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Homelessness is a growing challenge in Columbus, Ohio, especially among individuals who have been involved with the justice system. Many face unique barriers that make finding stable housing difficult after release from incarceration or involvement with the courts. This post explores the factors driving this increase and highlights the obstacles justice-involved people encounter in securing housing. Understanding these issues is key to developing effective solutions that supp

The journey back into society after incarceration is often met with barriers that block justice-involved individuals from fully rebuilding their lives. Despite efforts in criminal justice reform, many restored citizens face ongoing discrimination in housing, employment, and access to essential services. Recognizing restored citizens as a protected class would provide critical anti-discrimination protections, opening doors to fair chance housing and fair chance employment. Thi

John Legend, a proud Ohio native, has taken a strong stance against the practice of sentencing children to life in prison without parole in his home state. Despite his global music career, Legend remains deeply connected to Ohio, where much of his family still lives. His concern grew when he discovered that Ohio continues to allow children to receive life sentences without the possibility of release, a punishment widely regarded as inhumane by the international community. The

Reentering society after incarceration presents many challenges for justice-involved individuals and their families. Without proper guidance and resources, returning citizens often face obstacles that can lead to recidivism, unemployment, and social isolation. EPIDEMEK recognizes that effective reentry support begins well before release, offering early reentry planning that helps build a foundation for stability, dignity, and purpose. The Importance of Early Reentry Planning

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday marked by feasts and family gatherings. It is a powerful reminder to pause and appreciate the good in our lives. In a world that often moves too fast, taking time to express gratitude can transform our outlook and deepen our connections. This post explores what Thanksgiving truly means, why giving thanks matters, and practical ways to embrace gratitude not only during the holiday but every day. Understanding the True Meaning of Thanksgiving

The United States Constitution sets the foundation for the rights and freedoms enjoyed by its citizens. Among its most critical components are the amendments that safeguard individual liberties and ensure fair treatment under the law. The 1st, 5th, 6th, and 14th Amendments play a vital role in protecting these rights. Understanding these amendments helps people recognize their legal protections and the limits of government power. Historic courthouse representing constitutiona

Many people think reentry programs start only after someone leaves prison. In reality, effective reentry programs for returning citizens begin months or even years before release. Early intervention allows individuals to: Develop life skills such as financial literacy, job readiness, and communication. Address mental health and substance use challenges through trauma-informed support services. Build connections with community resources and mentors. Plan housing, employment,

Returning home after a period of absence, especially under challenging circumstances, can be a complex and emotional experience. For restored citizens—those who have regained their citizenship or returned after displacement—the transition often involves more than just physical relocation. Mental health plays a crucial role in how successfully they reintegrate into their communities and rebuild their lives. This post explores why focusing on mental health is essential for rest

Every day, hundreds of people enter courtrooms across the United States under conditions that reveal a deep and often overlooked injustice. Many defendants, especially Black individuals, face a system where plea deals are not genuine offers but ultimatums. This hidden crisis shapes the lives of thousands, yet it remains largely ignored by the public and policymakers alike. A recent account from Bronx public defenders Jenn Rolnick Borchetta and Alice Fontier highlights this ha

Returning to society after incarceration presents many challenges. Finding housing, securing employment, and rebuilding relationships can feel overwhelming. I want to share practical strategies that help individuals navigate this transition successfully. These strategies focus on support, resources, and community involvement. They aim to reduce recidivism and promote a stable, productive life. Understanding the Importance of Reentry Program Strategies Reentry programs provide

Former death row inmate John Thompson speaks at a news conference in New Orleans in 2011, after the Supreme Court overturned a $14 million judgment that accused New Orleans prosecutors of withholding evidence in order to help convict Thompson of murder. Thompson spent 18 years in prison, 14 of which death row, before he was exonerated in 2003. (Patrick Semansky/AP) The National Registry of Exonerations (NRE) will soon publish the second part of a study it commissioned of it