Breaking Barriers: How Reentry Support Changes Lives | Episode 219

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The journey from incarceration back to community living isn't what most people imagine. There's no automatic setup for housing, employment, or basic necessities. The path is fraught with unexpected barriers—from lacking a simple ID to navigating technology that didn't exist when someone entered prison.

Summit County's Citizen Circle stands as a beacon for those navigating this complex terrain. Co-leaders Shawn Bonner and Lisa Dolan join us to reveal the profound simplicity behind their approach: they listen. "We listen so deep that before we respond to anything, we go into prayer and ask God to direct our conversation," Shawn explains, highlighting how this intentional listening forms the foundation of their work.

Shawn brings the powerful perspective of lived experience, having transformed his own incarceration into a calling to serve others. His journey through social work education and volunteer service eventually led him to co-lead this vital community resource. Lisa's path emerged unexpectedly through her work in child support services, where she discovered how criminal backgrounds created barriers to employment and, consequently, to child support payments.

Together, they've created a program that prioritizes mental health and addiction recovery while respecting participants' autonomy. "We don't tell them what to do," Lisa emphasizes. "We offer suggestions. I wouldn't want to go somewhere and somebody tell me you've got to do this, you've got to do that." This respect for choice and dignity permeates everything Citizen Circle does—from accepting walk-ins to carefully matching individuals with the right resources from their network of over 50 providers.

What's particularly moving is how the Circle transforms relationships. Parole officers who refer individuals often see their relationships with those individuals improve after they experience the care and support of the Circle. The program creates ripples of positive change that extend far beyond immediate needs.

Want to make a difference in reentry work? Lisa offers this encouraging perspective: "It doesn't take a lot of training or education. There's something really simple about it, and that is: do you have the heart for it? Do you have the capacity to be nonjudgmental?" Join us for this eye-opening conversation, and stay tuned for part two coming soon.

#reentrySupport #breakingBarriers #criminalJusticeReform #secondChances #communitySupport #socialImpact #liveChangedLives #recidivismReduction #socialServices #socialChangemakers #socialJustice #nonProfitOrg #communityEngagement #criminalJusticeSystem #impactfulChange

Breaking Barriers: How Reentry Support Changes Lives | Episode 219

MERCHANDISE SHOP: voices-for-voices.org/3QnokLU
SUPPORT VOICES FOR VOICES®:
https://www.voicesforvoices.org/shop/p/supporter

The Summit County Citizen Circle stands as a beacon of hope for justice-impacted individuals seeking to rebuild their lives after incarceration. In this powerful conversation with co-leaders Lisa Dolan and Shawn Bonner, we explore how this innovative program has become a model for reentry support across Ohio and beyond.

Every second Thursday, this remarkable collaboration brings together over 50 different service providers who set aside competitive interests to focus solely on helping participants overcome barriers to successful reintegration. "We all play nice on the playground," Lisa explains, capturing the spirit that has made Summit County's approach so effective that justice-impacted individuals from other counties are actually relocating to access these resources.

The impact is evident in the program's 2024 statistics: 80 justice-impacted participants served, hundreds of bus passes distributed, thousands of dollars in clothing and hygiene assistance provided, and countless moments of profound human connection. "Grown men in tears," Shawn describes, "because they did not know that they're feeling the love." Rather than prescribing rigid paths forward, Citizen Circle empowers participants to create their own "redirection plans" based on individual needs and goals.

What truly sets this program apart is its commitment to meeting people where they are without judgment. "In the land of second chances, leave pride outside the door," Shawn advises participants. This philosophy acknowledges that recovery isn't linear – setbacks happen, but the support remains consistent. As Lisa affirms, "If you relapse whether it's due to addiction or just life happens, it's okay. Come back to us when you're ready."

Want to get involved or need support? Contact Lisa Dolan at 330-208-3829 to learn more about participating, volunteering, or attending their biannual resource and job fairs featuring second-chance employers. Don't miss their next event on May 15th at the Chapel in Akron!

• Citizen Circle meets the second Thursday of each month (February-December) and serves 8-10 individuals in approximately four hours
• Transportation was the top need in 2024, with over 321 day bus passes and 23 monthly passes distributed
• Employment support and housing with rental assistance ranked as the second and third most needed resources
• The program provided $3,900 in clothing assistance and $850 in hygiene products in 2024
• Summit County's robust reentry resources have attracted justice-impacted individuals to relocate from other counties
• Unlike many social service environments, providers work collaboratively rather than competitively
• Participants create "redirection plans" rather than "reentry plans," emphasizing choice and empowerment
• The program combines tangible resources with emotional support in a judgment-free environment

"Don't let your past define what your future looks like. Don't give up on you."

