Navigating life after justice involvement is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. The transition to a new chapter often involves confronting societal stigmas, rebuilding relationships, and finding ways to grow personally and professionally. Recognizing these needs, Give an Hour has launched a Peer Mentorship Program to support justice-impacted individuals, providing a safe, judgment-free space to foster connection, learning, and healing.
The Peer Mentorship Program meets virtually weekly on Tuesdays every month at 8:00 PM EST, ensuring accessibility for individuals nationwide. These sessions are led by experienced mentor Michael Brewster Jr., who brings a wealth of lived experience and a passion for empowering others.
Michael, a Peer Support Facilitator, has dedicated over 20 years to mentoring and uplifting his community in Washington, DC. His personal journey of navigating systemic challenges, overcoming obstacles, and finding purpose informs his approach to creating a space where participants feel heard, supported, and valued.
Michael reflects, “Through my own experiences, I know the frustration of not having the right resources or support. My goal is to provide what I didn’t have—a community where individuals can come together to share, heal, and build brighter futures.”
The program’s foundation is built on Give an Hour’s belief that shared experiences can bridge gaps and foster meaningful connections. Returning citizens often face unique challenges, from securing employment to overcoming societal biases. Michael’s story sheds light on these struggles, such as navigating a lack of foundational support in workforce development and dealing with the emotional toll of stigma.
Despite these hurdles, Michael found strength in therapy and community. “Therapy allowed me to take responsibility for my life and begin the healing process,” he shares. “Now, I want to help others find their path forward, just as I’ve begun to find mine.”
Participants in the program can expect a supportive space where they can share their experiences, learn from others, and gain practical tools for resilience. Whether it’s discussing strategies for job applications, exploring emotional well-being, or simply listening to others’ journeys, the program emphasizes the importance of community and mutual growth.
Returning citizens often encounter systemic barriers that can feel impossible. Access to secure employment, stable housing, and supportive relationships are critical to successful reintegration, yet these resources are not always readily available. The Peer Mentorship Program aims to fill some of these gaps by offering guidance and fostering connections that lead to practical solutions.
Michael explains, “When I first re-entered society, I struggled to build a resume. I didn’t have a traditional work history. Small steps like identifying transferable skills and leaning on my community were key. This program helps participants find those steps and offers the encouragement they need to keep moving forward.”
Michael’s approach to facilitation is rooted in empathy and personal accountability. He recognizes that creating a safe space requires more than just words—it’s about building trust through action.
“For me, it’s about showing participants that they’re not alone and that their voices matter,” he notes. “Sometimes, just listening is the most powerful thing you can do.”
The program encourages participants to engage at their own pace. Whether they choose to actively share or simply listen, the space is designed to accommodate everyone’s comfort levels. Michael reassures newcomers, “You don’t have to say anything at first. Just come in, listen, and know that you’re part of a community that understands.”
The Peer Mentorship Program is part of Give an Hour’s broader effort to collaborate with organizations like WorkSource Montgomery. Organizations such as WorkSource Montgomery focus on workforce development and economic empowerment. By connecting participants to resources and opportunities, this partnership helps bridge gaps in support systems, ensuring that returning citizens have access to the tools they need for success.
At its core, peer support is about shared humanity and hope. It’s about recognizing that no one has to navigate life’s challenges alone. Programs like this not only help participants heal but also empower them to uplift others.
Michael sums it up, “Helping others is a way of helping yourself. When we share our stories and support each other, we all grow stronger.”
If you or someone you know is a justice-impacted individual seeking community and support, consider joining Give an Hour’s Peer Mentorship Program. Sessions are free and open to all, providing an inclusive environment for growth and connection.
To learn more or register visit our Registration Page or email peersupport@giveanhour.org.
Together, we can build a community of understanding and empowerment, one story at a time.
