Beyond the Wall

Beyond the Wall highlights one of the most critical issues in criminal justice reform: the flood of prisoners returning to our streets and communities each year where they face tremendous challenges and barriers. The film follows five formerly incarcerated men who are attempting to rebuild their lives on the outside with little support from the U.S. criminal justice system. Through this compelling and personal account, the film vividly shows their struggles and strategies for survival beyond the walls of jail and prison.

AFTER INCARCERATION, THERE'S LIFE

The number of people in the U.S. who have experienced the criminal justice system is staggering. What's more, within three years of release approximately two-thirds of the formerly incarcerated are rearrested and sent back to jail. The Aher Incarceration, here's Life is a social impact campaign that seeks to 1) illuminate the struggles faced by -individuals re-entering their communities after incarceration and 2) strengthen the networks that prevent recidivism.

PANELISTS:

Amir Amiri is a first generation American-Afghan, sociologist, who aspires to provide education and resources to those who desire. He is a Certified WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Planning) Facilitator. Mr. Amiri has been working with Tayba Foundation with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated populations since 2018 and is now the life skills program developer. Tayba Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports individuals and families impacted by incarceration though programs encompassing spirituality, entrepreneurship, self-help, and recovery as well as education, life skills, and reentry.

Donald DC. Barlow Is the Minority Veteran Program Coordinator for- VA Palo Alto Health Care System. He is a Certified Senior Peer Specialist- Social Work Service at the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Barlow is currently working with La Familia as an Alameda County Justice Restorative Coach (ACJRP) to help those impacted by the justice system navigate community resources and support while transitioning to a healthy level of independence. Mr. Barlow currently serve on three board committees: (1). Barbershop Forum Board committee (2). Alameda County Community Advisory Board (CAB) and (3) Veterans Advisory Partnership for Operations and Research.

Lara Maxey has earned her BA in Political Science/History and her Master's in Public Administration from Howard University in Washington DC. She also holds an Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. Ms. Maxey is the Director of Re-Entry Programs & Community Affairs at La Familia. She leads a team of peer coaches/mentors and clinicians in the Alameda County Justice Restoration Project. Most recently Ms. Maxey worked for the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a global humanitarian aid, relief, and development organization. In that role, she lead a team of Chief Business Officials (CBO) for the Alameda County Social Services Employment Program to provide wrap around services to refugees, asylum seekers, and families on CalWORKS.

Beyond the Wall

AFTER INCARCERATION, THERE'S LIFE

PANELISTS:

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