staceybooks

Starting over after incarceration is one of the most daunting challenges a person can face. When I was released, I needed stability, understanding, and unconditional support. Had it not been for my friends and family, I would have never been able to start life on the right foot. I was fortunate enough to move in…

Let’s be honest—mornings don’t always look like the serene scenes in ads. Whether you’re scrambling out the door or setting up at your home office, some days are all about throwing yourself together (or logging on) and hoping for the best. If you’ve ever thought, “Let’s just get through this day with a little grace…

When was the last time you felt truly empowered to make a change in your life? At Persevere, we understand that stepping into a new chapter is no small feat, especially if you’re coming from a place where opportunities felt limited. This is exactly why we created the Persevere Community Program – to help individuals…

In the depths of despair, I find my voice, To face you, Depression, with unwavering choice. You think you can conquer, break me apart, But I rise from the ashes, a flame in my heart. Screw you, Depression, your grip is not tight, For within me resides an unyielding light. I’ll paint my skies with…

Through the trials that life may throw my way, I’ll honor them, their legacy will stay. Their absence fuels a fire deep within, To live a life that’s worthy, free from sin. I’ll carry on their values, pure and true, Their wisdom and their love will see me through. Though I may walk this path…

In the world of nonprofit work, there’s a saying that resonates deeply with me: it takes a village. While often associated with raising children, this sentiment rings just as true for building a supportive space where individuals reentering society after incarceration can thrive. Through Persevere, our nonprofit, we’ve faced significant challenges simply finding a landlord…

As I walked out of the ballroom today, I took a deep breath—a deep, satisfying breath. Not of relief, but of pride. Pride in my team, our partners, and the students who have entrusted us with their future. Today’s Building Bridges event was not just another day on the calendar. It was a milestone, a…

For years, I mastered the art of avoiding accountability. It was always someone else’s fault — my circumstances, the people around me, the situations that seemed out of my control. I had countless reasons to deflect blame, and while they all felt justified, they did little to move me forward, personally or professionally. It wasn’t…

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that our biggest obstacles lie outside of us—difficult circumstances, toxic relationships, a lack of opportunity. But what happens when you start to realize the true enemy is the one looking back at you in the mirror? This isn’t about being overly critical of yourself or dismissing…

Yesterday, as I walked through the mall, I was struck by the constant hum of life happening around me. The chatter of teenagers hanging out near the food court, the cries of restless toddlers as their parents attempted to soothe them, and the slow but steady steps of elderly shoppers making their way from store…