DrumTHE

Issue No.19May 2019

IN THIS ISSUEPg. 1pg. 2pg. 3pg. 4pg. 5pg.6pg.7pg.8

Upcoming Events

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Criminal justice taskforce

Mother's day bail out

citizen spotlight

read/watch/listen

on the radio

mental health awareness

meet the team

crossword

BY TAYLOR BONNER

May 19th, 20192:00P.M. - 4:00P.M.State Appellate Defender Office645 Griswold St. Suite 3300Detroit, MI 48226Join us in collaboration with Detroit School forDigital Technology (DSDT) for a presentation byCOO, Karlos Harris, followed by tech break-outsessions. Break-out sessions will includeinformation on the latest smartphone apps, basicemail and Google Drive functions, using differentGPS navigation platforms, and networking onsocial media. FREE | Refreshments provided

Project Reentry Digital Literacy Workshop

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM TASKFORCE COMES TO MICHIGAN

Although crime rates have been at a 50-year low,Michigan’s population of people incarcerated pretrial, orbefore being convicted of a crime, more than tripledbetween 1978 and 2013. To address this disparity, GovernorGretchen Whitmer recently signed an executive orderestablishing a new taskforce aimed at taking acomprehensive look at the state of criminal justice inMichigan. “We believe that we need to take acomprehensive look at the state of our criminal justicesystem in Michigan,” Whitmer said. “Because we know this:the status quo isn’t working. It’s not working for the accusedand it’s certainly not working for those convicted of crimes.”This task force titled The Michigan Task Force on Jail andPretrial Incarceration is co-chaired by Lieutenant GovernorGarlin Gilchrist and Chief Justice of the Michigan SupremeCourt, Bridget Mary McCormack. The full taskforce will becomprised of 21 individuals who are stakeholders from thestate’s criminal justice system—including citizens impactedby it.The taskforce mainly seeks to review jail and court datawhile creating and implementing alternatives toincarceration. More broadly, the goal is to “improve theeffectiveness of the front end of Michigan’s justice system."Other tasks include conducting research from countiesaround the state regarding Michigan’s jail populations andcollecting data from other states’ criminal justice policies tocreate policy recommendations for Michigan.Various policies aimed at reforming the state’s criminaljustice system such as Raise the Age legislation and cashbail reform, have been on the rise, making it an opportunetime for the taskforce to make significant changes to thestate of Michigan.The taskforce’s first meeting is to be held this summer andhas received overwhelming support from the MichiganChapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) andthe Michigan Sheriffs' Association.

DETROIT HERITaGE THEATRE FESTIVAL May 18th, 20192:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.Detroit Public Library5201 Woodward Ave.Detroit, MI 48202FREE event consisting of a monologue competition anda play competition. A space to showcase the talent ofDetroit and integrate artistry toward communityenrichment.

DETROIT RUMMAGE saleMay 19th, 201912:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.Tangent Gallery and Hastings Street Ballroom715 East Milwaukee Ave.Detroit, MI 48202FREE event selling, trading, and possibly gifting away allsorts of used items, from vintage collectibles to everydayneeds.

Trauma & Trauma Care Before, During, &After Incarceration June 1st , 20198:30A.M - 3:30P.M.Michigan State University Law School648 N Shaw Ln.,East Lansing, MI 48824Hear from doctors, social workers, correctionsadministration, and formerly incarceratedindividuals about how trauma impacts peopleaffected by the criminal justice system and what isbeing done about it. If interested in attending,please contact Project Reentry by May 29th.

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Workforce development

NASHVILLE CAREER FAIRMay 21st, 201911:00 A.M.-closeAdoba Hotel600 Town Center DriveDearborn, MI 48126Driving employers and futureemployees together faster thanever.Dress nicely and bring aresume as they do on the spotinterviews! DETROIT AT WORK, WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

The entire month of May. Contact ProjectReentry or Detroit at Work (313 -962-9675) for details. Hours and location vary. Looking to update your resume? Needsome pointers on how to master aninterview? From job-related training likeinterviewing, resume writing, andimproving computer skills, to careerspecific training opportunities, Detroit at Work Career Centers haveworkshops for everyone.

for assistance applying to jobs or to be connected to events and resources in your area, please reach out to project reentry.

