April 27 - It has been an incredible first day of visits to reentry organizations. First stop was in Mason City to meet with On Common Grounds/In Faith founder and director Ken Quintus. He is an inspiration! Ken operates 3 houses and works closely with other organizations in his community. Next stop was also in Mason City to meet with Live Free founder/director Jani Dahlin. They got started as a residential option for women and are thriving. Both Ken and Jani offer to mentor individuals in their community even if the individual is not in their residential program. Truly amazing people!
Ken Quintus and Mike Cervantes
Jani Dahlin and Mike Cervantes
The last stop of the day was in Spencer. Kyle Norris is one of the leaders in the prison reentry support that Atlas of Spencer offers. They truly go the extra mile to make sure that returning citizens have the support they need. Besides mentoring, locating local resources and help finding housing, the group is also willing to visit the local prisons to meet in person (once it is allowed again by the DOC.). It is so inspiring to meet all the committed Iowans who are doing incredible work in their communities.
Sign outside Atlas of Spencer's office.
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