Celebrate the RETURN

MILWAUKEE, WI—October 5, 2020 – Project RETURN’s is celebrating its 40th year of service to the formerly incarcerated at its 2020 Virtual Gala. Project RETURN has been an integral part of the racial and social justice movement for 40 years, helping men and women make a positive, permanent return to their communities. To address the issue of high recidivism in Milwaukee, Project RETURN has walked alongside ex-incarcerated people by providing assistance with employment, housing, drug and alcohol counseling, life skills training and more.

Pastor Joseph Ellwanger, one of the founding board members of Project RETURN, marched with Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement and is still fighting for Black rights through his work with Project RETURN. He offers his insight into the development of the racial and social justice movement over his lifetime in his book on the movement, Strength for the Struggle. “Both the Black Lives Matter movement and Project RETURN work to show the community that Black persons have as much potential, worth, and dignity as anyone else,” said Pastor Joe. “When we are walking with persons who are returning, we are showing that Black people deserve respect not only with law enforcement, but in prison and after.”

Project RETURN considers each successful return of an individual to his or her community a cause for celebration. Each year, the organization holds one large event—Celebrate the Return—to highlight the uplifting, powerful and moving success stories of Project RETURN.

One of the success stories is that of Rodney Evans, the current board president of Project RETURN. Rodney successfully integrated back into society after incarceration and now supports men and women doing the same through Project RETURN. He understands the struggle of battling structural bias and violence against Black men and women and will share his powerful story during the gala livestream.

Another success story is Ventae Parrow, a client in the organization’s support groups. He knows firsthand how Project RETURN’s services make a difference in the life of the formerly incarcerated. He is passionate about Project RETURN’s work in prison reform, prison abolition, and community activism, which he will talk about during the gala livestream.

Many other uplifting and inspiring stories will be shared during the virtual celebration.

To register to attend the virtual gala livestream, visit: https://www.projectreturnmilwaukee.org/

Come and hear the story of Project Return. We do necessary work in Milwaukee. We empower people to re-enter into society after being incarcerated. Be a part of our mission.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.