I work on the Good Grid, an initiative connecting those with a criminal background to much-needed resources. The key idea is this: Though there are organizations helping those in need, many are still slipping through the cracks, unable to find stable jobs, homes and support systems. We believe the solution is in streamlined, inter-organizational support so we can work towards collaborative, effective solutions instead of further funding isolated, duplicative or fragmented initiatives.
When we formalized our relationship with the Arkansas Department of Community Correction – to me, this was validation that Arkansas has wonderful leaders who are invested in trying innovative solutions to improve our community.
Chef Alex Guarnaschelli. Not only has she had an achievement-studded career, she holds her ground in a highly male-dominated industry while championing personal causes like ending child hunger. Plus, she’d probably have great lunch suggestions!
Reuniting mothers and fathers with their children. Reentry doesn’t just affect individuals; it affects families. Most returning citizens are parents, so empowering them to do better is rewarding in that it affects our children and our future.
Stereotypes. In working with returning citizens, I’ve learned that barely anything is black or white and barely anyone is “bad” or “good.” Only when we realize that we are all part of an interconnected community will we ever make progress.
My parents. They left everything they knew in India to build a life of privilege for my sister and me. The love they share and the empathy they have for others are values I aspire to emulate.
Maybe it’s cheesy, but the lessons I learned from Disney are the most important ones: Be yourself, love yourself and follow your heart. If you do these, you will always be on the right path.
Heal the world. There is so much suffering. Whether it is with reference to North Korean refugees or sex-trafficking victims within our own state, we must overcome apathy with empathy and realize everyone plays a part in improving their communities.
From meeting one-on-one with returning citizens to discussing high-level reentry vision, every day is a unique opportunity to tackle the challenge of reintegrating returning citizens. A common thread is interacting with talented people passionate about making Arkansas a better place.
