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Meet Azariah, the heart behind Lifting Spirits Higher Ministries. Growing up on the tough streets of West Side Chicago, Azariah faced more than his fair share of challenges. After spending time in prison, he turned his life around and found his calling in ministry.

In this Q&A story on the impact of reentry cash assistance, we spoke with Perri, who navigated the challenging path of getting back on your feet upon being released on parole. After living in a sober house for two years, Perri discovered the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in Denver, which promptly placed them on a beautification transitional work crew and provided a job coach.

Some people like working in customer service, but not Brian. Brian loves it. In fact, it’s his passion. A native of the West Coast beaches, Brian recalls working in customer service since he was 16.

Shamar was raised by good women—from his great-grandma, the family matriarch, to his own mother—and he knows how important it is to respect and honor the women in his life.

Edris knows the value of being teachable and gaining new skills. Growing up in the projects of Flint, Michigan, his first job was washing dishes in a busy restaurant when he was 16. Edris saw each duty in the kitchen as an opportunity to learn something new.

Many voices often go unheard, and the journey of individuals impacted by the justice system can be both challenging and transformative. The JustLeadership USA (JLUSA) program empowers those with lived experiences to reclaim their narratives and advocate for meaningful change.

When Robert stepped out of prison, he had nothing but the clothes on his back. He had no money, no place to live, and no food, but he had one thing that would set him apart from everyone else and possibly save his future – his art.

When mail call came on the U.S. Naval carrier each week, every sailor would get quiet and listen closely for their name being called, hoping that someone from home – a sweetheart, a parent, a friend – would write to them and break the monotony of the six-week voyage to Korea. On one of those days, 18-year-old Michael would get a letter from his mother that would change his life forever.

Anthony is in disbelief. He doesn't understand what has changed since speaking to the landlord on the phone that morning. He’s been living in a transition house for the last nine months, but Anthony only has one week until he has to move out. Then he will be homeless, and he expects his parole officer will certainly violate him.

Darneicea Day, Site Director of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Los Angeles location, has journeyed down a winding and resilient road to reach her current position.

Abu, the youngest of ten kids raised in Chicago, has never been one to coast through anything in life; when he develops a passion for something, whether it be Scrabble, public speaking, or manufacturing operations, he goes all in. “I was raised to work,” says Abu. “I learned early on that if you are dedicated to something and set goals, then you can succeed.”

Feeling guilty and even a little ashamed, Prince showed his identification to the election poll worker, realizing this was his first time voting after leaving incarceration. Although he had voted previously in other elections, this one felt different.