In the past three years, we have witnessed My Way Out grow into a cornerstone of our community and, most importantly, a lifeline for justice-impacted individuals returning home or striving to rebuild their lives after incarceration. Every year presents its own challenges as we work tirelessly to secure the operational funding needed to support our participants. Yet, each year also brings incredible success stories that highlight the profound impact of our team’s work.

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From someone completing our Building a Path to Success workshop, receiving a laptop, and securing a job within 48 hours of release—empowering them to provide for their family—to assisting individuals on the brink of homelessness find safe housing, these stories are a testament to the transformative power of our programs. One of this year’s most inspiring moments involved a justice impacted woman participant fighting for asylum after losing custody of her children while being incarcerated. After enduring hardship and seeking help from law enforcement following 30 days of homelessness when released, she was connected to My Way Out. Through our Safe & Stable Homes Initiative and Emergency Trust Fund, we not only secured housing for her but also reunited her with her children. Today, they are moving forward together, demonstrating that our past mistakes do not define us.

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Equally rewarding has been seeing participants from our first-ever Bridging the Tech Gap for Returning Citizens program now leading organizations and providing the same support they once received. Their commitment to expanding collaboration reflects our philosophy of “One Team, One Fight.”

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Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to innovation and meeting justice-impacted individuals where they are. By partnering with Milky Way Tech Hub and In Your Face Learning, experts in A.I. and virtual reality, we are exploring ways to bring immersive training in the trades directly into Wisconsin Department of Corrections facilities and the Milwaukee County Community Reintegration Center. Leveraging technology allows us to prepare individuals for meaningful employment before they even return home.

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We are proud of the progress we have made and look forward to leading My Way Out into a future of continued growth, innovation, and impact. Thank you for your unwavering support, which empowers us to transform lives and create opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. Together, we are making a difference.