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Formerly incarcerated speakers and providers describe reentry programs, peer support and cultural services
Summary
Multiple presenters and people with lived experience described peer-support programs, Defy Ventures entrepreneurship classes, Native American reentry services and correctional industries job training as critical to reentry. The council highlighted plans to expand listening sessions and a statewide restorative-practices summit.
Presenters at the May 20 meeting described hands-on programs and personal pathways that support reentry, saying direct relationships and culturally grounded services are essential.
Candace Baumann, who said she volunteers as a Defy Ventures coach, told the council that returning to a women’s prison to lead entrepreneurship and mentorship sessions was emotional and confirmed the impact of education and relationships on reentry. “Hope gives people something to hold on to,” she said, and described Defy Ventures as a nonprofit that helps incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people build business plans, mentorship and career pathways.
Janelle and Candace outlined an upcoming Washington Assembly for Restorative Practices (provisionally Sept. 18 at the UW Evans School) designed to bring tribal, rural and community reentry practitioners together; the council agreed to support catering and outreach for the event.
Mary (identified in the meeting as Mary Koopart), operations manager for Native American Reentry Services, gave personal testimony and described NARS programming: culturally grounded ceremonies, outreach into facilities, resource navigation, and employer partnerships focused on second‑chance hiring and training. “Culture is prevention,” she said, describing ceremony, smudging and talking circles as central to the organization’s work.
Rick Fuller, speaking from Monroe Correctional Complex, described his work in Correctional Industries (CI) and his plan to pursue transitional housing and supportive employment after release. Council members and attendees responded with encouragement and offers of partnership.
Why it matters: Programmatic details and testimony from people with lived experience give the council direct feedback about what works and what still needs funding, particularly around peer supports, culturally specific services and employment training.
What’s next: The council will continue listening tours in jails and prisons and help promote the September assembly; presenters asked for better state support for peer staffing, fee waivers and expansion of programming in more facilities.
