ABOUT US
fighting recidivism
how we started
Changing perceptions
Changing Perceptions was conceived by Will Avila, a returning citizen who was sentenced to adult-incarceration at the age of 16 years, and spent 10 years in-and-out of prison, struggling to transition back into the community.
Will, like so many other returning citizens, experienced first-hand the challenges—and rejections—that came with transitioning back into society and the workforce. Finally, in 2014 he decided to start a for-profit business, Clean Decisions (commercial kitchen cleaning and general labor services.)
Will dreamt of helping employ returning citizens—people like him—who longed for an opportunity to prove to society they are worth investing in.
Clean Decisions has successfully provided full- and part-time employment to over 30 people, and they have a 100% anti-recidivism rate. However, in addition to employment, what the year highlighted was the desperate need for therapeutic and supportive services. Returning citizens not only struggle to find employment, but they also need training and counseling to help them successfully transition back into contributing members of society.
The Nuts and Bolts
what we do
At Changing Perceptions, we believe that every individual deserves a second chance, and we are dedicated to providing direct services to all returning citizens, regardless of their circumstances. Our focus is ensuring the smooth reintegration and success of returning citizens in the Washington metropolitan area through hands-on and authentic mentoring, guidance, training, networking, and other supportsupports and referrals to needed services. We understand the importance of building a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones, and we are committed to providing the necessary resources and support to help them achieve their goals. With our expanded programmatic offerings and partnerships, we hope to make a meaningful impact in the lives of returning citizens and their families.
our team
staff
helping to guide
what our mentors do
Changing Perceptions provides a unique and effective approach to assisting those who are re-entering society after incarceration. Our platform is centered around a Mentor-Mentee relationship, in which peer mentors who have personally experienced incarceration offer support and guidance to new re-entrants.
These peer mentors are living examples of successful reintegration and provide one-to-one mentorship to participants, offering consistent encouragement and helping them set and achieve personal, physical, mental health, financial, and professional goals. The peer mentors work closely with Changing Perceptions leadership and engage with external agencies and services as appropriate to help participants establish longer-term “change maker” goals.
With this kind of personalized support, participants can overcome the challenges associated with re-entry and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
