A Welcome Message from Golden Rule ReEntry Founder & Executive Director, Abigail Lewis

As we reach the end of August 2026, I find myself reflecting with immense gratitude on all that has taken place at Golden Rule ReEntry since we began in 2020 - all the participants who have healed and found their way back into the world, all the support we have received from community partners, advisors, foundations, government agencies, local businesses, and community members. I stand in awe of the Golden Rule staff - a small but mighty team - almost all having endured incarceration and rebuilt their lives in service to help break cycles of trauma, criminality and despair. 

What began as an idea filled with hope and intention has become a recognized southern Oregon community agency providing a critical step in the process of reentry after incarceration. Our core service pillars of housing, case management, life skills training and career/workforce development creates community safety, a valued talent pool for employers, and a place of safety and transformation for our clients as they rebuild their lives. It is also nexus point for community members to share their gifts with our participants by offering services and classes - usually at our downtown Medford Drop-In Center.

Our participants have demonstrated over and over that, if they are ready to become productive citizens, they just need the opportunity to do so. Here are some examples that come to mind: 

• Daniel - who is now finishing a degree in engineering after attending our men's manufacturing program. 

• Michelle - who has found her vocation through our women's construction program and is pursuing a career as a plumber. 

• Derick - who had no hope for his future because of epilepsy, but is now starting his own epilepsy support nonprofit. 

In addition to these big wins, there a hundreds of little wins built on small, consistent acts of support and kindness - something not widely given to the formerly incarcerated, who face enormous barriers to reentry.

I want to extend my most sincere appreciation to everyone who has believed in our mission, who has supported us financially or otherwise.

There is so much more to come. We have accomplished a lot in 6 years, but we are truly only just beginning. We are about to launch our podcast studio sharing important support information and stories of triumph, a renovations workforce development program, and will see our first women's house opening in 2027! Please stay tuned for updates and thankyou in joining us in the belief that the power of redemption serves us all.

In Gratitude,

Abigail Lewis, Founder & Executive Director