staceybooks

One of the biggest barriers to successful reentry isn’t the lack of jobs, housing, or resources—it’s the stigma that follows justice-involved individuals. That stigma can make even the smallest steps forward feel like an uphill battle. I’ve witnessed it in the lives of countless others. Society often reduces people like us to our worst mistakes,…

Language has the power to shape how we see ourselves and others. The words we use to describe people can either uplift them or diminish their worth. This is especially true for individuals who have faced incarceration, substance use, or other challenges. In my work and personal life, I’ve come to understand the importance of…

The holidays have a way of exposing the cracks in our lives, magnifying the wounds we carry and the voids we try to ignore. For me, those cracks widened into chasms during the years I spent behind bars. The holidays were the loneliest time of the year, and the sense of abandonment hit harder than…

Life after prison feels like a strange dance with shadows, each step weighed down by reminders of the past. The world outside may see freedom, but for those of us who’ve been incarcerated, the invisible chains of post-traumatic stress linger in ways that few could ever imagine. These aren’t just inconvenient quirks or passing fears—they’re…

Imagine sitting in a dimly lit prison cell, with bars as your only view of the world, while on the other side, a person is seated at a desk, illuminated by the bright light of opportunity. This powerful image symbolizes the bridge Persevere is building—one that transforms lives from confinement to thriving in a community…

For individuals reentering society after incarceration, the path forward is often daunting. Transitioning into a supported living environment can provide structure, safety, and a foundation for rebuilding their lives. However, one critical piece often overlooked in this process is mentorship. A mentor can be a lifeline for someone navigating the complexities of reintegration, and the…

Imagine walking into a room knowing you’re qualified, skilled, and ready to contribute—only to be turned away because of something you’ve worked tirelessly to overcome: a criminal record. For millions of justice-involved individuals, this is an everyday reality. It’s time to change the narrative. Their past doesn’t define their future, and true diversity, equity, inclusion—and…

When it comes to building a strong, dynamic, and empathetic team, the debate between hiring for lived experience versus academic qualifications has never been more relevant. While degrees often signify dedication and theoretical knowledge, there’s an unparalleled richness and depth that someone with lived experiences brings to the workplace. Alongside this, recent research highlights a…

Personal growth is a journey, not a destination. It’s the ongoing process of becoming a better version of yourself, learning from your experiences, and stretching beyond your comfort zone. At its core, personal growth is deeply personal—it’s about discovering what matters most to you and working toward aligning your actions, thoughts, and emotions with those…

Family reunification after incarceration is a process filled with hope, joy, and second chances—but it’s also a journey marked by intense pressure and, often, unspoken expectations. For those who have experienced the justice system, coming home is a new beginning, but it’s rarely as straightforward as we’d like it to be. While families may welcome…