Behind the Walls.
Since the inception of Exodus, individuals behind bars have always been the driving motivation and influence for the work that we do, and they continue to be the beating heart of our mission. Their resilience, insight, and commitment to both individual and community-level transformation laid the foundation for Exodus, and their voices continue to shape our programs, priorities, and purpose. Whether inside correctional facilities or returning home to rebuild their lives, these men are not only participants in our work—they are its architects, its leaders, and its enduring inspiration.
What we do.
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For years, Exodus volunteers have returned behind the walls to provide essential reentry guidance, support, and encouragement. This year, we deepened our approach by holding trauma-centered healing circles with the men inside—unpacking the layered impacts of childhood trauma, carceral trauma, and post-incarceration trauma, while examining how lived experiences shape our minds, bodies, spirits, behaviors, decisions, and relationships.
WHY OUR APPROACH IS UNIQUE:
What makes Exodus' approach truly unique is our intentional integration of licensed clinical expertise with the lived experience of those who have themselves sat in these very seats. Our teams are always comprised of individuals who have walked the path from incarceration to transformation—men who now return not just as facilitators, but as living proof of what’s possible. The men inside see themselves reflected in our staff, and that connection creates powerful conditions for healing, trust, and growth. Through trauma-informed practices and the support of our Center for Trauma Innovation, these men are not only transforming their own lives—they are helping to create safer, more compassionate environments both within the facility and in the communities they will one day return to. They are acquiring the tools necessary not only to come home, but to stay home.
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN PRE-RELEASE AND POST-RELEASE:
Equally critical is the bridge that Exodus builds between pre-release and post-release services. The continuity of care we provide ensures that the men we walk alongside inside prison walls are met with the same trusted support team once they return home. This seamless connection eliminates the all-too-common gap in services and allows participants to continue their healing journeys without interruption—laying the foundation for long-term stability, accountability, and success.
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Why it matters.
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Meet Joey
Joey, pictured left, is the perfect exemplification of why seamless pre-release and post-release services like this are essential. Joey was an active participant of our trauma-focused reentry programming while incarcerated, completed every phase of our community-based programs upon release, and has been working at Exodus as a valued member of our team ever since. He often attributes much of his success to the support of his brothers inside, the Exodus family and the tools he was provided while still on the inside to think and act differently.
This many people are incarcerated in our prisons in NYS
Of that number, this many are Black and Brown and come from our communities
What ACEs tells us is that those who are most impacted by trauma are those most likely to be incarcerated
What we see is that those behind bars are simply people who have experienced trauma
Every year, this many men and women return home to their communities and want nothing more than to stay home
The national recidivism rate is X but the rate of recidivism for folks who engage in rehabilitative services such as this one are far lower
Help contribute to our programs inside and help support our brothers and sisters coming home (add donate button)
Write a message of encouragement to our family inside! (add a place where they can write notes)
