Check out this video to see the monthly topics of RAP’s 2024 meeting series. We hope to see you in 2025!
Read MoreAdvocacy Corner Reentry Resolutions: Reflect, Recharge, and Recommit Written by Barbara Ornelas, Reentry Advocacy Fellow The holiday season offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the past year, recharge for the future, and set intentional goals. For individuals who have experienced the justice system, this time of year serves as a chance to reset and […]
Read MoreAdvocacy Corner Purpose After the Pain: Transforming Struggles into Strength Written by Barbara Ornelas, Reentry Advocacy Fellow Sharing one’s story of overcoming trials can be transformative—not only for the storyteller but also for those who listen. For many, including myself, telling these stories offers a sense of release and restoration, a way to turn pain […]
Read MoreAdvocacy Corner: Path from Prison to Purpose Written by Barbara Ornelas, Reentry Advocacy Fellow Brenda had spent 8 years in prison, or as she liked to call it, her “college for her bad decisions.” When she was released, she found herself in Austin, Texas, with a heart full of hope and an ankle monitor keeping […]
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Written by Barbara Ornelas, Reentry Advocacy Fellow As someone deeply immersed in the reentry landscape, I’m excited to share highlights from our first three Reentry Services Community of Practice sessions and set the stage for future updates. Our inaugural session on May 10, 2024, at RARE Academy marked the beginning of our collaborative journey. […]
Read MoreAdvocacy Corner: How to Market Yourself as a Valuable Hire By Barbara Ornelas, Reentry Advocacy Fellow In today’s job market, many employers are looking for dedicated and reliable employees, and you have a lot to offer. As someone with a criminal background, you can still find meaningful employment by marketing yourself effectively. Here are some […]
Read MoreAdvocacy Corner: My Reentry Roundtable Journey By Barbara Ornelas, Reentry Advocacy Fellow Over the past year, I have had the privilege of serving as the Austin Travis County Reentry Roundtable Fellow, and I am thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to extend my contract for another year. It has been an incredibly fulfilling […]
Read MoreAdvocacy Corner: New Skills Pay the Bills Written by Barbara Ornelas, Reentry Advocacy Fellow I get asked a lot about my transition from prison to purpose. I’ve been out for four and a half years now, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride. People often wonder how I got to where […]
Read MoreWritten by Barbara Ornelas, Reentry Advocacy Fellow Last October, I had the privilege to be a guest fellow with the University of Texas Hogg Foundation Mental Health Policy Academy. This exciting week in Washington, D.C. immersed me in the intricate realm of mental health policy. Here are some of the highlights of this incredible […]
Read MoreWritten by Barbara Ornelas, Reentry Advocacy Fellow Addiction is a complex beast that can easily find its way into our lives, manifesting in various forms. While substances like drugs and alcohol often take center stage in discussions about addiction, there’s another type that operates in the shadows, hidden within the thrill-seeking experiences that some […]
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