Jerry Blassingame: Transforming Communities Through Restorative Justice with a Healthy Equity Lens

Jerry Blassingame, Executive Director of Soteria Community Development Corporation, embarked on a transformative journey with the Healthy Communities Fellowship in 2019 driven by his passion for community empowerment and reentry advocacy. With a background in architectural engineering and a deep commitment to serving individuals affected by incarceration, Jerry’s journey with the fellowship exemplifies the power of personal transformation and community-driven solutions.

Reflecting on his path before joining the fellowship, Jerry recalls his journey of redemption and service. “Twenty-five years ago, after serving three and a half years of a 20-year prison sentence, I opened the doors of Soteria World Outreach Ministries,” he shares. Over the years, Jerry’s role expanded to encompass housing management, community projects, and operating a food bank, ultimately leading to the establishment of Soteria Community Development Corporation in 2007.

Motivated by a desire to enhance his advocacy skills and expand his network, Jerry applied for the fellowship. “I’m a lifelong learner, and I saw the fellowship as an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain new perspectives,” he explains. Focusing on advocacy and media skills, Jerry entered the program with a clear set of goals and expectations.

Throughout the fellowship, Jerry found himself immersed in a rich learning environment that enhanced the skills he needed to successfully run his nonprofit and develop his brand.“ The writing workshops were particularly impactful for me,” he notes.“ As someone who writes poetry and op-eds, learning from media professionals was invaluable.” His participation in Aspen Ideas: Health further amplified his voice and expanded his network, opening doors to new opportunities and connections.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Jerry remained committed to his journey, leveraging the support of his coaches and mentors to overcome obstacles. One project that stood out was his op-ed titled “Ex-Con,’ ‘Ex-Offender’ and ‘Ex-Inmate’ Are Words That Reduce Millions to Stereotype.” “It was a powerful moment for me,” Jerry reflects.“ I was able to showcase the importance of using humanizing language when talking about incarcerated people.”

Jerry’s involvement in the fellowship profoundly influenced his approach to addressing health equity and community issues. “I now view all of our work with a health lens,” he explains. “From providing health screenings to addressing mental health challenges, the fellowship has broadened my perspective and transformed our approach to community development.”

Looking ahead, Jerry remains focused on integrating health equity into all aspects of his work. “We now send everyone to get health screenings when they’re released from prison,” he shares. “And we’re hiring a part-time mental health professional to provide support to our clients.”

Jerry offers words of encouragement for future fellows. “Go in with an open mind and give it your all,” he advises. “The fellowship offers invaluable opportunities for growth and connection.”

Reflecting on the unique value of the program, Jerry emphasizes the importance of storytelling and communication skills. “As nonprofit practitioners, being able to share stories is critical,” he says. He also suggests enhancing alumni connections and facilitating ongoing engagement to maximize the program’s impact.

“[The Healthy Communities Fellowship] gave me a new lens to look at my work, and social determinants of health came alive,” Jerry shares in gratitude. His journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven solutions and the importance of continuous learning and growth in advancing health equity and community development.

Monique Castro’s Vision for Indigenous Wellness

Monique Castro, a Xicana and member of the Navajo (Diné) Nation, embarked on a transformative journey with the Healthy Communities Fellowship in 2020, driven by her passion for Indigenous wellness and community healing. Raised in southeast Los Angeles, Monique’s background as a licensed therapist and founder of the Indigenous Circle of Wellness equipped her with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Indigenous populations. Her commitment to providing culturally inclusive counseling and holistic healing laid the foundation for her involvement in the fellowship.

Motivated by a desire to amplify Indigenous voices in the realm of wellness and healing, Monique identified a pressing need to address the mental health needs of Indigenous communities in the Los Angeles area which were glaringly overlooked. Motivated by a former fellow’s nomination, Monique seized the opportunity to join the fellowship, viewing it as a platform to elevate her mission of promoting Indigenous wellness.

Throughout her experience, Monique found herself immersed in a dynamic learning environment that stretched her personal and professional boundaries. “The biography development activity, media training, and interview exercises provided invaluable opportunities for self-reflection and skill development. I learned how center my purpose and values when presenting myself,” Monique recalls. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and her personal journey, Monique’s resilience and commitment to her purpose were unwavering.“The fellowship was my anchor during a tumultuous time,” she says,“ and it helped me stay focused on my mission.”

Monique’s involvement profoundly influenced her approach to addressing health equity and community issues. “Engaging with a diverse cohort of women leaders allowed me to gain insights into the intersectionality of maternal and mental health,” she explains.“ It reshaped my perspective on wellness and empowered me to advocate for inclusive solutions.” The fellowship not only equipped Monique with practical skills, it also instilled a sense of belonging and empowerment among extraordinary women leaders.

Despite being virtual, Monique valued the mentorship and networking opportunities provided. “The support and camaraderie within the fellowship community were invaluable,” she says. “The program’s emphasis amplifying the voices of diverse healthy equity champions sets it apart. Often in health, we focus on the disparities within our communities, and they’re valid, but I appreciated learning from others about how their communities are thriving. The fellows are doing incredible work, and it was so helpful to have positive examples to look to.”

Looking back on her journey, Monique takes pride in the resilience and strength she gained through the fellowship. “Despite personal losses and struggles, I emerged stronger and rooted in my purpose,” she reflects. To future fellows, she emphasizes the importance of dedicated time and full presence in the program. “Seize every opportunity for growth and connection,” she urges. Monique recognizes the unique value of the Healthy Communities Fellowship in bringing together top leaders and fostering innovative solutions. “The fellowship has the power to transform not only your work but also your life.”

MIA BIRDSONG

Mia Birdsong is a pathfinder, community curator, and storyteller who steadily engages the leadership and wisdom of people experiencing injustice to chart new visions of American life. With a remarkable ability to illuminate and harness the brilliance of everyday people, Mia ensures that our collective gifts reach larger spheres of influence, spur cultural and political change, and create wellbeing for everyone. In her book How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship, and Community (Hachette, June 2020), Mia charts community life, guiding us towards the promise of our collective vitality. In “More Than Enough,” her podcast miniseries from The Nation, she expands the discourse on the current guaranteed income movement by tapping into the voices and visions of low-income people.

RACHEL JONES

Rachel Jones is a contributor for National Geographic Magazine, a Development Media Consultant, and a two- time Top 10 Media Writer on LinkedIn. Jones, who has reported for National Public Radio, Knight Ridder News Service, and the Detroit Free Press, also served as Project Director for the Internews Network’s Gulu, Uganda Radio Training Center from June 2007 to February 2008. Jones helped train and mentor five dozen Ugandan reporters and editors, covering issues including health, education and child welfare following more than two decades of civil war in Northern Uganda. Jones was posted to Kenya in July 2008 through the Knight Health Fellowship Program of the International Center for Journalists. She was based with Nation Media Group, the largest media company in East and Central Africa.

EMILY KAISER

Emily Kaiser is a former journalist who brings more than 20 years of experience covering stories from two dozen countries. After graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, she joined Reuters in Chicago and then went on to postings in Washington, D.C., London, and Singapore. She invests in media companies with a demonstrated commitment to building inclusive newsrooms that reflect the diversity of the communities they cover. Emily is a director of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, which aims to break the cycle of poverty primarily through investments in early-childhood education, criminal justice reform, and access to healthcare. She is also a director of Global Press Institute, which trains and employs local journalists to report from some of the least-covered places on Earth.