Exodus Transitional Community

The Exodus Transitional Community, [http://www.etcny.org www.etcny.org] , is a non-profit organization that provides support services to men and women who are in transition from incarceration to full-integration into their communities. It helps these individuals build stable lives by promoting their social and economic well-being so as to breack the cycle of recidivism.

History

Exodus Transitional Community originated behind prison walls. In the 1970s, a group of New York State prisoners that were serving lengthy sentences developed, along with Chaplain Rev. Ed Muller, what they called the "Exodus Group". The Exodus Group offered opportunities for study and discussion based on a model of self-discovery, acceptance of responsibility for past behavior, and dedication to change. The prisoners worked on their self-development and prepared for their eventual release into society. With the assistance of Rev. Bill Webber, then president of the New York Theological Seminary, the Exodus Group's spirit of empowerment led to the development of an accredited Masters Degree program in Sing Sing Correctional Facility.

Word of the Exodus Group and their model spread throughout the New York State prison system. Rev. Dr. Lonnie McLeod, one of the founding fathers of the Exodus Concept, passed on the Exodus model to a young man named Julio Medina

Julio was troubled by the high rate of recidivism that plagued urban communities. He witnessed firsthand what brought many formerly incarcerated individuals back to prison: lack of employment opportunities, emotional trauma, and difficulty re-integrating into the family setting. He was struck by the fact that many men spoke of returning to their communities and being good fathers, and he never once heard a man say, "I can't wait to come back to prison." Despite this apparent commitment to change, they returned to prison in astounding numbers. This situation caused Julio to be overcome with a sense of compassion and he has since dedicated his life to helping those being released from prison. Upon release, Julio organized a think-tank of social justice professionals, many of whom were once incarcerated, to try to find a model that would keep women and men from re-offending. Through this assembly of minds, Exodus Transitional Community, Inc. was born.

After many meetings, speaking engagements, and requests for assistance, Exodus Transitional Community, Inc. received its first substantial contribution and officially opened its doors in March 1999.