Beyond Us & Them (formerly Center for Council) joined forces with Wildwoods for a day in nature dedicated to supporting our reentry community and their loved ones. The weather was perfect as attendees gathered on Saturday, October 21, to experience the beauty of the great outdoors right in the heart of Los Angeles at Vista Hermosa Natural Park. Families participating in our Council Reentry Program were invited to attend and there were activities for both adults and kids. Folks discovered the wonders of the park while exploring ways to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing through the simple joy of being outdoors.

One attendee noted that it was lovely “to see folks who have been out of prison only a short time from very long sentences touch trees, identify plants, sit in stillness and bring awareness to sounds, create art, climb rocks and simply be present with each other.” Beyond Us & Them collaborated with Beacon House, a residential teaching community for 60 men with former lifetime sentences, to arrange for this event to accrue program points, making it possible for residents to gather with their families at the workshop and participate all together.

Another participant noted that it “felt good to be outside and interacting with folks in a safe space.” Others commented that this mindfully facilitated day in nature provided a powerful opportunity to reconnect to one’s inner self and find one’s voice. Reflecting on the value of programming like this, and the restorative power of nature, participants expressed appreciation for the support and care, as they engage in the often overwhelming journey of reentry from years of incarceration… and undertake the task of “relearning” how to be in community.

Los Angeles is the most populous city in California and is host to the largest number of individuals returning from state prisons. There are so many challenges that formerly incarcerated individuals face upon release, including finding housing and employment, the stigma of being an “ex-offender” and the repair and renewal of supportive and healthy relationships with families and friends. Recognizing and overcoming old habits and avoiding reversion to “the criminal mentality” can be an enormous hurdle to overcome when returning to one’s community. The culture in prison is often marked by power and aggression, resulting in adaptive behavior and communication that is inappropriate on the outside and can lead to conflict, harm and even rearrest. Participants in Nature Day reflected that the journey home requires relearning a great deal. 

The Council Reentry Program has since transformed into the Los Angeles Reentry Collaborative, and is made possible through the support of generous donors and supporters like you. Help support our essential work by becoming a regular supporter – donate here.

From Experience to Impact: Grantmaking & Identity in Reentry

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