Our Mission

While I was in prison, I envisioned a place where a person is not identified as a number, or the worst moment of their lives. Where their humanity is not crushed and stripped of its identity. Where they can find employment and not be automatically disqualified due to the background check. Where discriminatory housing practices cease and the person who was justice involved does not have to carry this scarlet F (felony) letter for the rest of their lives.

Exodus realized that the talent these women and men possess who spent years in prison will not be welcomed by the community. So at Exodus we showcase that talent by informing you all today, that Exodus was built by the same people who were once discarded and overlooked. The passion and faith of the staff, who are 90% justice involved and give all of themselves, every day to make certain we inform the world that “We are more than just the worst moment of our lives.” And, that each of us are truly sorry for the harm we once brought to our beloved communities.

The first words you will hear when you walk through the doors of Exodus are: “Did you eat today? Where did you stay last night?” We do not try to figure out what contract you would fit under, or whether you have medical insurance. At Exodus we personally understand the difficulties and traumas of reentering the community.

We know, because we’ve been there! We understand you may be hungry, or had to sleep on the trains or a shelter, or as some have described, living in worse conditions than when you were in prison. We believe in you and your individual and collective power to succeed.

So, as Exodus rapidly approaches it’s 25th year of providing cutting edge reentry services to its community, I cannot help but to reflect on the journey that bought us this far. From the naysayers, who didn’t think someone with a felony could possibly create a Faith-Based Reentry program that speaks to the direct needs of its population, to the many supporters and friends, who believed in the Exodus vision — to provide a platform for the powerful voices that have been marginalized for far too long. Those voices that have been discounted due to having a felony conviction.

In these 20 years we have serviced more than 25,000 people both inside of prison and upon their re-entry. We have a staff of close to 50 strong, who are passionate, intelligent and 90% formerly justice involved. As “Wounded Healers” we realize it’s through our own wounds that we’re able to heal others.A friend once told me “who better than those once closest to the problem, are now closest to the solutions!”

Join us in the work, we couldn’t be more committed to helping our community thrive.