Today we’d like to introduce you to Marq Mitchell.
Marq, before we jump into specific questions about your organization, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story is one that is filled with highs and lows. Like most of the people that I encounter through my work, I grew up in an environment that constantly challenged me to confront and overcome adversity. Growing up, I experienced abandonment, sexual abuse, poverty, addicted parents, foster care, mental health disorders, and a host of other struggles. I also spent six years incarcerated before the age of 22.
I didn’t know it at the time, but these traumatic experiences were equipping me to effectively serve those within my community. I have stood at the very same intersections as many of those who contact us for help at what may seem like the lowest point of their life. I can empower and encourage others because I have been there. When I say that I can relate, these aren’t just hollow words.
Today, I am the Director of Outreach at Chainless Change, Inc. We are a community-based organization that provides assistance through advocacy and support for those who are negatively impacted by the criminal justice system. I remember the challenges that I faced in my efforts to be reintegrated into the community after being incarcerated at a young age. In time, I realized that these challenges were not unique to me. So, I needed to align with organizations whose primary focus is offering second chances to those who are working to rebuild their lives.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
George Washington Carver said, “start where you are, with what you have.” That is exactly what we did. We started with little experience in the non-profit sector. Our resources were limited. We encountered silos in areas that we expected to receive support. We knew nothing about grant writing or fundraising. However, our experiences with overcoming adversity allowed us to be able to effectively help others find their path to recovery. That is what our work is about.
One of the biggest difficulties that we have faced has been finding individuals and groups who genuinely want to help disenfranchised folk become reintegrated into the community. There are a lot of organizations out there serving underprivileged populations in amazing ways. We live in a society where there is so much work that needs to be done to promote healing and wholeness for everyone. For us, the reality is that programs geared towards assisting Returning Citizens (formerly incarcerated people) are nowhere near the top of funding priorities.
Our organization in particular encounters unique challenges because we are a peer-led Recovery Community Organization. This means that although we embrace diversity we believe that those who are impacted, disenfranchised, and living with stigmas should use their experience to support and inspire others. This is rooted in the belief that those closest to the problem are also the closest to the solution. Utilizing this model limits our ability to obtain funding from many available grants because accepting their money will eliminate our ability to hire people with past felony convictions.
Please tell us about your organization.
Chainless Change exists because we believe that second chances change everything. Having an arrest record in Florida means that for the remainder of your life there will be limited access to housing, employment, professional licenses, civic participation, immigration, public assistance, driver’s licenses, and even parental rights. These invisible barriers are called collateral consequences. There are 1,013 registered consequences in Florida that serve as barriers for people with arrest records. This means that most people find themselves facing a life sentence after they serve their court ordered sentence. Those who we serve want to do better, but find themselves “stuck” due to the stigma and barriers that are associated with their history.
We are different because we understand that true recovery and rehabilitation must be intersectional. Oftentimes we are working to dismantle intergenerational trauma and oppression. With this in mind- we chose to put people first. We meet people where they are to offer guidance and support. For example, it is life changing when we can offer a bus pass to someone who wants to look for a job, but can’t afford transportation. There are instances when someone has maintained stable employment and accumulated savings; but their criminal record prevents them from finding a landlord that will lease an apartment to them. We embrace a no wrong door policy in our efforts to help those who are looking for a fresh start.
Our programs include: advocacy; workforce development; peer support; educational and vocational training; housing assistance; employment readiness; food pantries, clothing distribution; and community engagement.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My fondest childhood memories are of the time that I spent with my grandmother, Ella Mae Bennett. I remember her sitting on the porch as I ran through the streets of the Old Projects. She’d drag us to church several times a week. She cooked the best oxtails and peach cobbler. She’d have us sitting on the fish creek with her all day. During those days I didn’t have a care in the world.
My Grandma is my hero. She was the only mother that I ever knew. My biological parent was in prison so I didn’t even know that Grandma Ella was not my birth mother until I was around 7 years old. She showed me what it meant to love unconditionally. It is because of what she poured into me as a young child that I am who I am today. Sometimes I can still feel her presence and it fills me with peace.
Contact Info:
- Address: 746 NE 3rd Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
- Website: www.chainlesschange.org
- Phone: 954-395-2961
- Email: info@chainlesschange.org
- Instagram: chainless_change
- Facebook: www.facebook/chainlesschange.com
Image Credit:
R.J. Deed, Photo Booth Stars
Vell P. Photography
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