Announcing the 2024 Reentry Award Winners
The Center for Improving Youth Justice is excited to share the winners of the 2024 Reentry Awards. This year, we received 21 applications from 11 facilities across 10 states, showcasing the determination and spirit of young people preparing to reenter their communities.
The Reentry Awards were designed to provide recipients with $500 to use as they see fit to support their transition. Each of this year’s winners shared a powerful vision for their future and how the award would help them take the next step toward stability and success. Their stories reflect the courage and commitment they bring to this journey.
Meet the 2024 Winners
Anthony – “If I had this money, I could get contacts to wear to work so my glasses don’t fall off and break. This award is important to me because it will support and help me stay clean and less stressed, knowing I have the things I need.”
Ezraiah – “Growing up, I was bullied for wearing the same clothes to school every day. Because of that, I started not showing up to school. Being bullied by the older kids led me to steal clothes and get in trouble. Getting this reward, I feel I can change those ways.”
Gabriel – “I would like to thank CIYJ for creating an award that helps underprivileged youth receive the necessary resources to transition back into our communities successfully.”
Laila – “This award will alleviate a lot of stress because we struggle financially with a sick mother and special needs brother. These things make it a difficult challenge to enter the community and have to deal with stress at home while maintaining a job and group therapy.”
LaJordan – “I’ve grown a lot since being here, and I’ll need new clothes to help with my confidence, reflect who I am, and show my personality. I would also like to get hygiene supplies to help with my daily routine and school supplies as I reenter school. The reason I want to buy all this myself is to lighten up the load on my mother. She provides so much for my little sister and me and is always overworked – I can’t imagine how stressful it is to provide for two children.”
Lazarian – “I would like to dress more maturely than before. They say, ‘The clothes make the man,’ I want my appearance to match my new mature mindset. This way, when my little sister looks up to me, she will see somebody she could be proud of.”
Oscar – “I haven’t made up my mind about what I want to do with my life yet, but I do know I want to be successful. I want to be proud of myself and others to be proud of me. I have realized my family wants what is best for me.”
Rodreigez – “I will be released on my 21st birthday and do not have help waiting for me at home. Receiving this will give me a head start as I work to find a job and provide for myself. Being able to buy my own personal items would prevent the temptation of getting them in negative ways.”
Spencer – “This award will help me transition back into society by helping me buy nice clothes for interviews. It will also allow me to buy shoes for work and use my other money for bills, food, and my car. I will need new clothes that fit me and this award will help with getting them.”
Victor – “I’m having issues with my identification and passport and cannot work without my ID. I can’t get a new ID without my expired passport. While I wait for my passport renewal, I must keep myself busy to stay out of trouble. This award can help pay for a gym membership, a Boys & Girls Club membership, and maybe even equipment requirements for audio engineering.”
We are so proud of this year’s winners and grateful for their willingness to share their stories. Their words remind us of the transformative power of hope, resilience and support. Congratulations to all—you inspire us!
A huge thank you to all the staff who supported these young people with their applications: Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center: Rayshel Longley and Audrey Phillips; Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility (OH): Danielle Rasey, Abdallah Ail, Amy Hoover and Lucynda Dunning; Fairbanks Youth Facility (AK): Rachel Marquez; Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility: Melvea Hardy; Journey House (CT): Candace Duchaineau, Lucy Mangual and Makeila Robles; Juvenile Corrections Center St. Anthony (ID): Amanda Gallegos; Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex: Amanda Martin-Warbis; Mt. Meigs Campus (AL): Raven Livingston and Shalanda Lamar; Pine Hills Youth Correctional Facility (MT): Robin Holthus; Rutherford House (LA): Brittny Bishop and Susan Haulcy; Swanson Center for Youth at Columbia (LA): Porche Smith and Allysia Handy.
Visit our website to learn more about the Reentry Awards or how you can support young people transitioning into their communities. Together, we can help turn obstacles into opportunities.