Empowerment Zone Re-entry Initiative

10/10/2026

Mental health is a human right — even behind bars.

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we honor every justice‑impacted person who has been overlooked, unheard, or punished for symptoms instead of supported with care.
Behind every statistic is a real human being navigating trauma, isolation, homelessness, and the impossible task of rebuilding life after release without the mental health resources they deserve.

Reentry isn’t just about returning home — it’s about returning to yourself.

And no one should have to do that alone.
At EZRI, we fight for continuity of care, stable housing, community support, and second chances. Because healing is possible. Because people are worth more than their worst moment. Because mental health care IS reentry care.

💜 Together, we rebuild tomorrows.

10/06/2026

EZRI was built from heart, healing, and the belief that no one is defined by their past.

Meet our cofounders: Cherry Smart, Paula Herrera, and Shamekia Gray, the names behind EZRI, whose compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment shape every second chance we fight for.

They are the heartbeat of EZRI.

10/02/2026

Today our senior MHC intern Farah and our cofounder Cherry sat with the men at Everglades CI — and it was one of those Fridays that reminds us why this work matters.
We revisited everything they’ve been brave enough to unpack these past weeks:
their schemas, their modes, their childhood needs, and the timeline of their life story — the parts they’ve carried, the parts they’ve survived, and the parts they’re finally ready to rewrite.
And the first group… they asked to process Inside Out 1 again. A movie they watched two weeks ago — because something in it helped them see their emotions in a way they’d never had language for before.
Healing doesn’t happen in a straight line. It happens in moments like this — when men who’ve been silenced learn to name their feelings, understand their story, and believe they deserve a different ending.

09/26/2026

🤝 Project Umbrella One-Stop Reentry Services

It takes a village—and our village is showing up! 💜 Community partners came together at Sherbondy Village Community Center in Opa-locka to connect individuals and families with reentry services, resources, and support for a fresh start.

Thank you to every partner helping make these connections possible. Together, we are building a stronger, more supported community.

📅 Our coalition will host another community event in November! Flyers and details are coming soon—stay connected and help us spread the word!

09/21/2026

Small Steps. Real Progress. A New Direction. 💜

When this client came to EZRI, she shared two important goals: find employment and remain committed to her substance use recovery. She acknowledged that she had made choices in the past that did not move her life forward—and she was determined to do something different.

Her self-determination, persistence, and willingness to use the resources provided turned that decision into action.

Just one week after visiting EZRI, she was able to obtain her Florida State ID at no cost and receive a bus pass, made possible through EZRI’s community partnerships. These may seem like basic resources, but identification and reliable transportation can remove major barriers to employment, recovery services, and long-term stability.

This is reentry in action: resources + opportunity + a person determined to change their direction.

💜 CTA: If you or someone you know is navigating reentry and needs support with identification, transportation, employment resources, recovery referrals, or other essential needs, connect with EZRI. Your past does not have to determine your next chapter.

09/17/2026

09/17/2026

You Are Not Alone

Life after incarceration can involve challenges that are difficult to manage alone. EZRI provides counseling, case management, advocacy, and community referrals to help individuals navigate their next steps.

Asking for support is a sign of strength.

CTA: Reach out to EZRI when you are ready to connect.

09/11/2026

From Reentry to Results 💜

Just 3 days after being released from prison, this client received his Florida State Identification—a critical step toward rebuilding his life and maintaining employment.

His determination to remain employed motivated him to stay consistent, persistent, and focused on securing two of his most basic needs: identification and employment stability.

Reentry is more than returning home. It is about removing barriers, restoring access, and creating a real opportunity to move forward.

At EZRI, we help individuals turn determination into action—one step, one resource, and one win at a time.

CTA: Are you or someone you know returning home and needing help with identification, employment, driver’s license reinstatement, referrals, or other reentry needs? Connect with EZRI today. Your next step can start here.

09/10/2026

Knowing your HIV status gives you the power to make informed decisions about your health.

EZRI offers confidential rapid oral HIV testing in a respectful and supportive environment. We can also connect participants to HIV care, PrEP, PEP, and other health resources.

Testing is quick. Support is available. Your health matters.

Contact EZRI for testing information and availability.

05/14/2026

On May 22nd, we’re opening our doors to the community for Duane Thwaites Day — a day dedicated to access, dignity, and second chances.
Steer Ahead, a program created by Duane Thwaites and housed within EZRI, is hosting a Driver’s License Reinstatement Workshop right here at Greater Bethel, where both of our programs are rooted.
This event brings essential agencies together to help individuals clear the barriers that keep them from moving forward:
* Driver’s license reinstatements
* ID cards, tax payments, vehicle tags & registration
* Child support suspension resolutions & modification submissions
* Traffic and parking citation payments
* Criminal court costs, fines, and fees
* Payment plan setup and more
This is real, practical support — all in one place.
Participants seeking same‑day service must pre‑register using the QR code on the flyer.
📍 Greater Bethel Church
🕙 10am–3pm
📅 Friday, May 22nd
At EZRI, we’re proud to stand behind Duane’s vision and the Steer Ahead program as we continue building pathways for justice‑impacted individuals to reclaim stability, mobility, and hope.