Thank you to Michigan Liberation for organizingthe Michigan Black Mama's Bail Out and all the

hard work you do fighting for justice! This Mother'sDay consider helping bail Black Mamas out of jail.

For more information visit the event page onFacebook at Michigan Black Mama's Bail Out. To

contribute to the bail out visit 

Better than a dozen roses. 

#FREEBLACKMAMAS 

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mothersbailout

Happening now

ACLU Smart Justice Campaign On May 11th the ACLU is kicking off their nationwide SmartJustice Campaign: "The ACLU of Michigan’s Campaign for

Smart Justice is challenging racism in the criminal legalsystem & cutting incarceration rates in half. We’re fightingin the legislature, in the courts, and in the voting booths toreform Michigan’s bail practices, sentencing policies, and

to hold our prosecutors accountable."

Kick off event in Oak Park May 11th

2pm-5pmDavid H. Shepard Park

Oak Park, MI 48237

Visit aclumich.orgfor more

information.

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to PCAP members Megan, Cozine,and Patrick for facilitating last

month's awesome art workshopand to everyone who attended! We

also extend gratitude andappreciation to Al Ameer

restaurant and Shatila Bakery forsupplying delicious food andpastries for the workshop. If

interested in facilitating a workshopor donating refreshments, pleasecontact Marilena David-Martin at

mdavid@sado.org

CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT

Eddie Spillercame home march 2019

hometownFlint, Michigan

hobbies and interestsUsing power tools to fixthings around the house. Ihave a lot of catching up todo in terms of gaming, andhave been playing Battlefield3.success since release

Getting my driver’s permit and being able to interview for Kroger. I had togo to Kroger at 11pm to meet the 3rd shift manager. I talked with themanager for 45 minutes and she signed off to give me the job of 3rd shiftmanager. I attended orientation for a full-time, two-year degree as anelectrical technician at Mott Community College. I am in the process ofcreating a budget so I can buy a car. I also do volunteer work at a church,helping with meal prep and serving meals.

The only time I ever felt bad was after myeye exam when I realized how expensiveprescription glasses were. I sat in the car andI was really quiet and overwhelmed by thecost.

message to the communityAs soon as you get home, find stuff to do, whetherit’s fixing things, cleaning, or washing clothes. It’simportant to have little things to do to stay busywhile you’re waiting for things to happen.

struggles since release

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read

watch

listen

Heartland by Sarah Smarsh

Hip Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes

Sarah Smarsh examines the life of America’s rural poorthrough the microcosm of her extended family. Growingup working-class and white on the Kansas plains, Smarshenjoyed the freedom of a country childhood, butwitnessed the hideous legacy of poverty in her relatives’untreated illnesses, unsafe job conditions, abusivemarriages, and addictions to everything from cigarettesto opioids.

A 2006 documentary film written, produced, and directedby Byron Hurt. The documentary explores the issues ofmasculinity, violence, homophobia and sexism in hip hopmusic and culture, through interviews with artists,academics, and fans.

12 Little Spells by Esperanza Spalding According to her website, Spalding was a child prodigy,playing the violin with the Chamber Music Society ofOregon at only 5 years old. She is now a professor at themusic department at Harvard University. Her courses onsongwriting, arranging and stage performance combineelements of musical theory and social justice. Her songscombine elements of pop, hip-hop and classic eclecticism.In recent years, she has deliberately used her music tospeak out about social injustice.

read/watch/listen by Lisa RochowBBQ Chicken Pizza

SERVINGS: 2PREP TIME: 15 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 35 Minutes

