Frequently Asked Questions
At Rooted in the Work, we believe that transformation isn’t an isolated process—it happens within the larger community we are all a part of.
Harm doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and neither does healing.
The work we do is about creating spaces where care, accountability, and humanity can thrive, because restorative practices believe that when one part of our community is broken, it impacts us all.
The questions below reflect assumptions we’ve encountered along the way, assumptions we’re committed to challenging through our work.
Why do this work for men serving life sentences? Aren’t you scared?
Fear is rooted in misunderstanding. The people we work with aren’t defined by their sentences—they’re human beings with stories, pain, and potential; many of which were trapped in cycles of harm created by systems that failed to intervene when it mattered most.
Individuals serving life sentences often show the deepest transformation… they’re the ones mentoring younger people in custody, stabilizing chaotic environments, and seeking growth against unimaginable odds.
It’s important to remember that this work isn’t about excusing harm but about addressing it, at its roots. We are not scared of transformation, we’re more scared of what happens if we don’t give people the tools to heal, change, and contribute to their communities.
Why do all this work if they might go back inside?
Our support isn’t conditional—it’s about showing up for people where they are, not where we wish they’d be. People deserve someone who will “do the time” with them, whether that means sitting beside them in their darkest moments or amplifying their voices when systems try to erase them.
Transformation isn’t linear, and success isn’t just about staying out of prison. While the system defines “recidivism” as failure, we see success differently:
Did they grow?
Did they build self-awareness?
Did they make choices aligned with their transformation?
Once facing a life sentence, now reduced to 15 years, Jonathan dropped his gang affiliation, rebuilt his life after release, and found peace within himself. His growth is a reminder that transformation is for the person on the journey—not for the approval of others.
Want to read more about Jonathan? Click here to explore his story in Restorative Justice Initiative.
Interested in learning more about recidivism? Click here to listen to Glenn Martin’s take. We agree!
Isn’t it weird for a woman to advocate for incarcerated men?
This question reflects a bias that’s been fed by stereotypes, from pop culture like Love After Lockup, to societal assumptions about gender dynamics. So, let’s address it head-on.
Rooted in the Work isn’t about romantic relationships—it’s about systemic advocacy. When our team writes letters or meets with someone in custody, it’s about their humanity.
The people we advocate for aren’t asking us to save them—they’re asking us to listen. They’ve built tools and frameworks for change inside some of the hardest environments imaginable. Their directive is clear: take what we’ve learned, challenge the system, and create pathways for true transformation.
Have a Question?
Do you have a question about our work or approach? Submit it here—we may even add it to the FAQ section!