Support for DC's Previously Incarcerated Youth

This spring has marked a season of continued success as 2023 comes around in full swing. Free Minds members are out and about at job fairs, rallies, and reentry trainings, and they’re making an impact on the community in unimaginable ways. Thank you to everyone who has made this incredible work possible.

Free Minds Welcomes Our Newest Peer Support Graduates

Earlier in March, Free Minds celebrated the newest graduates of our 12-week Peer Support training program. This training highlights the importance of recognizing the trauma of incarceration and the necessity of a strong community network for healing. Each new cohort of graduates honors the legacy of member Joshua, who was a passionate advocate for mental health and trauma healing. Graduates are paired with members in reentry to provide support and care in light of the many challenges the transition home can bring. At the graduation, mentor and writing coach Eyone spoke about the importance of having a network like this one, saying, “peer support is crucial, and it’s our responsibility to help each other out. By sharing our experiences and knowledge, we can all learn and grow together.” The teachings these graduates can bring to the lives of others is invaluable, and the connections they foster last a lifetime. Congratulations to Rick, Ernest, Jamal, Maurice, Ryan, Terrell, Tom, and Zachary for this amazing accomplishment! We are excited to see how they continue to use these skills, and we cannot wait to welcome our next Peer Support cohort down the line.

Building Skills in All Areas

In January, 10 members completed our in-house Job Readiness and Personal Skill Building Apprenticeship, where they received training on job interviews and resume building. Through the Apprenticeship program, members not only gain valuable job readiness skills, but also build social capital and connect with fellow formerly incarcerated members who can support them in their reentry journey and use their lived experience to provide key tips for employment in the short and long term. In March, Free Minds friend Eddie led 11 members through a 4-week educational series on exercises for mindfulness and emotional care in the face of stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. Attendees learned how to acknowledge their traumas and stresses and respond to them in healthy ways. Educational initiatives like these  are just one of the ways members in our reentry program build their skills and connect with resources and support to achieve their goals.

Reentry Members Advocating for the Community

Free Minds staff and members gathered in DC to participate in the #HandsOff DC rally to raise their voices in support of DC statehood and the rights of DC residents. As of right now, DC residents don’t have Congressional representation, and marchers expressed the importance of DC residents’ ability to pass their own legislation with their own democratically elected council.  The event took place during a hearing about Congressional oversight in DC legislation, and members were quick to raise their voices in support of DC residents. Our members gathered with other organizations to show their love and support for their community. Their enthusiasm about DC safety was palpable, and they marched to advocate for DC residents having a say in legislation, schooling, and judicial affairs. It was a day of connection and uplifting voices in the face of systemic oppression, and our members came together to ensure their local community was honored and respected.

Members in the News

We’d like to congratulate our members for representing Free Minds in the news! Nokomis recently appeared on WUSA Channel 9 News to talk about his work with Pathways, a program dedicated to providing others with job readiness skills. Nokomis, who benefitted from Pathways’ assistance in the past, now works there to continue to give back to community members in need. Member Joe, the founder of WeFitDC, was featured in an article by Fox 5 News. In it, Joe talks about the benefits of improved physical health, and how an active lifestyle helps lessen the impacts of challenging conditions. He gives back to his community by bringing everyone together and helping them take charge of their wellness. In March, DCist published an article about Building Blocks DC’s mini-grants and Free Minds member James’s financial literacy work with young people in the city. The article also highlights our members’ participation in educational and motivational workshops that equip them with the tools needed to thrive in the community.