Reentry, the transition from life in jail or prison to life in the community, can have profound implications for public safety.

A Powerful Initiative for Change

Synergy Reform is a 501c non profit organization which presents a compelling and much-needed approach to tackling the complex issue of mass incarceration and reentry. The collaboration between former law enforcement officials and justice impacted individuals offers a unique and powerful perspective, bridging the gap between the justice system and the communities it impacts.

Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap: Bringing together business, academia, social work, justice officials, and former inmates fosters a holistic approach to reentry. This diverse range of perspectives ensures that solutions are comprehensive and address the multifaceted challenges of reintegration.

Public and Private Partnership: Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for creating sustainable and effective solutions. This partnership can leverage resources, expertise, and funding to maximize the impact of Synergy Reform's initiatives.

Our mission is to foster understanding, empathy, and actionable insights into the challenges faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration. Through immersive, interactive simulations, we aim to educate participants on the systemic barriers, social stigmas, and personal struggles that returning citizens encounter. Our goal is to inspire meaningful dialogue, promote policy change, and support effective reentry programs that facilitate successful reintegration, reduce recidivism, and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Education and Awareness:

By educating the public about the challenges of reentry, Synergy Reform can break down stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding justice impacted individuals. This fosters understanding and empathy, creating a more supportive environment for successful reintegration.

Second Chance Opportunities: Providing resources and training for job opportunities and fair housing directly addresses two of the biggest hurdles faced by those reentering society. This empowers individuals to rebuild their lives, contribute positively to their communities, and reduces the likelihood of recidivism.

Cost Savings and Safer Communities: Lowering recidivism rates translates to significant cost savings for communities and the justice system. Additionally, successful reintegration leads to safer communities by reducing crime rates and fostering positive social change.

Reentry Simulation

Reentry Simulation: Comprehensive and insightful program aimed at simulating the challenges faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration. The program's strength lies in its immersive approach, forcing participants to confront the complexities and frustrations of reintegration firsthand.

Key strengths of the program include:

Experiential Learning: The simulation actively engages participants, allowing them to "walk in the shoes" of returning citizens. This firsthand experience fosters empathy and understanding of the obstacles faced during reentry.

Realistic Scenario: The inclusion of various stations representing real-life institutions and the element of randomness creates a genuine experience, mirroring the unpredictable nature of reintegration.

Comprehensive Scope: The simulation covers a wide range of challenges, including housing, employment, transportation, healthcare, and legal obligations, providing a holistic view of the reentry process.

Guided Reflection: Debriefing sessions after each "week" allow participants to process their experiences, identify successes and failures, and gain valuable insights.

Flexibility and Adaptability: The program's design allows for customization to address the specific needs of different agencies and organizations involved in reentry efforts..

Mental health challenges: The simulation could incorporate the psychological impact of incarceration and the difficulties of readjusting to life outside prison, including issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Social stigma and discrimination: Exploring the societal biases and discrimination faced by ex-offenders could further enhance the simulation's realism and impact.

Family reunification and support systems: The program could benefit from including the complexities of rebuilding relationships with family and establishing support networks post-release.

Long-term perspective: While the simulation focuses on the initial month, exploring the ongoing challenges and long-term needs of reintegration could provide a more comprehensive understanding.

Overall, the Reentry Simulation program offers a valuable tool for professionals working with returning citizens. By fostering empathy, understanding, and awareness of the reentry process, the program has the potential to significantly improve support systems and contribute to successful reintegration outcomes.

Policy Advocacy

Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policy changes that address systemic barriers to reentry, such as discriminatory hiring practices and limited access to housing.

Mentorship Programs: Develop mentorship programs that connect formerly incarcerated individuals with experienced professionals in various fields.

Entrepreneurial Support: Offer resources and training specifically designed to support individuals interested in starting their own businesses.

Community Engagement: Organize community events and workshops to foster dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between formerly incarcerated individuals and the broader community.

Synergy Reform presents a beacon of hope for a more just and equitable society. Through education, advocacy, and empowerment, this initiative has the potential to transform lives and create safer, more inclusive communities for all.

Mission Statement

Meet Our Founder

  • Douglas Reed

    Douglas worked in corrections for 25 years, spending a significant portion of his career at FCI Fort Dix, one of the largest federal prisons in the United States. He began his career at the Atlantic County Jail in 1990 and joined the Bureau of Prisons in 1992. Throughout his tenure, Douglas served as both a correctional officer and a procurement officer in the business office. Douglas’s career coincided with the implementation of the 1986 Anti-Drug Abuse Act, which had a profound impact on black communities. This legislation created a stark disparity in sentencing between crack and powder cocaine. Possession of just 5 grams of crack cocaine, more commonly used in black communities, triggered an automatic five-year prison sentence, whereas it took 500 grams of powder cocaine, more prevalent among wealthier, white individuals, to receive the same penalty. After retiring in 2016, Douglas sought to leverage his experience to make a positive impact on the black community. He collaborated with Sue Ellen Allen, a justice-impacted woman from Arizona, on simulations and educational initiatives across the country aimed at universities, community groups, and legislators. Following Sue Ellen’s passing in February 2021, Douglas committed himself to continuing her legacy, striving to bring awareness and change to the justice system based on his extensive experience.

  • Douglas and Sue Ellen Allen

    “Everyone has a story. No matter who you are and what your circumstances, you have a story and you have the power to use that story to help someone else”. Sue Ellen Allen

“The nature of the criminal justice system has changed. It is no longer primarily concerned with the prevention and punishment of crime, but rather with the management and control of the dispossessed.”
― Michelle Alexander, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindnes

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email: info@douglasmreed.com