The Connect Conversations, connecting the reentry community in the PNW through healthy dialogue.

Charles Lamont Carson a.k.a. C.C. Dove is a locally and nationally recognized community leader/mobilizer, mentor, and role-model. He created and implemented dozens of community projects, notably the “Late Nite” Youth Outreach Program at the Tacoma Center YMCA, which has remained active for over 30 years. These projects/programs have changed the landscape of Tacoma/Pierce County. He is the Owner and Director of the Foster/Adoption agency, Beautiful Birds Family Services, Dove In Flight Music and Film Productions, and founder of the non-profit “Live 4 Love Human Outreach”. He is a self-taught musician, producer, composer, and writer. In 2022, Charles produced his first documentary film, “Chronicles of My Soul: The Life, Death, and Rebirth of a Native Son. He is currently developing an Intervention, prevention and life coaching curriculum called “The Rebirth Effect” and is partnering with the Tacoma Public Library Archives and Collections producing a documentary titled, Take Me With U: Gifts from the Elders, which will be showcased in late Spring 2023.

Susan Burton is a visionary, inspirational leader of the criminal justice reform movement, and author of award-winning memoir, Becoming Ms. Burton. Her lived experience through prison to recovery serves as her motivation to continue leading the fight against mass incarceration. The impact of her work and leadership has been recognized through numerous awards. In 2010, she was named a CNN Top Ten Hero and received the prestigious Citizen Activist Award from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is also the recipient of the Encore Purpose Prize (2012) and the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award (2014) among many more. Ms. Burton struggled to rise above a life of poverty, violence, and loss. After being released from prison for the sixth time, she was finally able to access recovery services in an affluent area of Los Angeles. There, she discovered and embraced opportunities that were never offered before. Determined to bring those resources to areas plagued by poverty and over-incarceration, Burton founded A New Way of Life Reentry Project (ANWOL) in 1998.  Now, over two decades later, A New Way of Life is an internationally recognized non-profit organization that promotes healing, leadership development, and safety for formerly incarcerated women.  ANWOL has supported the reentry of over 5,500 individuals through safe housing, pro bono legal services and leadership development to date. After a 2017-18 tour with her award-winning memoir, Becoming Ms. Burton, in 64 prisons and jails throughout 26 states and three countries, Burton launched the SAFE (Sisterhood Alliance for Freedom and Equality) Housing Network to replicate A New Way of Life’s effective and humane reentry model. Since 2018, Burton has mentored and supported twenty four organizations in sixteen US states (Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington) and three countries (Uganda,  Kenya, and the US) to open their own safe homes. It is through this work that she thrives, enjoying the progress of her foundations, all while knowing how many individual lives she has touched and changed throughout her own journey. Burton is also the co-founder of All of Us or None (AOUON) and the Formerly Incarcerated & Convicted People and Families Movement (FICPFM), both national grassroots civil rights movements composed of formerly incarcerated individuals, their families and community allies. In collaboration with UCLA’s Critical Race Studies Program, she launched an employment rights reentry legal clinic, which has grown to be the largest of its kind in Southern California. Links: Being Susan Burton A New Way Of Life, S.A.F.E. House Network and more

We are thrilled to share our FB Live conversation with Dr. Felisa Bryant. Dr. Felisa Bryant brings extensive experience in effective nonprofit management, strategic planning, DE&I, and Board development. Felisa has always been a fighter for individuals whose voice has been lost, ignored, or simply just not heard, and endeavors to manage and broaden community resources and support offered to formerly incarcerated individuals returning to the community after incarceration. As a formerly incarcerated individual herself, Felisa knows firsthand that the needs of previously incarcerated women often go unacknowledged and unmet and stands in a position of responsibility for those coming after her. Felisa is skilled in program development and implementation in communities that are the least resourced and most stigmatized, providing direct service to those living within the intersections of homelessness, incarceration, addiction, acute crises, and trauma. Dr. Bryant currently serves as the Director of Programs for the IF Project, a nonprofit that that works alongside justice-impacted individuals, law enforcement, and members of the community in the belief that sharing personal stories brings about change and healing. Dr. Bryant received her PhD from Grand Canyon University and completed her dissertation in June 2021 titled: Formerly Incarcerated Females Perceptions on Their Reentry Transitions Back into Society: A Phenomenological Study.

