Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Westerholm.
Emily, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 1997 I was briefly incarcerated. This interaction with the carceral system had a significant impact on not just my personal trajectory, but also solidified my professional journey. First I began volunteering with those who had become justice-impacted and then a couple years later I became a substance use counselor working inside county jails and prisons. Soon after I returned to school to become a mental health counselor and used this time to hone in on the serious mental implications that manifest as collateral damage for those who experience incarceration. After moving to Florida and working in 9 different jails and prisons as a counselor, I started Released Reentry. We are a 501(c) (3), and the foundational board was made up mostly of other local people who had been justice-impacted.
With a handful of local grants we have become the first reentry program in the region. We work pre-release inside Alachua County Jail, and post release at our brick and mortar office. We provide practical care (bus passes, employment navigation, work boots, etc,) and holistic wellness (mental health counseling, groups, substance use education, etc). In addition we host monthly poetry nights, create murals, have a gardening club, and play basketball or corn-hole with our participants. This year we have partnered with several community partners to advocate and reduce stigma for the justice- impacted community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Since I am not from here I have had to spend a great deal of time showing others in the community what implementing evidence-based programming can look like for those who have been in prison or jail. Convincing the population at large that investing in second chances can be challenging. Employers and property managers might carry a great deal of stigma, but can serve as a lifeline for successful reintegration into the community.
As you know, we’re big fans of Released Reentry. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Since our inception we have always used trauma-informed and evidence-based interventions with our current and formerly incarcerated participants. In addition the majority of our staff has lived-experience with incarceration, so not only are we providing top notch professional services, but we are also peers. This can assist with building rapport and provide a sense of hope for our participants.
Our office space was built with intention to be the polar opposite environment as what you would find in prison. Our office has lots of natural light, plants, art, and a large back yard with a garden and basketball court.
What matters most to you?
Having a program with integrity that uses a trauma-informed lens is what matters the most. Jails and prisons are places of punishment, our role as a reentry program is to empower people and reduce recidivism, not to continue to punish them or create further harm.
Pricing:
- All services are free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://releasedreentry.org/
- Instagram: releasedreentry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093269061371
