By Neely Wester | Program Associate
This summer our formerly incarcerated members in our Reentry Book Club have not taken a break from their year-round learning journeys! From graduations, to employment, to being recognized by the NFL Foundation for their passion and determination to build each other up, we have so many reasons to celebrate our members. Thank you for your support of our community, which gives us even more reason to celebrate. As the accomplishments of our members show, we are better when we all work together.
New Chapters: Graduations
We want to extend hearty congratulations to all of our members who have graduated from a variety of programs over the past few months. Anthony, Andre and DeAngelo recently completed the intensive Building Futures Construction Pre-Apprenticeship program, where they earned certifications and are now ready to begin careers with growth opportunities! Joe and Donald graduated from Georgetown University’s Pivot Program, a one-year program for formerly incarcerated individuals that blends academic work and supported employment to provide leadership and professional development. We are so proud of Anthony, Andre, DeAngelo, Joe, and Donald, and are excited to watch as they continue to pursue their professional goals!
Camaraderie and Inspiration at the Job Readiness Apprenticeship
Our July Job Readiness and Personal Skill Building Apprenticeship was both an exchange of support among members and workshops on practical skills such as interviewing, public speaking, understanding workplace norms, and conflict resolution. Member Joe gave a presentation to the apprentices on starting his own nonprofit improving health outcomes of Black communities. Hearing directly from fellow members on their reentry journeys always provides an invaluable source of motivation and hope. Marquell, one of our apprentices, reflected on how hearing Joe’s accomplishments helps him, “Know it can be done, and it’s not impossible.”
Working from the Kitchen to the Road
An important component of Free Minds is exposing our members to a broad array of career options. At our apprenticeship in July, members heard from DC Central Kitchen, a DC nonprofit that provides culinary training, thus sparking Kelvin’s interest in the field. He recently gained employment as an assistant manager for a chef, where he will receive training to advance his career within the culinary world. Meanwhile, Irving recently started a job at a local hospital in the linen department. A long-held dream became reality for Brandon, who recently obtained license tags for his own tractor trailer and has started his own trucking business.
“True Team Members” NFL Player on Peer Support Program
This June, 11 members graduated from our Peer Support Training Program! This 12-week cohort trains participants on trauma-informed care, healthy boundaries, social and emotional support, and crisis response. Graduates of the program, called “Peer Supporters,” are matched with “Peer Support Partners,” who are fellow members recently home from prison; the Peer Supporters provide one-on-one encouragement and social emotional support to their partners. This graduation was extra special, as we were gifted with a personal video from Arizona Cardinals Offensive Tackle, Kelvin Beachum. Kelvin is a member of the NFL Players Coalition Task Force, who selected Free Minds as a recipient of NFL Foundation's Inspire Change grant for our Peer Support Training Program. Kelvin stated, “Y’all have demonstrated great commitment and dedication to your fellow members, helping them as they transition home from incarceration. We applaud you for that. You are true team members. Thank you for all that you do, and keep up the great work.”
The evening was filled with jubilant reflections and shared gratitude for the program which, in addition to skilled knowledge, also builds compassionate friendships, support, and personal healing. Graduate James shared, “This program is very powerful. The ripple effects from the positive energy continue to spill over into the community.”
You are part of that community James is talking about. As we continue to feel positive energy and support from you, we hope that feeling is reciprocated to you. Thank you for being a part of our community!
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