We Are Steadfast And Unmovable
Receiving the Champion of Justice Award at the 4th Annual Reentry Summit hosted by Ronnie’s House was truly an honor that made me reflect deeply on our journey with the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership (LARRP). The event brought together so many incredible organizations, all working towards the same goal of justice and equity in our community. It was inspiring to have meaningful conversations and connect with others who share our commitment to reentry and reform. These moments remind us of the power of collaboration and the vital role that organizations like Ronnie’s House play in advancing our mission.
Looking back on when we started the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership (LARRP) network in September of 2011, there is one common theme that still holds true: our unwavering dedication to helping our returning citizens, their families, and our communities throughout the world. It is clear to me that our dedication to building capacity, constant investment in innovative solutions, and ongoing development of our people through our leadership academy and workshops have enabled us to achieve this consistency and commitment. Additionally, across the network, we uphold certain steadfast tenets that are worth repeating as we move forward to amplify our voices and strengthen our resolve to have a meaningful impact.
First, our work has a very real human impact. This is because LARRP is not owned by any institution; it belongs to the people. In all cases where our work translates, the ultimate beneficiaries are individuals in our communities. According to the DOJ, over 10,000 people are released from America’s state and federal prisons every week and arrive on the doorsteps of our nation's communities. More than 600,000 individuals are released from prison every year, and studies show that approximately two-thirds will likely be rearrested within three years of release. LARRP’s work helps to interrupt this cycle. The high volume of returnees reflects the tremendous growth in the U.S. prison population during the past 30 years. We cannot and must not relent in our work. For the communities to which most of our brothers and sisters are returning home, we are the only thing that stands between the challenges opposing them and the second-chance opportunities awaiting them.
Second, second-chance value can be built only if we maintain a healthy and vibrant network, which means working together and doing a good job of taking care of our returning citizens, their families, and communities. Conversely, how can we have a healthy network if we neglect any of these stakeholders? As we have learned over the past few years, there are myriad ways compassion can be demonstrated. For us, it’s remembering that we are all connected, and we are stronger together.
Third, while we don’t run the network worrying about the wins in the short run, in the long run, we consider the value of our work and measure our progress over time. This progress is a function of continual investments in our people, systems, and products, in good and bad times, to build our capabilities. These important investments will also drive our network’s prospects and position it to grow and prosper for decades. Measured by steady performance in impacting recidivism, our progress is exceptional.
Fourth, we are united behind basic principles and strategies that have helped build this network and made it thrive. These allow us to maintain a fortress balance perspective that keeps us anchored during changing times, constantly invest in and nurture talent through our leadership academy and workshops, and fully satisfy funders, partners, and affiliates. This philosophy is embedded in our culture and influences nearly everything we do.
Fifth, we strive to build enduring programs and projects that serve as a model across the nation, which rely on and benefit from one another, but we are not a conglomerate. This structure helps generate the value we have in the collective. Nonetheless, despite our best efforts, the walls that protect our network from people not willing to put the work in are not particularly high — and we face extraordinary competition and opposition. We recognize our strengths and vulnerabilities, and we play our hand as best we can.
Sixth, we must be a source of strength, particularly in tough times, for our people whom we serve and the communities in which we operate. We must take seriously our role as one of the guardians of the ever-changing reentry systems.
Seventh, we operate with a very important silent partner — our membership. Our network’s success is predicated upon the extraordinary response to the conditions our country creates through the prison system. As I think about all that is at stake in the world this year, I just want to say thank you. LARRP is a healthy and thriving network, and we always want to be in a position to use our collective voices, gifts, and talents to have a lasting and positive impact. We put in our fair share of time advocating for our returning citizens — and we want it to be spent well and have the greatest impact.
Eighth and finally, we know the foundation of our success rests with our staff, volunteers, and membership. It is every one of you. You who are on the front line, both individually and as organizations, serving our people and communities, building the technology and programs, making strategic decisions, managing risks, determining our path forward, and driving innovation. However, you view the world and landscape of reentry — its complexity, risks, and opportunities — our network’s prosperity requires a great team of people with guts, brains, integrity, enormous capabilities, and high standards of professional excellence to ensure its ongoing success.
I’m so proud to be in this work with every one of you. You are my heroes and sheroes. I look to you for strength and inspiration to stay in the fight.
In Service,
Pastor Troy F. Vaughn
Executive Director, LARRP