Our mission to build trust, community, and power is anchored by a leadership and staff composed of individuals with direct, lived experience in the justice system, organized labor, and community advocacy. We are not an organization providing services to a community; we are a movement of leaders who are deeply of the community. This personal history is not a hurdle—it is our most valuable asset, giving us an unmatched level of credibility and insight that purely academic or political teams cannot replicate.

The strength of our team lies in the fact that we have walked the path ourselves. We intimately understand the transactional and complex journey from release to job site to ballot box. This means we know precisely what resources the justice-impacted community needs—from legal aid and stable housing to mentorship and skill certification—and how to deliver them effectively. Because we understand that a union job is the ultimate anchor providing income and housing stability, we are uniquely equipped to bridge the trust gap, turning skepticism into the powerful, reciprocal loyalty necessary for long-term civic engagement.

Our staff members, who often come from the very union ranks we work with, are the crucial “bridge organizers” that make this model work. They are the human proof that transformation is possible. They translate our mission into immediate, relatable action, ensuring that every participant sees a future that is not defined by their past. This deep, personal commitment ensures high retention rates, creates authentic partnerships with labor, and ultimately delivers the highly motivated, organized, and politically engaged workforce that is ready to secure a stable life and a stronger democracy.