Returning Citizens Support Group (RCSG) from New Jersey works with formerly incarcerated people and their families. Their mission is to reduce instances where formerly incarcerated people return to prison through healing, family reunification, and community building by providing comprehensive wraparound services to support people returning to their communities from prison. They envision a criminal justice system that fosters rehabilitation, redemption, and second chances. While national recidivism numbers are generally high, less than 2% of their community have gone back into prison.
Returning Citizens Support Group held a board retreat at The Uplands from April 24 to 26. Their aims were to heal, dream and build the work of the organization.
The group arrived on a sunny afternoon, and began their retreat with a guided meditation in Cheriklo, a special grove of black cherry trees behind the guest house. Afterwards, several participants enjoyed a tour of the land while others settled into their rooms. They came together for a hearty lasagna dinner followed by icebreakers on the west patio overlooking a colorful sunset.
The following morning, the board began by revisiting the organization’s mission, aims and intended impact. As the rain fell outside, they nourished themselves with a black bean soup with deviled eggs and salad. An art project facilitated by The Uplands that afternoon consisted of individual drawings that reflect what support and liberation feels like in their life, and a team building activity around the creation of an emblem together. When they resumed the board meeting, they broke into several small groups to begin to define operational workplans for the coming period. That evening, following dinner, they enjoyed a sound bath in the yoga studio, followed by a fireside conversation among those that hadn’t gone to rest.
The following morning was sunny and bright. The group concluded their collective work on the board’s governance, after which they enjoyed hikes on the trails and the nearby Wellness Walk. The meeting ended with half-hour massages – a gift of gratitude from the executive directors to their board members. The group left The Uplands energized, inspired and with a deepened commitment to their organizational work.
At The Uplands, we continue to learn from groups of – and groups serving – people who have not always been free. We are privileged to provide wellness opportunities to caregivers and changemakers working with justice system-impacted people, to strengthen their organizations, build the staying power of their staff and lean into the work ahead.
