Current Projects
R.O.S.E.S. Housing Program
Reentry Opportunities through Support, Empowerment, and Shelter
Transitional housing for justice-involved individuals
Overview:
Launched in October 2025, R.O.S.E.S. currently operates two transitional homes for formerly incarcerated individuals. Through partnerships and a justice-informed approach, E.P.I.D.E.M.E.K. provides stable housing, case support, and a fresh start for restored citizens.
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2 homes in operation (Starting Dec 2025)
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6-12 residents served at a time
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15 restored citizens housed and home from prison to date
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Goal: 15 homes serving 100+ individuals annually by 2030
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Supported in part by resident contributions and private partnerships
The Impact of Housing for Restored Citizens
Our housing program is more than a place to live — it's a launchpad for long-term success. Studies show that individuals released from incarceration are almost 10 times more likely to experience homelessness than the general public, a factor that significantly increases their risk of re-arrest or reincarceration.
➡️ Source: Prison Policy Initiative
Stable housing is one of the most critical needs after release. Research from the Urban Institute shows that access to supportive housing can reduce recidivism by up to 40%, especially when combined with wraparound services like job training and mental health support.
➡️ Source: Urban Institute
By providing safe, consistent, and supportive housing through our R.O.S.E.S. program, E.P.I.D.E.M.E.K. ensures that restored citizens have a real chance at rebuilding — and that our communities benefit from safer, more stable neighborhoods.
Getting Real While Getting Ahead
In partnership with Alvis House
An 8-week empowerment series for restored citizens preparing for reentry.
This program combines mindset work, financial literacy, and life planning in a peer-supported environment.
Cohort 1: Aug–Oct 2025 | 3 enrolled, 2 graduated
Cohort 2: Nov 2025–Jan 2026 | 15 participants enrolled
Goals: Increased readiness, reduced recidivism, and stronger workforce outcomes
🔑 What Participants Learn:
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Mindset & Motivation: Develop a new outlook and define your “why”
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Goal Setting: Build a real plan for your life, not just a checklist
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Financial Literacy: Learn to budget, build credit, and manage income
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Job Readiness: Resume writing, interview skills, and soft skills
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Support Systems: Rebuild healthy relationships and community ties
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Personal Growth: Navigate triggers, trauma, and transition with support
📈 Impact So Far:
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2 Cohorts launched
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18 total participants
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Program completions + new housing, employment, and life plans
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Led by restored citizens and professionals who walk the walk
“We’re not just helping people get by — we’re helping them get ahead.”
— Timothy Richardson, Executive Director
Policy & Advocacy: Protected Class Campaign
Shaping systems to recognize restored citizens as a protected class
Mission:
Establish restored citizens as a legally protected class in Ohio and beyond — ending discrimination based solely on prior incarceration.
What It Means:
Restored citizens deserve equal access to housing, employment, education, and public services. Recognizing justice-involved individuals as a protected class would make it illegal to deny them these opportunities simply because of their criminal record.
Why It Matters:
People returning home from prison face systemic barriers that prevent them from rebuilding their lives. This campaign challenges that stigma and works toward legal change that protects civil rights and promotes true reintegration.
What We're Doing:
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Educating communities about the civil rights of restored citizens
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Hosting storytelling events to shift public perception
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Building statewide coalitions for justice reform
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Collaborating with legislators to draft model policy
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Publishing advocacy tools, policy briefs, and impact data
Get Involved:
We’re mobilizing restored citizens, allies, and policymakers to lead this change. Share your story, help us organize, or support the work through donations or connections.
Restoration is a right — not a privilege. Help us make it law.