Support for DC's Previously Incarcerated Youth

Fall is a season of transformation, and at Free Minds, members embody the season with powerful book club discussions  hands-on learning, healing, and celebration, 

Building Strength Through Shared Wisdom

Our Reentry Book Club, The Build Up, continues to grow with an average of 180 members gathering weekly. The current book club selection is a fan favorite, Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood. The book talks about Noah’s background, his journey from growing up biracial during Apartheid, and becoming a global voice for humor, justice, and resilience. One of his quotes sparked a powerful discussion:

“Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime. What they don’t say is, ‘And it would be nice if you gave him a fishing rod.’”

That line struck a deep chord. Jamal reflected, “I’m not looking for a handout. I’m looking for a hand up,” adding that Free Minds has done just that, an important reminder of the barriers that persist and the support systems that make a difference. Another inspiring moment came from our dedicated Young Adult Breakout Room where Lamar commented that, “For the people who come from poverty, your goal should be to find out what’s on the other side.” Thanks to our generous donors we’re able to provide that “fishing rod”—the tools, resources, and opportunities that help our members thrive. Your support helps turn conversations into change, and hope into action. Together, we’re building something extraordinary.

Celebrating Our Latest Apprenticeship Cohort

Our most recent Job Readiness & Personal Skill Building Apprenticeship Program wrapped up in August, with another incredible group of Free Minds members stepping forward into new opportunities. Over the course of one week, apprentices honed their workplace and personal development skills through hands-on sessions in career planning, communication, and financial literacy with reading and writing activities embedded in every session. They shared their goals through vision boards and connected deeply with one another through community-building activities and poetry writing.This unique job readiness program equips our members with the tools to stand out in the workforce, with vital critical thinking, literacy, and communication skills. We are so proud of this cohort’s commitment and growth, and we look forward to seeing their next steps unfold!

Honoring Our New Peer Support Graduates

In October we proudly celebrated the graduation of the newest class of the Joshua Samuel Memorial Peer Support Training Program!

This 12-week course, named in honor of beloved Free Minds member Joshua Samuel, teaches members how to provide trauma-informed emotional support to others returning home from incarceration. Graduate Albert had this to say at the graduation ceremony:

“That feeling of knowing when I communicate…when I share my feelings, my thoughts, no matter how deep I go inside of myself I don’t have to question if someone understands me…The things we accomplished, we accomplished together.”

These graduates are now working with Free Minds members coming home, offering invaluable encouragement and emotional support. Their dedication and leadership continue to inspire us.

September Cookout: Community and Connection

In September, Free Minds staff, members, families, and friends gathered for our annual cookout, a joyful afternoon of laughter, music, and fellowship. Attendees enjoyed delicious grilled food prepared by Reentry Coach Tony and several reentry members who worked the grill, alongside tasty side dishes catered by a local soul food restaurant. Throughout the sunny day, members reconnected and shared stories while kids and adults alike joined in games of flag football and oversized versions of Jenga and Connect Four. Free Minds also brought books and materials for families to enjoy together, celebrating literacy, healing, and togetherness. From the grill to the laughter echoing across the park, every moment reminded us that healing and community go hand in hand. We’re already counting down the days until next year’s celebration!

Educational Workshops: Mental Wellness, Black History, and Financial Literacy

This fall was filled with wellness and education through member-driven, educational workshops and programs, covering topics from emotional wellness and career development to public speaking and financial literacy. These workshops are all voluntary, allowing members to choose areas that best support their individual growth and goals. Over four weeks, the Anxiety and Stress Relief Series offered practical tools for managing stress and building mindfulness through guided exercises and open discussions. The Credit Builders Program helped members continue working toward financial empowerment by improving their credit and developing sustainable money habits. In the Black History Learning Group, participants met and discussed content from the 1619 Project, and selected the book Stamped from the Beginning as their next text, chronicling the history of anti-black racist ideas in America. A new workshop series requested by popular demand was Speak Out, covering public speaking strategies, tips and practical exercises.

Member Spotlight: Rick

Free Minds member Rick came home under DC’s Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) in 2022, after serving nearly 25 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Through IRAA, young people sentenced as adults and given long sentences have the opportunity to petition for resentencing. After his release, Rick immediately took steps to support his children and grandchildren, and to be a caring presence for other young people in his community. In addition to being a nurturing father and grandfather, since coming home, Rick has maintained multiple jobs, working in the maintenance and logistics industries, started his own small business, designing and printing t-shirts, donated t-shirts with affirming messages to public school teachers, and participated weekly in the Free Minds Reentry Book Club, where he says he always learns something new. When asked what motivates him to give back, he said, “It makes me feel accomplished when I can help someone. I don’t want any kids to go through what I went through. I want them to get their education. I want to support teachers because they make such a difference.” Thank you for supporting members like Rick as they return home and continue to lead, inspire, and uplift others. Together, we celebrate these powerful stories of transformation and second chances!