Home - Changing Perceptions

taking action to end recidivism

We’re a community committed to empowering justice-impacted individuals with the skills, support, and opportunities to rebuild and thrive.

FIGHTING TO END RECIDIVISM

Disrupting the cycle of reoffending after incarceration

Our mission is to ensure the smooth reintegration and success of returning citizens in the Washington metropolitan area through hands-on and authentic mentoring, guidance, training, networking, and other supports and referrals to needed services.

Justice-Impacted, Not Defined

Who We SERVE

We serve justice-impacted men and women ages 18 and older—regardless of crime, sentence length, or how long they’ve been home.

Everyone deserves a second chance. Our services are available to individuals in pre-release, post-release, and long-term reintegration phases. Most of our participants are D.C. residents who face housing insecurity, employment barriers, disconnection from family, and discrimination tied to their criminal records.

returning citizens served since 2020

490 +

in emergency assistance distributed

$ 240 K

How We Serve

Programs & Services

Workforce Development & Job Readiness

Our multi-week workforce development training provides hands-on instruction in job readiness, time-management, effective communication, Diversity awareness, and financial literacy. Participants complete resumes, cover letters, and mock interviews, while learning to budget and use productivity tools.

Peer Mentorship & Navigation

Our unique peer model trains returning citizens to become paid peer mentors, offering guidance to others navigating reentry. With shared lived experience, our mentors build trust and support that traditional systems can’t. From court advocacy to life coaching, peer mentors help participants remain focused, empowered, and connected.

Flex Fund & Emergency Support

Changing Perceptions provides critical financial assistance for urgent needs like rent, security deposits, transportation, medical care, and groceries. Our Flex Fund prevents evictions, job loss, and health crises—stabilizing returning citizens when they’re most at risk of recidivism.

Case Management & Clinical Support

Every participant receives a trauma-informed Individualized Service Plan (ISP) led by our case managers and licensed social workers. Services include behavioral health referrals, legal aid, housing assistance, education access, and crisis stabilization. Our wraparound approach ensures participants are met with compassion, accountability, and structure.

97% of program graduates remain arrest-free

during active program participation.

1,000+ hours of peer mentorship and resource navigation support provided

Our Impact

When a single father of three was on the brink of eviction due to months of unpaid rent, Changing Perceptions stepped in with emergency financial assistance to cover his arrears. We also helped him relocate to a more affordable home aligned with his income, ensuring stability and peace of mind for his children. Today, he’s thriving and fully employed, with a secure roof over his family’s head.

After his release, James dreamed of starting a catering business but lacked the tools and training. Changing Perceptions sponsored his food handler certification, provided business coaching, and purchased his first set of commercial kitchen equipment. He now runs a successful small business and regularly donates meals to community events as a way of giving back.

Marla, a returning citizen, struggled to find employment due to gaps in her resume. With our support, she enrolled in a certified IT training program, completed her coursework, and obtained a well-paying job in tech support. She also served as a mentor in our peer network, helping others navigate their path to success.