Our Community-Care work creates a space for peer-led, trauma-informed healing, where returning residents and their families come together to share, learn, and grow from the impacts of incarceration, violence, and political disinvestment. We do this in several ways —
Prison Trauma Healing Circles
In this program, we create a restorative space that centers those whose lives have been deeply impacted by incarceration. For too long, the voices of those most affected by the criminal justice system have been left out of the conversations that could foster true healing and transformation. We are dedicated to changing this by bringing together those directly impacted by incarceration—individuals who have spent years resisting the dehumanizing forces of institutionalization and who are now reclaiming their narrative and their lives.
At the heart of our approach are the autodidactic scholars—those who have navigated the complexities of reentry and are now experts in the field. These individuals offer critical insights into what it means to truly rebuild a life after incarceration. They shift the conversation away from a narrow focus on recidivism, providing a broader, more holistic understanding of reentry that emphasizes healing, restoration, and community reintegration. Their voices guide us as we reflect on their lived experiences and the deep work of healing that is needed to move forward.
A key element of our work is the circle process—a central tool in restorative justice. These circles create a safe, structured space where participants can share their stories, listen deeply to others, and engage in a healing dialogue. The circle is not just a place for sharing; it is a space where trust, accountability, and empathy are cultivated, and where restorative justice principles take root. Within these circles, participants are invited to explore the emotional and psychological complexities of reentry, creating a shared space for healing and mutual growth. This collective process of untangling trauma and systemic harm is vital in fostering true transformation, not just for individuals but for the broader community.
Transformative Care Collective
Every Wednesday and Sunday, we explore new healing practices – ranging from art to music to movement and meditation – in a collaborative, peer-led space. Our goal is to create an open-hearted community – especially for those directly and indirectly affected by the carceral system – where members are free to discover new ways of healing together. Drop in for a single session, or become a regular participant and group facilitator! To join our mailing list and / or suggest healing practices you’d like to learn or lead, fill out our interest form.
Check out our calendar for upcoming events!
Past Community Care Programming —
Reentry and Love
From March -July 2025 we hosted the Mud Theatre Project, a theatre group who “uses the power of storytelling to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced and to illuminate the concerns of our shared communities”. Reentry and Love uses skits, role play and improvisation to tackle challenges with reentry, conflict resolution, and harm reduction.
Restorative Leadership: Healing and Empowerment through Mindfulness
Restorative Leadership met over 8-weeks between May and July of 2025, Grounded in mindfulness and restorative justice practices, the course was grounded in emotional, mental, and physical healing, encouraging the development of the leadership skills necessary for participants to create change within themselves and their community.
Yoga
From August – December of 2024 Sonny Turski offered free yoga classes at Walls Turned SIdeways on Saturdays. We moved this movement and breath work into our Prison Trauma Healing Circles to combine the mind and body work in the circle.
Self Care Saturdays
From time to time we offer self care Saturdays! These events are designed to show our community members that they are valued and appreciated. We also aim to provide comforts that help uplift them during a time when freedom and the free world present ongoing challenges. Self Care Saturdays have ranged from free haircuts to a paint and sip!
