Post by Steve Nelson, Amicus Communications Director “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” – Margaret Mead (1902-1978) I’ve seen this quote from anthropologist Margaret Mead so many times I can no longer even begin to count, but that’s because it resonates with people. [...] […]
Editor’s Note: One of the common challenges for those working to re-enter society after a prison sentence is one of perseverance. How do you keep going on your quest for quality employment and housing when so many doors seem closed? Terencio Safford, a local writer and editor who also happens to have a criminal record, [...]
Post by Steve Nelson, Amicus Communications Director It is easy to put veterans of military service on a pedestal, but what happens when they fall off? Chris Green took that fall, and while he never wants to see the pedestal again, he’d like to help others get back on their feet. The son of a [...]
Editor’s Note - Since last fall, MSW Intern Jessica Hunt has been been working in case management with Amicus Reconnect, helping clients who are seeking employment, housing and a new start after incarceration. In addition to that though, using her skills as a trained journalist, Jessica has also devoted herself to capturing the experiences and [...]
“Circles create soothing space, where even reticent people can realize that their voice is welcome.” – Margaret Wheatley In early 2010, St. Paul was witnessing an increase in youth violence and it hit close to home for Russel and Sarah Balenger. Russel is the Senior Vice President in Charge of Programming for Amicus, but in [...]
With a firm handshake, you introduce yourself at an interview and talk confidently about your experience and background. All is well until the dreaded question comes: “I see you were convicted of a felony. What makes me think you won’t commit another felony?” Now how you do answer that? Several Reconnect clients who have gone [...]
Post by Steve Nelson, Amicus Communications Director “I’ve got a new walk And a new point of view A new purpose for everything I do. I got a new rule on me. Real folks around me. If you’re wondering I’m about to tell you now.” – “Bravo” by Ledisi This week I had the privilege [...]
Post by Jessica Hunt You name it; Rhonda Seraaj has probably seen it or been through it. Rhonda, raised in Minneapolis, has been incarcerated twice in her life. In 1988, the first time, she was charged with attempted murder, which was later dropped to assault in the first degree. She ultimately spent 24 months at [...]
Editor’s Note: The “Inside Change” team is very pleased to include this post from Amanda Maassen, the new Community Development Liaison working with the Amicus Veterans Justice Program on our blog. The Amicus program is part of the Veteran Justice Corps, an AmeriCorps Program coordinated locally by the Council on Crime and Justice and pa […]
Editor’s Note: This is part 3 of our series on Marla Thao. In this segment Marla talks about the need to reach out to young people, especially those within the Hmong community, supporting them and helping them avoid the mistakes that sent her to prison for eight years. Thanks to post author Jessica Hunt for [...]