Join us as we sit down with LeShawn Gamble. LeShawn Gamble is a community minded, US Army Veteran. He's currently a graduate student of psychology, sociology, and medicine at the University of Washington. As LeShawn would put it, he's also a former casualty of the disproportionate policing and prosecution practices of the American judicial system. Instead of succumbing to such an experience, he's instead fusing his artistic abilities with his desire to see true change in under-served communities. He embodies his personal and professional mission to empower at-risk youth in the Greater Puget Sound area with Project L.O.V.E. With a focus on social justice, LeShawn's art as well as his work center on a better future for communities of color. Making Art Renaissance 21 is a full spectrum art producer, from impressionist paintings to landscape, murals, mixed media, and portraits. ​Spreading Art We also host paint parties ages 4+, ranging from birthdays to corporate events. We produce private parties at various locations throughout the Greater Puget Sound area and also host customized parties for special occasions at the locale of your choice. Teaching Art Project L.O.V.E.  As a community, we must work together for change and social justice. Partnering with organizations, such as The Tacoma Urban League, we've been able to do amazing non-profit work in Pierce and King counties. Some of the biggest problems in our community come from joblessness, lack of opportunities, and a lack of hope. Our focus is social and economic equity through art, mentorship, education, and entrepreneurship. Renaissance 21 hopes to be your go-to source for art, events, and youth services. We are an engine for change. Bio referenced from: https://www.renaissancetwenty-one.com

Avon Curtis, Executive Director When single mother Avon Curtis founded Arms Around You (AAY), establishing a reentry resource program for individuals facing an array of personal obstacles post-incarceration was a personal undertaking. During her 25 years living in the Bay Area, Avon experienced addiction, incarceration,and homelessness. Against painstaking odds, Avon established a strong support system that helped her emerge from the penal system and the homeless population. Upon returning to her hometown of Seattle, the disregard and lack of support for incarcerated and homeless individuals, women in particular, was palpable. Avon witnessed people battling drug addiction, mental health issues, and domestic violence as they were released into an abyss of uncertainty with little direction or ability to reintegrate into an unforgiving society. A long-time advocate of the rights of incarcerated individuals, Avon founded AAY to assist people reentering into society from corrections and homelessness. With many years experience in the fields of project and case management, the Seattle native has firsthand knowledge of the obstacles individuals with criminal records face with reintegration into society, including issues related to employment, education, housing, family reunification, and eligibility for social service benefits. A Certified Manager of Housing through the National Center for Housing Management, Avon has over 20 years of experience in the field of Residential Management and Case Management. Avon is passionate about AAY and working with individuals to find a supportive community and success after incarceration.

We are thrilled to finally bring back the connect conversations for a 2nd season! This season will include conversations around successful re-entry and re-integration from incarceration and so much more. Together we will go on a journey, share stories, highlight organizations and more. We are back December 4th, 2022!

Jessica is someone who was handpicked by our Executive Director as someone to highlight because of her tremendous impact in the reentry community. Jessica also is a formerly justice involved individual who has used her journey to allow her to make positive change in the reentry community. She wears many hats in the reentry community. Here is a little about Jessica, from Jessica... Jessica Means is the Co-Executive Director of New Connections, a reentry shelter program for women in Tacoma and works part time as an Early Resolution Ombuds for the Office of Corrections Ombuds. Additionally, with her experience as an impacted woman, she often brings her  knowledge and expertise to projects, agencies, and reentry groups in her community which led to the creation of her business, Monarch Consulting LLC, along with her business partner. Monarch Consulting is currently working to expand Tacoma Pro Bono's LFO Clinic and operates the Pierce County Participatory Defense Hub. Jessica achieved an Associate's degree in Human Services from Tacoma Community College and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Community Organizing from The Evergreen State College Tacoma Campus. She plans to pursue her Master's in the future. Interested in getting involved?: Community Partnership for Transition Services Interested in internship opportunities?: Email Jessica

