Support for DC's Previously Incarcerated Youth

This summer has been an incredible continuation of our work in reentry programs, member-led advocacy, and support for formerly incarcerated DC residents. Thanks to the assistance and continual encouragement of everyone, our members continue to bring real change to our communities. 

“I chose Gateway so I will not have to take the hate way.”

In April, 3 formerly incarcerated Free Minds members, known as Poet Ambassadors, traveled with staff to New Haven, Connecticut for an On the Same Page: Poetry in the Classroom and Community event with Gateway Community College. It was our second time visiting the college. For Poet Ambassador Deangelo, being invited to connect with the students for a second time was deeply meaningful. He showed his gratitude by writing a poem dedicated to Gateway:

Trip to Gateway

I chose Gateway so I will not have to take

the hate way. We all have something in common

and that’s to see the next day So I say I

chose Gateway to make a better way…

It’s not because of the color of one’s skin or

the language he or she speaks it’s the strength

that we have as one where no one can say we are

weak…

Free Minds is what I stand for visiting Gateway

for a second time, this time I planned for I smiled

the whole trip back to D.C. making my wishes

then that I would have another chance to

visit C.T…

Now I’m here again wouldn’t you guys say that’s a

Win, the last time I was here I smiled ear to ear

The staff was cool and the way the students got

involved

They ruled…

So I say I chose Gateway because I know how to

walk the straight way so no matter what you do and

what happens in your life keep your head up and

keep those feet walking to the next day Now that’s

the only way…

When asked how he felt after reading his poem at Gateway, Deangelo expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response from  students and faculty alike. He wrote this poem as a thank you to Gateway, but instead felt the admiration and thanks that Gateway had for him. This is a true testament to the uniting power of poetry!

Free Minds Members Advocate for Change 

Free Minds members have been amplifying their voices throughout the summer in support of a  changed, healed DC. They have testified in hearings for several local legislative efforts, including the Safer Stronger Amendment Act of 2023. This proposed act includes legislation that would increase pretrial detention, particularly for youth, and make it harder for people to receive resentencing under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA). IRAA provides resentencing eligibility for people given long-term sentences if they were under 25 years old at the time of the crime.

At the DC Council hearing for this bill, Free Minds members testified against this bill and in support of the beneficial impact of IRAA. Each member shared stories about the volunteer work that they do, the positive and healthy relationships that they have with the community, and how this second chance at life is at the credit of IRAA. They shared that having the opportunity to receive IRAA gave them newfound hope for their lives. With over 150 public witnesses signed up to speak, the hearing finished close to midnight. It was an emotional and empowering event for our members to be heard by the legislators of our city. Each person spoke from their heart, with one member stating, “If this bill is passed and IRAA is changed, it will steal the hope from those who have yet to be given a second chance at life that they so deserve.”

When it comes to legislation on crime, the words of one Free Minds member at the public hearing ring true: “Let’s do something that we haven’t done before, and, when we want to institute the power of justice, let us lead with love and not punishment.”

Free Minds members also testified at a DC Council hearing in support of the FRESH STARTS Act. This act provides plans and allocates money to distribute nutritious food to the DC Jail. On this topic, our members shared how unhealthy and unsanitary food has caused continual health problems such as high cholesterol and undiagnosed gut issues. They shared how guards threatened to deny food to people, and people would rather starve or buy food from vending machines than eat what was served. Our members are committed to advocating for access to nutritious food for all incarcerated people.

Thank you for supporting our members as they continue to lead community change throughout DC.

Grow with Google

In July, Free Minds hosted a “Grow with Google” informational session to support members with technology and avoid scams. This was hugely successful, as each member was eager to learn how to use online programs and software that they hadn’t been exposed to before. The program gave information on how to open Google Docs, verify sources and websites by searching them on google, and the signs that something online might be a scam. We’re proud of the motivation that our members have in their reentry!

Success with Apprenticeships 

We hosted another successful Job Readiness and Personal Skill Building Apprenticeship this past June, with 12 members attending. This program gives our members more knowledge on topics of financial literacy, career management, and digital literacy so that they can continue to contribute to their communities and meet their reentry goals.

On the first day, members took a field trip to the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Library. Members received a library tour from fellow Free Minds member Charles, who works there. On the tour, members learned about the library's various resources, such as career coaching and peer outreach programs that assist with obtaining IDs and finding medical care, housing, and employment. At the end of the tour, members applied for their library cards to begin taking advantage of the many resources they learned about.

The Free Minds members who participated in the June Job Readiness and Personal Skill Building Apprenticeship program are already reaching their goals. Several have since started new jobs. One member, Maurice, has started at the DC Central Kitchen Culinary Arts Training Program. This will enable him to have a career in the culinary field, which has been a passion of his for over 20 years!

Free Minds member Sean became interested in his credit after participating in a Financial Literacy presentation. With support from his Free Minds coaches, he was put in contact with a business expert for guidance and advice to attain an LLC.

Other members have completed construction training programs earning an OSHA 30, First Aid/CPR, and Flagger certifications. We are proud of all the accomplishments that our members recently home have achieved in their new journeys!

Thank you for being a Free Minds champion and part of our strong community of support.