#socialimpact #citizencircle #crimereduction #prisonreform #communityengagement #recidivismreduction #secondchances #socialenterprise #nonprofitorganization #reentryprogram #communityoutreach #socialchange #justiceequity #crimeprevention #socialinnovation

How This Program Is Rebuilding Lives After Prison | Ep 220

A heartfelt mid-tempo country ballad about second chances and new beginnings. Inspired by the emotional storytelling of Collin Raye’s "Little Rock," John Lockhart delivers a powerful anthem of hope, resilience, and the journey to rebuild a better life.

If you like this song please share & go to all the streaming platforms and help me get it out there, please!

Support the artist: paypal.me/johnlockhartmusic

#1285472919

Support John Lockhart 

Starting Over Clean

This song is a duet version about my journey to find love more than once in my life. I believe God is a God of second chances.  He can help us heal and move past trauma and pain in the past for a future of freedom and new love.

Second Chances (Country Male/Female Duet Remix) (Demo)

The closing track on BlueScarf’s narrative album, “Weightless In-Between”, marks the final stretch in the narrator’s struggle to reclaim control from his fears. At last, he sets aside his pride and reaches out for help – but it may already be too late.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBhabq-vpFE
After the bonfire he built in the “Lonely Island of Mine” music video burns out, he’s left cold and alone on the deserted island. As he lies dying, ships appear on the horizon, approaching – but whether they arrive in time remains uncertain.
Producer, singer, songwriter: BlueScarf (Kiss Bálint Béla).

Weightless In-Between

The Ships Are Coming

At the Nach Daily book launch, Shaya Sussman shared a personal and powerful message about failure, redemption, and the deep relevance of Navi in our lives. From failing through school—and even getting a 32 in Navi—to launching a sefer that brings Navi to life, Shaya reminded us that second chances aren’t the exception; they’re the rule.

This is the story of Am Yisrael: We were in our land. We lost it. And now—against all odds—we’re back. Living in Eretz Yisrael today is living inside a promise fulfilled, a living testament to Divine mercy and faithfulness.

Shaya spoke about how every Sefer in Navi is not just a historical document, but a spiritual stencil overlaying our current moment. Nevuah wasn’t just a past experience—it was the awareness that Hashem is with us. And one day, we’ll meet the Neviim again and recognize how each of us was part of the story of second chances—for ourselves, our people, and the world.

The Land of Second Chances | Nach Daily book launch

B1GHEADCHRIS - Figure It Out

B1GHEADCHRIS - So Cold

B1GHEADCHRIS - Wrong Side Of The Bed

B1GHEADCHRIS - Looking At Myself

B1GHEADCHRIS - Demons I Face

B1GHEADCHRIS - Talking Behind My Back

B1GHEADCHRIS - Everybody Hates Chris

B1GHEADCHRIS - Future Was Yesterday

Escape to Cornwall in a brand-new standalone novel from the author of The Happy Hour and From Cornwall with Love…
'Sweet, romantic, fun … characters to fall in love with – a book that has it all’ Milly Johnson

‘Cressida's characters are wonderful’ Sarah Morgan

'A swooningly spicy tale!' The Sun

_______________________ 

 ‘Cressida's characters are wonderful’ Sarah Morgan

The most romantic house in Cornwall has got a new owner… 

Journalist Georgie Monroe has watched as it has been transformed into a high-tech glass palace, renovated by a mystery buyer. 

When she’s invited to report on an event there, she comes face to face not only with her first love, architect Ethan Sparks, but also with their complicated past. Finding themselves trapped inside when the house malfunctions, Georgie realises that they — and the house — are still keeping secrets. 

But have Georgie and Ethan left it too late to start again, or can they write the next chapter of their love story together?

‘I thoroughly enjoyed this locked-room romance! Absolutely gorgeous!’ Sam Holland

A Cornish Love Story, By Cressida McLaughlin, Read by Hollie Hales

„Kämpfen“ erzählt von Aufstieg und Absturz, von Erinnerungen an Glanzzeiten und der Frage, wie man weitermacht, wenn alles anders ist als früher. Zwischen Nostalgie, Humor und klarer Ansage zieht sich eine Botschaft durch: Aufstehen, weitermachen, das Leben ist zu schade für Grübelei. Mit gesprochenen Passagen, bissigen Bildern und einem Hook, der hängenbleibt, ist der Song ein Plädoyer für Haltung und Durchhaltewillen – rau, ehrlich und voller Leben.

