MICHAEL

Michael reflects on the mindset that carried him through 30 years in prison and into a successful reentry: “If you don’t prepare yourself for reentry, you prepare yourself to fail.” His planning and determination have fueled his work rebuilding both his own life and his community. Today, as lead facilitator for the Alternatives to Incarceration program at Exodus Transitional Community in New York City, Michael partners with case managers and court advocates to persuade judges to enroll first-time offenders in intervention programs rather than sending them to prison. It’s work he’s deeply proud of: “We are saving lives and restoring hope.”