Onward Blog

Doug Smith on life after bipolar and depression, alcohol and substance abuse—on the My Last Relapse podcast

By JLUSA

January 12, 2026

After his release, Doug Smith (Leading with Conviction™ 2018) experienced relapses but reframed them as part of recovery rather than failure.

Hakim Crampton on Michigan ID program for formerly incarcerated people upon reentry

By JLUSA

January 5, 2026

“The program has been working quite well, but there are a lot of things missing from it …”

Chandra Bozelko asks why more are not championing religious freedom for incarcerated individuals

By JLUSA

January 2, 2026

“Landor represents precisely the kind of religious freedom issue that progressives have historically championed.”

Chivas Watson on rising health care costs

By JLUSA

December 29, 2025

“It’s really tight for us,” Chivas Watson (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) told KVUE news recently. Watch video.

Emilee Shell calls for executive clemency in the case of Maurice Taylor

By JLUSA

December 26, 2025

“I don’t know under what circumstances a 20-year sentence for this offense would be lawful.”

Carole Eady-Porcher celebrates new trauma recovery center opening in Brooklyn, New York

By JLUSA

December 22, 2025

Carole Eady-Porcher (Leading with Conviction™ 2015): “Most of us have been through trauma and violence well before we become addicted.”

Jonathan Morgan on how prison education programs save lives and money

By JLUSA

December 19, 2025

“Ending these programs removes hope, opportunity, and any meaningful incentive for personal growth …”

Captivated: JLUSA’s Annual Year-End Best of List for 2025

By JLUSA

December 17, 2025

As the year wraps up, here are the top recommendations that captivated us in each of these categories in 2025—music, movies, TV, podcasts, and books!

JLUSA mourns the passing of Ronnie Waters

By JLUSA

December 15, 2025

JLUSA mourns the passing of Ronnie Waters (1962-2025), who passed away early Monday morning.

Dr. Donna Hylton testifies in support of the Survivors Justice Act in New Jersey

By JLUSA

Survivors, including author and activist Dr. Donna Hylton (Leading with Conviction™ 2015), provided emotional testimony. Watch now.

New podcast explores life at Washington State Penitentiary

By JLUSA

December 12, 2025

The show focuses on the experience of being incarcerated. Three of the hosts are currently at Washington State Penitentiary, two were formerly there.

Eric Weaver on the challenges of housing and employment after reentry, and his mission to turn D.C. around

By JLUSA

December 10, 2025

Eric Weaver (Leading with Conviction 2019) was one of four leaders who joined a one-hour roundtable for the Let’s Talk video series.