with emotional sharing and nonstop shoutouts. Graduation speaker Sunny shared, "[Peer Support Training] was like food for the soul. It was so great for me... I'm extremely grateful for the men who facilitated and attended the group."
After graduation, Peer Supporters are partnered with a Free Minds member coming home from incarceration, checking in with them weekly to provide one-on-one encouragement and emotional wellness support. These men went through 12 weeks of training to be able to support their fellow members because they are committed to fostering an environment of healing and positive energy to guide their fellow Free Minds members in their journey to reenter society, no matter the stage of development they are in.
When You Hear Me (You Hear Us)
At our weekly Reentry Book Club, “The Build Up,” members discussed excerpts from our latest anthology, When You Hear Me (You Hear Us): Voices on Youth Incarceration. Members used the text to spark profound reflections on the unique circumstances of transitioning home after incarceration, including the effect this has on communication. During group discussions, members shared the challenges communicating with different groups of people, such as women and children, as well as relearning how to converse with people they already knew prior to incarceration. Members also discussed neighborhood pride, and how systemic oppression intentionally destroys Black communities.
Job Readiness Apprenticeship
In February, we hosted another Job Readiness and Personal Skill Building Apprenticeship, where reentry members were trained on topics including computer literacy, job interview skills, and how to dress for success. Members also heard from fellow reentry members Gary and Antraun about the challenges and the successes they’ve had in the workforce. They discussed the importance of creating action plans, practicing patience, and being open to new possibilities. Gary shared: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and reach out to your reentry coach for support. Have a plan and don’t give up. Everything takes time.”
Celebrating Free Minds Members’ Accomplishments
We would like to extend a huge congratulations to our reentry members who are working hard to achieve their goals. Members Malik and Jerard graduated from the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement’s Pathways Program, a transitional employment opportunity that aims to improve system-involved DC resident’s employment and education options. Member Kwame, who just came home in March, has already secured a job in the culinary arts industry as a cook. Meanwhile member Darnell began working with a janitorial company. A team of Free Minds members also collected donations of warm clothing, coats, and shoes and donated the items to people experiencing homelessness. These are just a few of our members’ latest accomplishments– 86% of our reentry members are currently employed, while the recidivism rate is 8%. We are so proud of all of our members, who continue to inspire and pursue new opportunities!
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By Justin Schnebelen | Project Intern
By Araba Dennis | Intern
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