Frequently Asked Questions

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?

People like Jonathan Hernandez embody this. Despite a possible 15-year sentence, recently reduced from life, he dropped his gang affiliation, rebuilt his life after release, and found peace within himself. His story proves that growth is for the person transforming—not for 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 men and women we advocate for didn’t ask us save them; they asked us to help create a pathway for change. Their directive was clear: take what we’ve built and use it to challenge the system and create a pathway that honors our vision and creates space for true transformation.