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ABOUT
LIFE AFTER RELEASE

Life After Release (LAR) is a formerly incarcerated Black woman-led and guided organization that is building a movement among Black women and families to abolish the criminal legal system, rebuild our devastated communities, and keep each other safe through community safety alternatives. 

MISSION & HISTORY

Life After Release (LAR) is a formerly incarcerated Black woman-led and guided organization that is building a movement among Black women and families to abolish the criminal legal system, rebuild our devastated communities, and keep each other safe through community safety alternatives. 

Our organization began behind bars. In 2017, incarcerated Black mothers began organizing to address deplorable prison conditions and build a hopeful, self-determined life after release. With a lack of state-provided transitional support and services, we understood that it was our responsibility to build a movement with directly impacted community members to change the inequitable systems that trapped us in a cycle of policing, supervision, and incarceration. Our work is based in the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) metro area, but it extends far beyond – setting a leading example for community-based safety and care alternatives on a national scale. 

 

For the past six years, our organization has been on an astounding journey of growth and evolution. As we’ve grown, missteps and lessons have been inevitable. Over the past year, our communities locally and globally have experienced mass grief, and mass injustices. But the strength and dedication of our team– held and uplifted by our beloved community– keeps us moving ever forward. 

 

Notably, in 2023, LAR received a proclamation from the city/state's attorney office and council member at large, Calvin Hawkins recognizing us and thanking us for our service in the community. We are proud that our work is making a noticeable difference. Together, we’re not just repairing broken systems– we’re reimagining new worlds.

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OUR
VISIONARY

     Qiana Johnson is the founder of Life After Release, Inc., a formerly incarcerated women-led organization supporting system involved people in the  DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia). She is organizing to build a post-conviction movement challenging the integrity of convictions and the system responsible for convicting us in the first place. She is a former local community organizer with Black Lives Matter DC, a national trainer with Silicon Valley Debug, Participatory Defense, and a proud member of the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls.

     Before her incarceration in 2015, she completed 10 years of Federal Government service. She is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland University College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies and a concentration in Public Safety.

     After her release from prison on August 21, 2017. Qiana immediately started doing work around prison abolition, prosecutor accountability, and ensuring that formerly incarcerated individuals get what they need to succeed.

     Today Qiana’s purpose and passion lie in holding local government officials accountable and demanding progressive changes towards ending mass incarceration.  She believes in ensuring public safety without the criminalization of a particular race or social class. She uses her story to empower formerly incarcerated women into becoming productive members of their communities.

Meet the LAR Team

Each member of our team is passionate about empowering formerly incarcerated individuals and advocating for justice reform. Each team member is committed to making a positive impact and fostering successful reintegration into society. Learn more about our mission and the people who drive our efforts below.

PARTNERS.

We are proud to collaborate with a diverse group of partners who share our commitment to empowering formerly incarcerated individuals. These partnerships enable us to extend our reach, enhance our programs, and create lasting impact. From local organizations to national advocacy groups, our partners play a crucial role in supporting our mission. Together, we work towards a more just and inclusive society, providing essential resources and opportunities for those we serve.

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