We had the opportunity to catch up with Gerald Bradford and not only hear about the amazing work he is doing, but also his journey that led to the reentry work he does at Renton Technical College and his non-profit, Fresh Start PS.  A little about Gerald from Gerald... My name is Gerald Bradford; I am from the Central Area of Seattle. I graduated from Garfield High School and University of Washington. Over the last 25 years I have been working in the community to promote education as a ladder to economic success. I currently work as the Re-entry Manager/DOC at Renton Technical College. In addition, I am part of a Non-Profit called Fresh Start PS, which works with System Impacted person transitioning from incarceration back into the community. Fresh Start PS currently provides Diversion programming of King County Juvenile, transition groups at YWCA Passage Point and Green Hill school. I am truly committed to working with under-served persons. During my professional journey I had the opportunity to work at SVI (2005-2012) as a Recruiter and Planning and Placement Officer. At this time, I started to do Re-entry service for King County Jail, I started to talk with men about continuing their education and finding a career, not a J.O.B. (JUST OVER BROKE). Contact Gerald at: gbradford@rtc.edu

For this episode we sat down with Mrs. Nicquelle Jones to hear her story of transformation and community impact.  It was great to connect with a women who not only is an amazing contributor to her community, but has an amazing story of transformation. A little about Nicquelle from Nicquelle... I am Nicquelle Jones my most recent job was working at Therapeutic Health Services in Seattle, WA in the Capitol Hill area as a treatment supervisor.  I decided to resign to finish my bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science and to take care of my husband. At THS I supervised SUDPT’s,  SUDP’s and worked with a diverse population of Clients in the Seattle, King Co area. I began at THS working with the King Co. Drug Diversion Program, Alcohol and Drug Program and Opiate Substitute Treatment Program. I use evidence based practices and psychoeducation with the Clients I’ve worked with. I am certified in Moral Reconation Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have personal experience being in recovery for multiple years and use the 12 steps model and mental health services as a form of support to stay healthy.  I am a mother of two children and three grandchildren. I have personally experienced homeless and how hard it can be to find a job with a criminal background. In my early recovery I found out that she I could reinvent myself by going back to school while living in a women’s transitional housing. My hobbies are: gardening, sewing, and I enjoy public speaking and participate in multiple positions at the church I attend. I also participate in feeding the homeless through a church organization and facilitate recovery workshops using the Seeking Safety Model. Nicquelle is an advocate for: Change Women and children Those who suffer from co- occurring disorders Those who want a second chance Enjoy this amazing conversation!

Listen to Part 2 of the conversation with Seattle Native, Franklyn Smith as we conclude the discussion about his current reentry work with Department of Corrections and his successful reentry story. Franklyn Smith is a (Correction Specialist 3 / Reentry Navigator) with WA/DOC Reentry Division, where he serves as a critical point of contact to support WA/DOC cross-agency release planning effort for adult’s reentering the community. Franklyn Smith (formerly justice involved) has held positions as; o Community Resources Program Manager (WADOC) 2nd Chance Reentry Grant Pilot Project o Community Resources Navigator (Freedom Project) o Co-Founder of Sober Solutions, Transitional Housing Services LLC, (a 140 bed Supportive Transitional Housing Program) where he successfully created and managed a reentry program model that was presented to both King County and WA State stakeholders and is founded in the WA/DOC Successful Transition Model. Franklyn Smith hold a degree in Business w/Certificates in Supervisory Management and Leadership Training, Advance Corrections, Case Management, Offenders Workforce Development and Employment System, WA/ DBHA Peer Support Counseling and Credible Messengers Mentoring Training. Franklyn is considered a boundary spanner who understands how to help adults in transition navigate through the various systems, programs and services available within their communities of their release, and has been recognized by other community leaders for his work in developing homeless outreach activities and feedings, community reentry support groups and peer based mentoring.

Today, we sat down with Seattle Native, Franklyn Smith to discuss his current work with Department of Corrections and his reentry story, which both are important when it comes to reentry work in Washington.   Franklyn Smith is a (Correction Specialist 3 / Reentry Navigator) with WA/DOC Reentry Division, where he serves as a critical point of contact to support WA/DOC cross-agency release planning effort for adult’s reentering the community. Franklyn Smith (formerly justice involved) has held positions as; o Community Resources Program Manager (WADOC) 2nd Chance Reentry Grant Pilot Project o Community Resources Navigator (Freedom Project) o Co-Founder of Sober Solutions, Transitional Housing Services LLC, (a 140 bed Supportive Transitional Housing Program) where he successfully created and managed a reentry program model that was presented to both King County and WA State stakeholders and is founded in the WA/DOC Successful Transition Model. Franklyn Smith hold a degree in Business w/Certificates in Supervisory Management and Leadership Training, Advance Corrections, Case Management, Offenders Workforce Development and Employment System, WA/ DBHA Peer Support Counseling and Credible Messengers Mentoring Training. Franklyn is considered a boundary spanner who understands how to help adults in transition navigate through the various systems, programs and services available within their communities of their release, and has been recognized by other community leaders for his work in developing homeless outreach activities and feedings, community reentry support groups and peer based mentoring.

