Support for DC's Previously Incarcerated Youth

Summer is a time of growth, warmth, and Free Minds members rising to new challenges and discovering fresh opportunities. Members have graduated from training programs, landed jobs, and deepened their journeys as lifelong learners through our educational workshops and literary spaces.

Discovering Resilience Through Stories

Our Reentry Book Club, The Build Up, continues to thrive with about 160 members gathering weekly to build each other up, share encouragement, and celebrate every milestone on the journey home. Each week, members come together in a safe space where they remind one another that no setback is final and no dream is too far to reach.

Recently, members have been reading Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. In his book, 50 talks about how people hold themselves back when they give in to excuses or give up too soon. He urges readers to outthink obstacles, own their mistakes, and keep pushing forward no matter what life throws their way.

During one of our sessions, members opened up about moments when they gave up too early, how they find the strength to keep going, and what it means to get back up after a fall. Here’s what some had to share:

“When I hit a setback, I remind myself where I came from.” - Marvin

“Theres’s always something more positive to gravitate towards…I may not know what I want to do next, but it has to be something good.” - Derrick

Celebrating Our Latest Apprenticeship Cohort

Our latest Job Readiness & Personal Skill Building Apprenticeship Program concluded in April, with a new cohort of dedicated Free Minds members ready to step confidently into sustainable careers. Over the course of the program, apprentices strengthened their workplace skills through hands-on workshops in interview techniques, job readiness, workforce development, and financial literacy. They also created vision boards to map out their future goals and found inspiration and encouragement through poetry, community discussions, and meaningful moments of giving back.Guided by our committed staff and guest speakers, the cohort gained practical tools, from budgeting tips to tech expertise and celebrated their growth together over shared meals and powerful conversations. Many graduates are now moving into jobs and continuing to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.We are so proud of their hard work, vision, and determination, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish next!

Honoring Our Peer Support Graduates

On Wednesday, May 21st, we held the Joshua Samuel Memorial Peer Support Training Program Graduation, a virtual event celebrating our newest class of ten trained Peer Supporters.

This program honors the legacy of Free Minds member Joshua Samuel, who championed the importance of addressing the emotional and traumatic impacts of incarceration. After 12 weeks of intensive training, these Peer Supporters are now partnering one-on-one with Free Minds members returning home, providing critical encouragement and emotional wellness support during reentry.

As graduate Mark shared, “That’s what makes this training so effective... all of us being this committed to a better future means everything.” And graduate Victor also spoke saying, “All these Free Minds programs that I’ve been able to be a part of have been a life-changing experience for me.”

Congratulations to our ten graduates for their dedication and commitment to this training. We are confident they will continue building a stronger, more supportive community for Free Minds and for the world. 

Member Spotlight: Immanuel’s Amazing Start!

We are thrilled to highlight Immanuel, who after being incarcerated for twelve years, has only been back home for two months and is already making incredible strides forward. In this short time, Immanuel has shown unwavering determination to rebuild his life and achieve his goals.

Since returning home, Immanuel secured a part-time job working for a moving company every Friday and Saturday. Not stopping there, he also landed another job where he works throughout the week. On top of his employment success, Immanuel recently earned his driver’s license, a huge milestone that he is rightfully proud of.

Immanuel has shared how happy he feels about checking off so many goals in such a short time and is excited about all the accomplishments still to come. His drive and positive spirit inspire us all, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for him.

Thank you for supporting our members like Immanuel as they continue to grow, achieve, and thrive. Together, we celebrate these powerful moments of progress and possibility!