Cooking spray1 lb. refrigerated pizza dough, divided into 2pieces2 c. cooked shredded chicken3/4 c. barbecue sauce, divided1 c. shredded mozzarella1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced1/3 c. shredded goudaPinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)2 tbsp. freshly chopped cilantroFlour

2 Large baking sheetsParchment paperMedium bowl

MATERIALS

INGREDIENTS

directionsPreheat oven to 500°. Line two large bakingsheets with parchment paper and grease withcooking spray. In a medium bowl, stirtogether chicken and 1/4 cup barbecue sauce.On a lightly floured surface, roll out pizzadough into a large circle, then slide ontoprepared baking sheet. Top each pizza with1/4 cup barbecue sauce, then half the chickenmixture, spreading in an even layer andleaving 1" around the edge bare. Next add aneven layer of mozzarella and red onion, thentop with gouda. Sprinkle with crushed redpepper flakes if using.Bake until cheese is melty and dough iscooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.Garnish with cilantro before serving.

APP ofthe

month  Co-starWhat is your Zodiac sign? Whatever it is, if you want to learn more about astrology and how yoursign corresponds with daily challenges, opportunities, or relationships, Co-Star is the app for you.Download the app for free on Apple (iOS) or Android phones. Take it a step further and connectwith friends on the app to see who you are most compatible with based on your sign. Not abeliever in Zodiac signs? Try it out for fun!

on the radio

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If you are a juvenile lifer please contact Kim directly at 313-957-1410 to join ICAN, the Incarcerated Children's Advocacy Network

and their Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY).

save the dateSilent Auction for RedeemingKimberly. All proceeds will gotowards people coming home

from prison. June 21st6pm-8pm

Church of Messiah 231 E. Grand Blvd.Detroit, MI 48207

Wait. there's more from kimberly Woodson!

On May 6th, Project Reentry's Allison Gorine joinedKim Woodson, founder of Redeeming Kimberly, andCinque Layne of Recover Road Fellowship, onDetroit's WMKM 1440AM. The conversation wasfacilitated by Pastor Barry and Sr. Warden Tamika,of Detroit's Church of Messiah. Woodson shared herstory and expressed the importance of supportingyouth and showing young people who may becaught in a bad situation there is another path. Thethree also discussed the need for communities toincrease opportunities for formerly incarceratedpersons and stop stigmatizing people for crime(s)committed in the past. Gorine, Woodson, and Laynehope to expand their existing programs andcontinue to collaborate in the future. To continuethe conversation or invite Kim Woodson to speakplease email redeemingkimberly5317@gmail.comor call 313-957-1410 to reach her directly. 

How to contributeIf you would like to donate a

gift to the silent auction insupport of RedeemingKimberly or know of anorganization that would,please contact Project

Reentry at 313-256-9833 orKim at 313-957-1410.

mental wellness: how to support someone experiencing ptsd 

Throwback article by former Project Reentry intern inhonor of Mental Health Awareness Month

By Kate Yugo

If you need assistance connectingwith a mental health professionalcontact your local CommunityMental Health agency or ProjectReentry for referrals orinformation on resources.

If you or someone you know is in crisiscall the National Suicide Prevention

Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or theMichigan Department of Community

Health Crisis Hotline at 1-866-289-2641.

Connect

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SelfPTSD can be treated using a variety of techniques, and the best way to find what will work best for youis to connect with a mental health care provider (MHCP). You can find MHCPs covered by your insuranceby contacting your provider by phone or looking online. If you are already seeing a primary carephysician/family doctor, they are also able to diagnose PTSD and refer you to treatment. It can behelpful when first meeting a therapist to find out whether they are familiar with or specialize in thetreatment of PTSD. Some evidence-based practices that are currently being used to treat PTSD are:

Prolonged Exposure Therapy – A therapy that teaches individuals to gradually approach traumarelated memories, feelings, and situations that they have been avoiding since their trauma. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – A therapy that helps the individual learn how to modify and challengeunhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)- An eight-phase psychotherapy that usesbilateral stimulation to transform the meaning of painful events on an emotional level.Prescription medication- Some people benefit from a combination of medication and talk therapy,while others may be fine with just therapy or medication. Talk to your doctor or MHCP to find whatwill work best for you.