“Kämpfen” (“Fighting”) tells the story of rise and fall, of memories of brighter days and the question of how to keep going when everything has changed. Mixing nostalgia, humor, and straight talk, one message cuts through: stand tall, move forward – life’s too precious for regret. With spoken-word parts, sharp imagery, and a hook that sticks, the track is a raw, honest anthem about resilience and carrying on.

Kämpfen

Früher warst du wunderschön 
Heute bist du kaum noch zu sehen 
Denkst du
Fällst keinem mehr auf...

Damals im Schwimmbad, weißer Badeanzug
Braun gebrannt
Und dann dieses Lächeln...
Die Kerle sind dir hinterhergerannt

Du warst der Hammer...

Kämpfen, Baby
Einmal schütteln
Dann geht’s weiter
Gehört dazu, soviel ist klar
Auch wenn‘s früher gechillter war:
Weitermachen, fighten
Mach dich gerade
Zum Trauern ist das Leben zu schade

Damals warst du ganz oben auf der Leiter
Big Business, Maßanzüge und so weiter 
Verdammt
Heute sitzt du bei den Enten im Park

Shit...

Riesen Kohle, lässige Schlitten
Parties, Reisen, Senator-Pass
Mal schnell irgendwo die Welt retten
Mann Oh Mann
Was für ein Spaß

Du hattest du es dermaßen drauf...

Kämpfen, Alter
Kurz mal fluchen
Dann geht’s weiter
Ist so, ganz klar
Auch wenn früher alles easy war:
Kopf hoch, fighten
Fang nochmal an
Dein Grübeln zieht dich nur runter, Mann

Aber früher...
Ha
Ich sag‘s Dir
War schon echt cool, das Alles

Macht nix, Baby
Einmal laut schreien und weiter
Kämpfen, fighten - mach dich gerade
Alles Andere wär einfach nur schade


Kämpfen

A personal journey finally made into song

From Joy to Sorrow and Back Again

Last Move Café is a quiet reflection at a crossroads—when one more move could mean giving up, or finding the courage to begin again.
Set against a warm folk-rock backdrop with slide guitar, brushed drums and light harmonica accents, it sounds like a secret shared just before sunrise.

Last Move Café ist ein stiller Moment am Scheideweg – wenn der nächste Schritt alles beenden oder der Anfang von etwas Neuem sein kann.
Vor einem warmen Folk-Rock-Hintergrund mit Slide-Gitarre, Besenschlagzeug und feinen Mundharmonika-Akzenten klingt der Song wie ein geteiltes Geheimnis kurz vor Sonnenaufgang.

Last Move Café

They told me once, losing’s just a pause
A quiet shift before the next applause
But I’ve been stuck inside a crooked frame
Counting every wrong, naming every name

The king fell early, I played blind
My own two hands, the reckless kind
But here I am, still holding on
With pieces left, and the clock not gone

The board is still set, the night’s not done
One more move before I run
Forget the fall, remember the stake
Your next move means more than your last mistake

The café hums, the light is low
Outside it’s raining, soft and slow
A stranger watches from the bar
Like she’s been here too, wherever we are

The board is still set, the night’s not done
One more move before I run
Forget the fall, remember the stake
Your next move means more than your last mistake

It’s not about the fall you took
But the way you get back up
Go ahead and reset the play
We’re all just guests at the Last Move Café
So here’s to bruises, here’s to grace
To starting late, not losing face

The board is still set, the night’s not done
One more move before I run
Forget the fall, remember the stake
Your next move means more than your last mistake




Last Move Café

BRO tells stories of failure, loss, and pressure – but never gives in.
„No Surrender“ is a song about rising again and again, even when no one expects it. Exams, heartbreak, broken deals – life throws punches, but the voice behind this song keeps dancing through the storm. Clear, honest, and quietly defiant.

BRO erzählt von Niederlagen, Abschieden und Druck – aber gibt nie auf.
„No Surrender“ ist ein Song über das Aufstehen, wenn keiner mehr damit rechnet. Versiebte Prüfungen, verlorene Liebe, geplatzte Pläne – das Leben haut rein, doch die Stimme in diesem Song tanzt weiter durch den Sturm. Klar, direkt und leise trotzig.

