David Cruz’s Story – Free the Vote

David Leamsi Cruz’s life is a testament to the transformative power of advocacy and community building. Despite facing numerous challenges, including his incarceration as a youth offender for 13 years, David has dedicated his life to fighting for fairness and justice for incarcerated people.

David is a community organizer and policy advocate. Born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, David moved to California at the age of 17, where he became involved in community organizing and advocacy.

In 2009, David was arrested as a Youth Offender, and he spent his time in prison advocating for criminal justice reform and fighting for the rights of incarcerated people. He became an Inside Organizer with Initiate Justice in 2018, where he worked to build a movement of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people fighting for social and criminal justice reform.

David’s story of advocacy is an amazing example not only to those close to him but also to other inmates looking to follow similar steps. Advocacy is not just about lending your voice to those who need to be heard, but also to do the hard work it takes to get noticed and get more people to join you in your mission

Working for the community, with the community

Retraining the Village (RTV), a non-profit organization that helps formerly incarcerated people reintegrate into society, has been instrumental in providing support and resources to David during his time in prison. After spending 13 years in jail, he entered RTV in October 2022 and is currently on parole as part of the program.

Through his work with Initiate Justice and activism, David has become a powerful voice for incarcerated people and an inspiration to many. RTV has helped him by providing access to educational and vocational training programs, counseling, and mentorship. These resources have helped him to develop new skills, build his self-confidence, and prepare for a successful re-entrance into society.

David’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of criminal justice reform and the need for support and resources for formerly incarcerated people. RTV is doing vital work to help individuals like David break the cycle of recidivism and build a better future for themselves and their communities.

His story is one of many success stories that Retraining the Village has to offer. With kindness, dedication, and community support, we can continue to offer a hand up to those in need of a new beginning.

What Happens When a Community Refuses to Give Up on People?

Every day, someone in our community wakes up wondering if they will have a safe place to sleep tonight.

Someone is trying to overcome addiction.

Someone is searching for a job after incarceration.

Someone is struggling to reconnect with family.

Someone is wondering if life will ever get better.

For many people facing homelessness, recovery, and reentry challenges, the road back to stability can feel impossible when traveled alone.

That is why Retraining the Village exists.

And that is why TogetherTuesday matters.

Retraining the Village men sitting on porch with dogs

500+

Man & Families Serves

1000+

Jobs Provided

300+

Volunteers

10+

E-Courses

The Stories Behind the Statistics

When people visit our website, they often see the numbers first:

  • 500+ men and families served
  • 1,000+ jobs provided
  • 300+ volunteers engaged
  • 86% program success rate

These are important numbers.

But behind every number is a human story.

A father working to regain custody of his children.

A veteran trying to rebuild after years of hardship.

A man overcoming addiction and learning to believe in himself again.

A person who once felt forgotten now discovering purpose, employment, and permanent housing.

These stories rarely make headlines.

Yet they represent some of the most meaningful transformations happening in our communities.

Every success story begins with someone who chose not to walk away.

 

More Than Transitional Housing

Retraining the Village has never been simply about providing temporary housing.

It is about helping people build sustainable futures.

Participants receive support that addresses the whole person:

  • Housing stabilization
  • Job readiness training
  • Computer and technology skills
  • Recovery support
  • Life skills development
  • Community connection
  • Employment opportunities

The goal is not merely to survive.

The goal is to thrive.

This whole-person approach is one reason why Retraining the Village has achieved an 86% success rate in helping participants remain employed, substance-free, and permanently housed.

Why Your Support Matters

Transformation takes time.

It takes trained staff.

It takes housing resources.

It takes educational programs.

It takes meals, transportation, technology, mentorship, and countless hours of support.

Most importantly, it takes people who are willing to invest in the possibility that another human being can rebuild their life.

Every donation helps create opportunities for someone who is working toward stability and independence.

Every contribution helps provide access to training, housing support, recovery services, and employment preparation.

Every act of generosity helps strengthen the village.

The Ripple Effect of Generosity

One of the most powerful truths behind TogetherTuesday is that generosity spreads.

When one person receives help, they often become someone who helps others.

We see it every day.

Graduates return to mentor participants.

Former clients share job opportunities.

Volunteers become advocates.

Supporters become lifelong champions for the mission.

A single act of generosity can create a ripple effect that impacts families, neighborhoods, employers, and entire communities.

That is the power of a village.

Residents and staff at Retraining The Village in East Palo Alto, CA

Be the People

The movement behind TogetherTuesday encourages communities to make care visible through simple acts of generosity and connection. It challenges us to become the people who show up when others need support.

At Retraining the Village, we see this every day.

We see it in volunteers who give their time.

We see it in employers willing to offer a second chance.

We see it in donors who invest in someone’s future.

We see it in participants who choose courage over despair.

Together, these actions create something bigger than any one person or organization could accomplish alone.

The Ripple Effect of Generosity

One of the most powerful truths behind TogetherTuesday is that generosity spreads.

When one person receives help, they often become someone who helps others.

We see it every day.

Graduates return to mentor participants.

Former clients share job opportunities.

Volunteers become advocates.

Supporters become lifelong champions for the mission.

A single act of generosity can create a ripple effect that impacts families, neighborhoods, employers, and entire communities.

That is the power of a village.

Retraining the Village nonprofit support staff, partners, and volunteers in huddle while smiling at camera
Donate to Support Retraining The Village

Join the Village

This TogetherTuesday, we invite you to become part of the story.

Your support helps provide housing stabilization, workforce development, recovery support, technology training, and life-changing opportunities for individuals who are working to build brighter futures.

The challenges facing our communities are real.

But so is the impact we can make when we come together.

Because when a village believes in someone, lives change.

And when lives change, communities become stronger.

If you would like to support the mission of Retraining the Village, consider making a donation, becoming a volunteer, sharing our story, or introducing our work to someone who wants to make a difference.

Together, we can help more people move from crisis to stability, from uncertainty to opportunity, and from surviving to thriving.

Because it still takes a village to change one life at a time.

By: Michelle Calloway

June 13, 2023

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