Rebuilding Lives: Peer Support in the Criminal Justice System
My biggest reason for joining the subcommittee is too often too many. You know that they don't see us as a new person. They're the first ones to crush our spirits. They don't want me in their home because I'm going to be bringing that environment that you know, that all the risks that go with it inside to their homes and without giving me a chance, because they don't know that I'm on. I always said God's jail is god's classroom.
How do you rebuild your life after addiction and incarceration? In this episode of 'Recovery Talks', Lea sits down with Roanna Gets Down Often and Jessica Colton from the Criminal Justice Subcommittee to shed light on this very question. They dive into the unique challenges faced by those reentering society after time in the criminal justice system, and the critical role of peer support in this journey.
Roanna and Jessica share their personal stories, reflecting on the stigma they’ve encountered and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome to reintegrate into their communities. The conversation turns to the initiatives of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee, which aims to educate families, jailers, and the broader community about the value of peer support and behavioral specialists.
Their goal is to create a replicable model that can be adopted throughout the justice system, helping to break down barriers and provide the necessary resources for successful recovery. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of support, education, and community in overcoming adversity. Tune in to hear these inspiring stories and learn how you can get involved in supporting recovery efforts.