The journey of reentry—when people leave incarceration and attempt to rebuild their lives in society—is fraught with obstacles. Finding stable housing, securing employment, rebuilding relationships, and addressing psychological trauma make the road to reintegration long and difficult. Traditional reentry programs often focus on individual success - providing resources or solutions from a professional distance. A more transformative approach is accompaniment: standing alongside individuals as they navigate their journey, offering empathy, encouragement, and space for reflection.
At Joseph House, accompaniment forms the foundation of reentry work. Through shared storytelling and the concept of “the Commons,” Joseph House creates a safe and supportive space for transformation. Accompaniment is about listening deeply and walking with people as they discover their own paths. Mary Watkins, a noted psychologist, describes accompaniment as the “capacity and willingness to experience the pain and struggles of others without offering solutions or strategies.” It’s an approach rooted in empathy, trust, and mutual growth. In the context of reentry, accompaniment fosters a more relational, interdependent model of support, where the individuals involved share burdens, hopes, struggles, and triumphs.
Joseph House, located in Tallahassee, Florida, is a residence for formerly incarcerated men. It provides a dignified space for these individuals to reintegrate into society with the help of a caring and supportive community. The name “Joseph House” is symbolic, inspired by the biblical Joseph, who was abandoned, imprisoned, and later rose to a position of leadership and service. Similarly, the men at Joseph House have endured rejection and incarceration but are given a chance to rebuild their lives with the support of a community that listens, shares, and aids in their transformation.
Joseph House can be understood as a "Commons,” a shared space used for the collective good. This communal space fosters belonging, participation, and mutual support. It creates an inclusive environment where residents, staff, and volunteers share stories, challenges, and triumphs. This collaborative and non-hierarchical approach builds trust and strengthens relationships, encouraging self-reflection, personal growth and sustainable community bonds.
Reentry is more than a legal or social process; it’s an ongoing, lived experience. Sharing personal stories is a crucial part of this journey. For individuals who were incarcerated, storytelling helps them process their experiences, reclaim their identities, and challenge societal perceptions. These narratives also offer insight into systemic issues like racism, classism, and institutional injustice within the criminal justice system.
Anthony Ray Hinton, who spent years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit, demonstrates the power of storytelling. Anthony Ray Hinton’s powerful statement, “I will never be free,” even after his release, exemplifies the idea of “conceptual incarceration" a term Dr. Billy Close, a Florida State University professor, uses to describe the lasting emotional impact of imprisonment. Hinton’s experience of being wrongfully imprisoned on death row for years continued to haunt him even after his release. This internalized trauma, which persists long after the physical walls of incarceration are gone, underscores the importance of creating spaces for formerly incarcerated individuals to share their stories, in order to help heal trauma, inspire personal growth, and reshape public understanding.
Reentry requires a collective effort. It’s not just about the individuals reintegrating into society but also about the communities that welcome them. Listening to and sharing in their stories builds empathy, challenges stereotypes, and fosters the critical societal changes needed for true reintegration. This collective approach encourages both healing and systemic reform.
Joseph House embodies how accompaniment can transform lives. By prioritizing mutual support, storytelling, and shared experiences, Joseph House provides a model for reentry programs that go beyond offering resources. It’s about creating a community that stands with people as they rebuild their lives. Together, we can make reentry a journey of hope, healing, and transformation.
