In order to effectively impact current policies and the implementation and accessibility of working re-entry and transition programs and practices, we need a more concentrated focus amongst service practitioners. Achieving such a focus, collectively we all succeed in the movement of assisting the formerly incarcerated beyond the barriers and stigma of incarceration.
I often ponder that the greatest achievement of organizations within the scope relating to ex-offender reentry, rests in the collaboration amongst agencies, organizations and churches; [minus]however, the squabbles of territoriality issues.
Today I was discussing with a local director the subject of “Community Mentalities” as I call them. Those mentalities that lean more often toward the fixation that ex-offenders are irredeemable and or that these ex-offenders should only be allowed success up to a certain point. In other worlds, not a total success.
The unspoken message there is that they are unforgiven-ex-offenders, and are expected to live below a certain standard of excellence and economical wealth.
In addition, one should not be amazed that these very mentalities are also just as present in churches as they are anywhere else. The local director and I discussed the reality that it is the mentalities of perpetual judgment, that stands in the way of coming together-the "Returning Citizen" population, agencies, organizations, community leaders and churches.
Coming together without the reservations of judgment and superiority. Coming together just as well as a body of Christ… Brothers and Sisters, Elders & Shepherds. Coming together beneath the blanket of humanity.
(c) 2018-2023
Leann M. Sowell- Executive Director- R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars
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