A Loved OneIt can be challenging to know that a loved one is in distress, but know that while you cannot “fix” thepain, you can support them in their recovery journey.

Learn about PTSD- having PTSD can feel lonely, and having people who try to understand thatexperience is a way to show that your loved one is not in this alone. Be patient- recovery does not happen overnight, and there may be setbacks along the way. Listen- if and when your loved one wants to talk with you, know that this may make them feelvulnerable and fearful of being judged. Your job is to listen with an open heart and mind.

A Note on StigmaTalking about mental health challenges is generally not an easy thing for people to do. Often we areraised to think that having a diagnosis like depression, anxiety, PTSD, makes us weak. It is up to each ofus to change that aspect of American culture. None of us makes it through life unscathed, and wedemonstrate strength when we can admit we are in pain and need help. We are more than the pain wehave experienced, and taking care of our mental health is a way to promote a brighter, healthiercommunity and future.

Talk

Resource of the monthM.A.D.E Institute

Baking for good

Meet the team

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On the Rise Bakery

On the Rise Bakery is a program started by CapuchinSoup Kitchen in Detroit, MI. The bakery hires people

who have recently returned home from prison orreceived substance abuse treatment . Money from

purchased from baked at On the Rise helps providesupportive housing, educational programs, and

counseling for community members in need. If you'rein the area, try one of their delicious items and feel

good about your purchase.

8900 GratiotDetroit, MI 48213

Phone: 313-922-8510Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8am-6pm

The 490 BakeryThe 490 Bakery in Muskegon provides

employment, training, support, and hope topreviously incarcerated men and women. The

bakery was founded by Davine Calkins and herhusband after after recognizing the need to

support people returning from prison byincreasing employment opportunities. The

company ships delicious cookies nationally andinternationally. To purchase cookies or get

involved, call 231-329-2756 or visit their websitewww.the490bakery.com.

The mission of M.A.D.E Institute is "toprovide comprehensive programming, forat-risk-youth and returning citizens in thearea of workforce development, socialadvocacy, training and research, andviolence prevention." Services includereentry care packages andentrepreneurship education. For moreinformation visit madeinstitue.org orconnect using the contact informationbelow.

4119 N. Saginaw St.Flint, MI 48505(operations)

810-294-0222

taylor bonner hometownDetroit, MI

Reading, eating,learning, andsurrounding myselfwith friends andfamily.

Hobbies and Interests

Message to the communityI’m grateful for the work I havebeen able to do with SADO. This isonly the beginning for what’s tocome. And I am thrilled tocontinue working with clients andbeing a champion for reentryservices.

Taylor's Quick TipIf you are planning ongetting a start to your springcleaning, here is a cheap andgreen method to make yourstainless steel sink shine. Allyou need is lemon and salt,then proceed to scrub yoursink. Also, after you’ve wipedout the sink, chop up thelemon and run it through thegarbage disposal—yourgarbage disposal will notonly be clean, but yourkitchen will smell great!

May Crossword

Down

Across

1. Music festival in Detroit4. The focus of ProjectReentry's May workshop 6. Matriarch of the family

2. We celebrate  Day on May 27th3. Upcoming annual celebrationcommemorating the abolition of slavery 5. COBO Center will be renamed by  Bank 7. April showers bring May 

To see past versions of The Drum,

visit www.sado.org/go/drumFollow SADO on Facebook, Instagram,

and Twitter @SADOmich

 Have QUESTIONS OR something to contribute?call (313) 256-9833

 and Ask for a Project Reentry Team Memberor email us at

reentry@Sado.org

or send a letter to

Project Reentry

State appellate defender office

645 Griswold, Suite 3300

Detroit, MI 482268

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