Marcus White is approaching his 5 year mark post incarceration which is a huge milestone in the reentry world. He has accomplished professional success, has a daughter who is his world, lost his mother and more. Hear from him about what contributed to his incarceration at the age of 19 and what it takes for him to sustain his positive life post incarceration. A little about Marcus, from Marcus... After spending nearly 17 yrs in prison, I emerged on to the concrete of society full of hopes and ambition. I had been incarcerated since the age of nineteen and was determined to succeed against all odds. Rejecting all doubt, filling myself with an unbreakable resilience. While in prison I had taken advantage of all the programs that Department of Corrections had to offer. Committed to the renewal of my mind. Facilitating cognitive behavior programs, studying correspondent courses, and learning as much as I possibly could about financial literacy. The reading of countless books help instill a confidence within me.. All in hopes of a seamless transition. Freedom brought forth a newfound meaning to me as I embark on various paths. Collaborating with WashingtonCan as a spokesman on a number of issues regarding "social injustices". Teaming up with the Department of Corrections as I spoke at various prisons inspiring hope, and displaying sound presentations on re-entry. Post prison, has afforded me a small business, home ownership, a career in carpentry, and inspiration to so many of my family and friends. So many achievements, yet none of them has been rewarding as fatherhood to my beautiful daughter Nahla. I continue to strive for greatness as I continue to search for and embrace the best of me. Sincerely, Marcus.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Terrance and really breaking down his life since release at the age of 21. He shares his learning opportunities, his victories and what it takes for him to remain free. (Please note that profanity is used in this conversation). A little more about Terrance... Terrance Turner is one of the rare voices – thinking, speaking, writing, and delivering the stories and messages that few can… from a place of experience. Terrance is a philosopher, motivational/inspirational speaker, writer, author, spoken word artist/poet and more. Hailing from the City of Destiny, (Tacoma, Washington) Terrance’s path is one that combines tragedy with triumph. A former gang-member, Terrance is reputed as a natural leader, who often walks alone. But before learning how to walk alone, Terrance found his self, serving a Juvenile-Life sentence in Washington State’s Juvenile Intuitions (from age 15-21). And this destination would inevitably transform Terrance’s life trajectory. In 1997 while incarcerated, Terrance was introduced to the Gateways for Incarcerated Youth founded by, Dr. Carol Minugh a professor at The Evergreen State College. This program was the pivotal moment for great change in Terrance’s life. Through this program Terrance, as well as many other youth, were able to begin their conquest towards upper education earning their bachelor’s Degree and beyond. During his endless quest for knowledge through post-secondary education Terrance reinvented himself, and as a result of finding his voice, he began to use his voice through various mediums and efforts to get his message of “change” not only to those incarcerated with him, but outside the confines of imprisonment as well. By the ages of 19 and 20, Terrance had written and published two books: Incarceration (1999) and Through the Eyes of The Judged (2001) (required reading if you are a student taking the Gateways Class at The Evergreen State College) while still incarcerated. Terrance was released from his six year sentence in late August of 2000 and ever since, his life-work has consisted of shamelessly sharing his testimony and teaching/lecturing at hundreds of schools during the last 20 years his life. For Terrance, giving back is inextricably part of who he is – there is no separation.

In this episode, I have to privilege of sitting down with Derek Gamble the founder of Clean Slate Reentry Program out of Sumter, SC. To his credit, this reentry program has the largest social media following on Facebook with more than 80k followers and attributes it to their substantive content.  Clean Slate Reentry Program uses a combination of peer to peer support, transitional housing and navigational services to help men navigate life, post-incarceration, as they re-integrate into the community. This organization was founded by Derek Gamble, a USC graduate and former SC Department of Corrections Inmate.  Enjoy!

We are excited to bring to you inspiration, conversation and more around successful re-entry and re-integration from incarceration in Washington State. Together we will go on this journey, share stories, highlight organizations and more. Stay tuned.