By Sydney Richner | Communications Intern
This season we are celebrating the tenacity and mutual support of Free Minds and its members, who have made tremendous achievements despite many challenges this past year. Free Minds members in our reentry program have developed into leaders, changemakers, and overall beacons of positive, supportive energy within our community. As we reflect on this fall, we are proud to share several key accomplishments. We welcomed and congratulated graduates of our Peer Support Training program, 15 members completed our Job Readiness and Personal Skill-Building Apprenticeship, and many members secured employment—now able to provide for themselves and their families. These successes could not have been possible without your support and, as the year comes to a close, we honor these milestones and look ahead to even more in 2025.
Celebrating our 12 Peer Support Graduates: Creating a Stronger Community through Communication
Recently, we celebrated the graduation of our newest cohort from Free Minds’ Peer Support Training program. After completing the 12-week program, these graduates have honed essential skills such as social-emotional learning, understanding trauma triggers, setting healthy boundaries, resolving conflicts, responding to mental health crises, and building trust. With these tools in hand, they are ready to make a positive impact by supporting and guiding their peers.
Che and Edward, the program facilitators, spoke about how the Peer Support Training program creates a space for both vulnerability and growth. Graduate Terrell reflected on the importance of such environments, where individuals can open up about the challenges of reentry, knowing they have the support of those who truly understand. In a heartfelt moment, Keonte shared a poem that honored his fellow graduates, celebrating the strength and promise they bring to the community. His poem included these powerful words:
“For my brothers that's graduating,
Better know that you're the best
You're the voice, you're the reason,
You're the sunshine in every season
You're the love, you're the movement
You're the talent, so why not use it?”
This graduation was a moving reflection of Free Minds’ core mission—building a platform for individuals to rise above challenges and give back to their communities. The Peer Support group and their shared commitment to uplift one another demonstrates the resilience and unity that are central to building a stronger, more connected community.
15 Free Minds Members Complete Job Readiness and Personal Skill Building Apprenticeship
At Free Minds Book Club, our Apprenticeship Program focuses on building essential skills and setting meaningful goals. This October, participants gained hands-on experience in computer literacy, professional writing, teamwork, and financial literacy. They also attended workshops on relationship-building and how to get their vital documents and driver’s licenses. A special highlight was a tour of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library, where many members got their first library cards. The apprentices also took part in an interview skills workshop and an inspiring vision board session, where they set personal goals for their future success. On the final day, they participated in a budgeting workshop to strengthen their financial management skills and received certificates recognizing their hard work and efforts during the Apprenticeship.
One highlight of the apprenticeship was a budget workshop presented by Allen, Free Minds’ Director of Finance and Operations. After the workshop, member Johnel not only cashed his first check but also took a significant step toward financial independence by opening his very first bank account. This moment marked a major milestone in Johnel’s journey to financial stability and empowerment. It was a powerful reminder of the impact these workshops have on helping our members gain the skills they need to manage their finances and build a secure future.
Free Minds Members At Work
Of course, one of the greatest joys for the Free Minds Reentry team is seeing our members secure employment. Here are some standout Free Minds members at work this season:
With his new role in local transit, Troy is driving change—literally! As a bus driver, Troy ensures people in the greater DC area safely reach their destinations everyday, reminding us all of the vital role skilled and dedicated bus drivers play in keeping our communities connected and moving forward.
Ashley is not only building a brighter future but also helping to protect the planet for the next generation. Currently working for a landscaping and groundskeeping services company, he plays a hands-on role in keeping our streets clean by picking up trash. While enrolled in a computer class and a recent graduate of a 33-week advocacy training, Ashley is also pursuing his long-term goal of earning his Commercial Driver’s License to organize field trips for young people—demonstrating how his dedication to inspiring youth and protecting the environment goes hand in hand to build a more sustainable tomorrow.
Reginald, who works for a nonprofit culinary arts job training program dedicated to combating hunger and poverty, assisted the Free Minds staff at the Jobs Not Guns Fair, representing his organization to share information about their program and recruit new participants. It's truly inspiring to see members like Reginald giving back and supporting fellow returning citizens in their journey.
In addition to building their careers, Free Minds members are also enhancing their tech skills to become fully equipped, working members of society. For example, Ronald recently picked up his first-ever laptop, and with the guidance of Free Minds staff Geoff and Emily, he learned how to use email and Zoom—skills essential for today’s job market.
Every success our members achieve, big or small, is made possible by the unwavering support of our generous donors. Your commitment to their journey helps fuel the progress we see every day. We’re excited to continue celebrating their victories and are eager to share the milestones still to come in the months ahead!
Links:
By Dalton Greene | Communications Intern
By Makenna Lindsay | Communications Intern
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
