After a candidate exits the program, the relationship continues. Carr and her team of mentors check in with candidates and encourage them to build partnerships and work within her companies or start their own businesses. This creates reinforcement of the support system as well as networking opportunities. “You don’t branch out when you think you’ve got it,” Gaylisa says. She encourages her candidates to reach out to her any time, and empowers them to build their own network and support system. Part of what keeps Gaylisa going with her nonprofit and the for-profit businesses that partner with the re-entry program — Adjusting Lives, Healing Hearts (ALHH), also in honor of her mother and Ami Lee’s Heart (ALH) — is her perspective. She believes that all people are generally good. “Everybody deserves a chance, at least once or twice,” Gaylisa says. “We can’t be so judgmental. This is a whole population, millions of people impacted by incarceration in one form or another. Don’t let it be the black cloud for society.” Though many would allow life’s circumstances to keep them down, Gaylisa uses her personal re-entry experience to help pave the way for a smoother transition for re-entry candidates. She emphasizes that organizations must be more mindful, look into what people are doing and making things happen. Follow up and see if they do the work. “Not one organization helped me when I got out and I went to all of them. And they still have not helped me to this day,” Gaylisa says. With ALHH, participants aren’t simply given a piece of paper; they have contacts, mentoring and self-sufficiency opportunities. They’re met with an open heart, empathy and empowerment. Having gone on this journey herself, Gaylisa is able to be the change in the re-entry system she so desires to see. Elita Summers Elita is a writer for EPS. During the day, she is an analyst and has held positions as a technical consultant and database administrator. When not behind a screen, she enjoys reading actual books, hiking, cooking and spending time with family. “ We can’t be so judgmental. This is a whole population, millions of people impacted by incarceration in one form or another. Don’t let it be the black cloud for society. GAYLISA CARR ” 12 | ENVISION PROVEN SUCCESS MAGAZINE
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