No surrender

I blew my chances on a test or two
Watched the grades slip, they thought I was through
But one red mark don’t write my name
I learned to lose and play the game
Here I am, still walking the line
Missed a few shots, but I’m doing fine

I’m not going down with the storm
Still dancing, no surrender
Through the night until the dawn
I rise up and I remember
Still dancing, no surrender

She closed the door without a sound
The silence shook, it shook the ground
But heartbreak don’t define my way
I took the hit and faced the day
Now I’m still standing on my feet
Lost her love, but kept the beat

I’m not going down with the storm
Still dancing, no surrender
Turn the dark into a song
I’m alive, I remember
Still dancing, no surrender

Some deals went south, some plans went bust
The paper burned, the steel turned rust
But numbers never wrote my song
I keep on rolling, I stay strong
The ground can shake, but I won’t back down
Lost a fight, but I kept my ground

The radio crackled, wires half-dead
A voice came through the static and said…
Even broken mornings carry me
Still dancing, still free

I’m not going down with the storm
Still dancing, no surrender
I rise, I fight, I’m reborn
Still dancing, no surrender


No Surrender

•📧 Contact: neyoooo36@gmail.com
•💸 Support: paypal.me/neyoooo36
•📸 Instagram: _.neyoooo
•🌴 linktr.ee/neyoooo

Make Electronica Great Again
Independent Artist

neyoooo hailing from Poznan, Poland, is an artist whose musical journey is defined by his quest for originality and creativity. Unlike many artists who draw from specific influences, neyoooo doesn't limit himself to inspirations from established icons. Instead, he embarks on a continuous journey of self-discovery, experimenting with new sounds and collaborations. His music is rooted in the Drill genre, yet he deftly blends it with the strong, pulsating beats of electronic music, creating a powerful hybrid that is unmistakably his own. This fearless approach to music-making allows neyoooo to switch styles effortlessly, refusing to be confined to a single genre.

💜We advocate for recovery.
501c3; EIN: 87-0932840💜

Kiss Bálint Béla, also known as BlueScarf is a Hungarian writer, independent singer-songwriter, producer, filmmaker & creative individual from Bratislava, Slovakia. BlueScarf started making music in his high school years in an attempt to combat his fears and face the inevitable end of childhood. With his genre-bending style and honest, transparent voice he creates about the metaphorical, as well as the painfully raw and real.

BlueScarf’s debut album, “Weightless In-Between”, is a metaphorical coming-of-age story – an introspective voyage across the sea toward a deserted island, where the narrator confronts his deepest fears and must find the strength to overcome them to survive.

His debut single, “Suffocating”, takes its listeners to a place of quiet despair and sheer panic, mashing soft, melancholic piano with agressive drums and grungy electric guitars in the midst of a thunderstorm.

The follow-up, “Goldfish” is a radical departure from the tone set by its predecessor. It sounds fun, upbeat, but beyond its innocence there lies unexpressed fear and indecision.

“Lonely Island of Mine”, the last single before his narrative album is about second chances. Trial and error. Embracing mistakes and being patient with ourselves. It is gritty, real, but uplifting at the same time, merging elements of rap and rock with heavy screams.

🎶John Lockhart Music (JLM) | Rock, Ballads & Country Anthems
🔥Songwriter | Storyteller | Sync & Artist Pitch Catalog
🎧New originals out now – Follow & DM to collaborate!

NachDaily is a project of Yeshiva Ateres Shimon. A perek of day of Navi in 5 minutes or less. covering the entire Neviem Rishonim. Yeshoshua, Shoftim, Shmuel I, Shmuel II, Malchim I, Melachim II, Yeshaya, Yechezkel, Yirmiya, Hoshea, Yoel, Amos, ovadya, Yona, Micha, Nachum, Chabakuk, Tsfanya, Chaggai, Zechariah, Melachi.

Thank God, we finished Navi and now we're learning Tehilim. 

The Shiurim are interlined with actual pesukim, classic meforshim, Drash and Chassidus to deliver practical lessons relevant to our everyday lives.

Note: NachDaily is just one among the many "Daily E-mail" programs created by Yeshiva Ateres Shimon. Other programs are: Emunah Daily, Think Hashem Daily, MIshna Daily, Praying with Fire Daily, Kitzur Daily and more...

By: Rabbi Shaya Sussman, LCSW

Publishers of award-winning fiction and non-fiction audiobooks for adults and children. Listen to exclusive clips from our books and free audioook extracts here on Soundcloud.

New tracks tagged #second chances