When Samuel Lewis was paroled on January 12, 2012, a new chapter of his life began. Within sixty days of his release, he obtained part-time employment with Petco as a Sales Associate, and a full-time internship with Shields for Families as a Youth Mentor. The internship with Shields for Families led to full-time employment with Friends Outside in Los Angeles County (FOLA) working directly with the reentry population. At FOLA, Samuel served as a Job Specialist, assisting formerly incarcerated men and women in obtaining and retaining full-time employment; and as a Case Manager, ensuring that previously incarcerated men and women were connected with all resources necessary for a successful transition from incarceration to society. 

Hard work and determination opened the door for Samuel to become the Project Coordinator for a $1.2 million Department of Labor ReEntry Ex–Offender (REXO) grant, and in that capacity, he exceeded all the required measures. 

Samuel says, “My experiences have continuously reinforced my commitment to change, second chances, and deliverance of all formally incarcerated men and women as they transition back into society.”  He completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree,graduating Magna Cum Laude with a 3.76 grade point average.  Currently, Samuel is a supervisor for the Los Angeles-based Anti-Recidivism Coalition.