Rooted in the Work

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Rooted in the Work ☆

Building Pathways to True Public Safety

At Rooted in the Work, we believe true public safety comes from systems that prioritize healing, accountability, and reintegration—not excessive sentencing.

The current legal system punishes rather than rehabilitates, failing to address root causes like poverty, systemic neglect, and trauma. Instead, it places individuals in environments that perpetuate harm and limit their potential for growth. Incarcerated individuals are often exploited as stabilizing forces within volatile systems, yet their contributions are ignored when it comes to accountability, sentencing, or parole.

Our advocacy focuses on one core question:

How can we create systems that reduce harm and promote transformation over punishment?

By championing restorative programming, structured reintegration, and systemic reforms, we aim to replace cycles of harm with pathways to healing—strengthening individuals and the communities they call home.

Our Hypothesis:

We hypothesize that individuals incarcerated during critical developmental years (ages 15-21) and within six months of their release (ages 15-31) are more likely to face life sentences due to systemic failures in rehabilitation and reintegration.

Through restorative programming and structured support, we can create sustainable change and prevent excessive sentences.

  • The system criminalizes survival without addressing root causes like poverty, trauma, and systemic neglect.

  • Harmful environments inside and outside of incarceration perpetuate cycles of violence, mistrust, and survival.

  • Success isn’t defined by whether someone stays out of jail—it’s defined by stable housing, employment, and meaningful community connection.

Our Blueprint for Change

  • Restorative Portolios

    We develop comprehensive, human-centered portfolios to document individual growth, accountability, and readiness for reintegration. Each portfolio includes:

    Personal Reflections: Letters and stories detailing their growth and commitment to change.

    Community Testimonials: Statements from mentors, staff, and peers who’ve witnessed their transformation.

    Program Data: Evidence of participation in restorative programming and personal development

  • Structured Reintegration

    We believe in systems that set people up for success, not failure. Our reintegration plans focus on:

    Housing Stability: Securing transitional and permanent housing to create a foundation of security.

    Employment Pathways: Connecting individuals to job training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and sustainable careers.

    Community Connection: Building networks of support through mentorship and restorative circles.

  • Policy Advocacy

    Our ultimate goal is systemic reform. Rooted in the Work’s advocacy efforts focus on:

    Reducing Life Sentences: Challenging excessive sentencing through legislative and community-driven campaigns.

    Reforming Parole: Advocating for shorter timelines, expanded eligibility, and restorative pathways to freedom.

    Investing in Support: Pushing for funding of housing, jobs, and community programs that break cycles of harm.