Post-Prison Reintegration

Greetings, I am Alesha Monteiro, the founder of Just Advocate, Inc. Our organization focuses on conducting research related to the carceral system and advocating for incarcerated individuals and their families. We aim to provide support and raise awareness about the challenges faced by those impacted by incarceration, both inside and outside of the prison system.

28 Years Later: A Fresh Start with the Help of a Community:

We have established a fund to support Ursula Riley, a fellow advocate, as her husband, Alonzo as he prepares to return home after serving 28 years of incarceration. Alonzo has demonstrated his commitment to education by earning two Associates of Arts degrees and a degree in theology. Additionally, he became certified as a SUDRC (Substance Use Disorder Registered Counselor) and is excited and determined to continue his education post-incarceration.

Ursula, his loyal wife and partner for life, has tirelessly advocated for her husband and the incarcerated population, serving on the Inmate Family Council and assisting community members in need. On top of the community work that she is heavily engaged in, she is also the sole provider and care-taker for her and Alonzo's 4-year old granddaughter as well as a another child at home, she also works a full-time job of 40+ hours per week, and deals with health challenges, including a stroke in 2018 and a recent mini stroke just this past weekend.

The hope is that we can assist Ursula and Alonzo in this time of transition for their family, recognizing the significant contributions she has made to our community.

As I observe the joyous anticipation of the homecoming of a loved one and the prospect of newfound freedom, I am also aware of the overwhelming challenges that come with reintegrating into society after a long prison sentence. Having only been permitted to retain personal belongings that fit within a small 6 cubic foot area, equivalent to that of a mini fridge, after wearing the same prison-issued clothing for 28 years, it is understandable that this transition can be overwhelming.

A Call to Community Action:

Consider all the essential items that are used and required in our daily lives. Now, let's imagine the scenario where all of these things need to be purchased at once to start fresh.

Below I have provided a list of just some of the necessary items that will need to be purchased and services that will need to be hired:

• Jean, sweatpants and slacks

• T-Shirts and undershirts

• Button down shirts and other interview/work clothes

• Underwear

• Socks

• Shoes

• Jacket

• Cosmetics/toiletries

• Fee for ID or driver's license

• Transportation - This refers to public transportation: bus ticket/pass, Uber, Lyft, etc. that will be necessary to utilize until a vehicle can be acquired.

• $3,695 left to pay of his once $15,000 in restitution

We know that not everyone is comfortable giving money. We do have a few ways that you can donate.

➼ Dig deep; you can give cash toward Alonzo’s Freedom Pot

➼ Want to give money but rather purchase a gift card instead? Awesome, Alonzo would be so grateful. Walmart, Target, Amazon, DXL, Fanatics, Visa

➼ Maybe you want to send money but rather send it through an online payment systems:

➼ Rather purchase items and have them sent - Great!! You can purchase items on both the Target registry, as well as the Amazon registry.

There is no donation amount too small and no limit on sharing this link!

Thank you to this amazing community, I'm in awe everytime I witness the beautiful, concious and deliberate way we show up for one another....Let's Do It Again!!!