Join us in our efforts to mitigate the impact of mass incarceration on black and brown communities by supporting RBL’s unique arts-based approach to successful reentry.

Through a discussion-based curriculum, Reading Between the Lines uses the transformative power of literature and the arts to help participants excersice critical thinking and communication skills to “read between the lines.” Through this critical discourse, participants actively engage in self-reflection, effective communication, and decision-making.

We urgently need your support! Reading Between the Lines is growing in participant numbers, the depth of our programming, and its importance as a leader in reforming the American justice system by enhancing our reentry support.

Our goal is to prepare individuals for reentry and provide ongoing programming and support once they return home. Our methodology centers around fostering thought-provoking conversations using literary arts to cultivate vital life skills among participants navigating the daunting challenges of reentry. Through these challenges come an immense number of opportunities. Thanks to support from donors like you, here’s what we were able to accomplish in 2023:

·   Served 366 participants

·   Held 136 sessions (220+ hours)

·   Trained 7 volunteer facilitators and 9 participant facilitators at Cook County Jail

Emmanuel Garcia and the Impact of Reading Between the Lines

In 2015, Emmanuel Garcia found himself in a seemingly hopeless situation. At the time, he was a pre-trial detainee in the Cook County Jail, dealing with the difficulties of incarceration and an uncertain path forward. It was in the spring of 2021 that he saw a glimmer of hope: the Cook County Jail invited Reading Between the Lines into the facility.

Reading Between the Lines (RBL) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that uses a literature and arts-based approach to provide incarcerated and formerly incarcerated adults with critical thinking skills needed for successful reentry into society. Participants hone these skills through exploring readings from various genres, including poetry, short stories, essays, memoirs, speeches, and historical documents, with authors ranging from the classic to the contemporary. Here is what Emmanuel had to say about his time in the RBL program:

” The skills we acquired through Reading Between the Lines had a positive impact on our daily lives. Gradually, those of us involved in the program began to exhibit more positive behavior, which was evident when addressing common jailhouse disputes, such as conflicts over phone usage, microwave access, television, and other minor issues… Clearly, Reading Between the Lines helped us analyze conflicts, make better decisions, and reach improved conclusions.”

Emmanuel experienced the benefits of Reading Between the Lines firsthand. The program had a very positive effect on daily life at Cook County Jail, as it led to positive changes in day-to-day interactions. The critical thinking and communication skills participants acquired led to peaceful resolutions of simple disputes. Emmanual and the other Peer Facilitators also benefitted from their leadership roles, allowing them the opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills, giving them a greater sense of purpose. RBL gave Emmanuel the opportunity to listen, think, and communicate with confidence—skills to aid in daily life inside and outside of incarceration. He eventually became a Peer Facilitator while housed at Cook County Jail and successfully led a number of sessions for RBL prior to his release in April 2023.

After release, Emmanuel continued his positive trajectory and focused on career development. With the help of RBL, he developed a resume, filled out FAFSA applications for community college, and connected with a job readiness program. He is currently a student at Morton College in Cicero, IL, where he is seeking a paralegal certification--and even started a chess club! The leadership skills he gained from his time with RBL are on full display. He gives his time to those still incarcerated at Cook County Jail by offering them interpretation services, helping them understand legal processes and procedures, scheduling calls with attorneys, and gathering their education transcripts and certificates. RBL also hopes to have Emmanuel continue to lead RBL sessions at their partner facilities. He has also partnered with the Cook County Public Defender Office, ConTextos, and Zealous to create and co-facilitate the Public Defender Training Curriculum.

Emmanuel Garcia’ story is one of success, and a testament to the power of providing positive opportunities for those currently or formerly incarcerated. “The RBL curriculum is designed to facilitate space where people can engage in discussion, share thoughts, ideas, and opinions without fear, ridicule, or judgement. We are so proud of Emmanuel and all that he has been able to accomplish since coming home. In his first six months, Emmanuel was able to land a contract job with RBL, enroll in a local community college and rebuild his community of family and friends. We hope his story serves as a roadmap to help guide others as they transition home,” said Executive Director Augie Torres.