About Us

Our Mission

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.

WHO WE ARE

What We Believe and Work Toward

Our vision is that the community welcomes our returning citizens with open arms through a coordinated ecosystem that provides the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed.

Our Core Values

More than just words, these are principles we live by, shaping the way we mentor, support, and partner with our community.

Respect & Dignity

We embrace each other for who we are, treat each other with care and kindness, and honor each other’s humanity and inherent value.

Trust & Accountability

We are reliable and honest partners, do what we say we will do, and do the right thing, especially when no one is looking.

Empathy & Authenticity:

We are who we are, bring our lived experiences to the work, and are committed to showing up for each other and our community.

Our Story

Changing Perceptions was founded in 2015 by a justice-impacted leader who saw firsthand how broken and under-resourced the reentry system was for D.C. residents. With the Revitalization Act of 1997 dismantling D.C.’s local prison system, thousands of our neighbors have been scattered across over 100 federal facilities in 35+ states—cut off from family, resources, and hope.

When they return, many have no housing, no job, and no support. That’s where we come in.

Founded, led, and largely operated by individuals who have walked the same path, Changing Perceptions is committed to being the place where returning citizens find connection, structure, and real opportunity. What began as a grassroots effort is now a recognized, award-winning nonprofit serving hundreds every year—changing not just perceptions, but lives. 

WHY IT MATTERS

Reentry is not just an individual struggle, it’s a public safety, economic, and moral issue.

Reentry is not just an individual struggle, it’s a public safety, economic, and moral issue. Without support, returning citizens face enormous odds stacked against them. With support, they become business owners, workers, mentors, and leaders. Our work restores lives, families, and communities across the District. Many of our participants:

…are formerly incarcerated D.C. residents now returning after decades from federal prison

…face housing instability, employment discrimination, and social isolation

…are parents, caregivers, and community members trying to rebuild their lives

Organizational milestones

Founded

Changing Perceptions is founded by a justice-impacted individual

2015

First Grant

Awarded our first local government grant and thriving with increases over time.

2019

Making an Impact

Surpassed 200+ returning citizens served

2020

leadership

Executive Director, Monte Pollard became the leader of Changing Perceptions.

2021

Recognition

Received the Justice Award by the Opportunity Finance Network for community justice

2023

COMMUNITY AWARD

Received the Community Choice Award by SPUR Local (formerly Catalogue for Philanthropy)