NEWS RELEASE
THE REENTRY INITIATIVE
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Longmont-based nonprofit The Reentry Initiative (TRI) has appointed four new members to its board of directors this year. TRI empowers individuals transitioning from incarceration to a fulfilling and meaningful life. TRI’s board supports the organization’s Executive Director and staff by providing mission-based leadership and strategic governance. The newest board members are Norma Portnoy, Amanda Shaw Newsome, Ellen Ross and Jennifer Loper.
“We are excited that Norma, Amanda, Ellen and Jennifer have joined the TRI board of directors,” said Wayne Simmons, TRI board chairman. “Each brings skills that complement our current board makeup, and each has already jumped in fully to offer advice and support to the organization.”
Norma Portnoy has devoted her career to the leadership and management of non-profit agencies that provide health care and associated services to under-served individuals. She worked with people who were incarcerated while a graduate school intern, and she is gratified to once again be in a position to help people create a successful future, this time as a board member of The Reentry Initiative.
“I believe that formerly incarcerated individuals can overcome challenges and transition back into the community when provided critical support and resources,” Portnoy said about her decision to become involved with TRI.
Amanda Shaw Newsome is a former PBS documentary producer who is currently in discernment for ministry in the United Church of Christ. “I am drawn to TRI's work because I believe in collective liberation and a just society where all people have the opportunity to thrive,” Shaw Newsome explained. “I'm also a storyteller and am passionate about hearing the perspective of people on the margins, which is where fluidity and creativity often dwell.”
Ellen Ross is a Longmont attorney who focuses on family law and simple estate planning. She has owned The Law Office of Ellen M. Ross since 2008. “I was born with a penchant for helping and protecting those who cannot help themselves but who want to succeed. TRI is the perfect organization for me to do what I
love,” Ross said.
Jennifer Loper has focused on communications and marketing throughout her career, most recently as a spokeswoman for the City of Longmont’s Public Works and Natural Resources department. Her commitment to inclusivity and fighting against systemic inequality brought her to TRI, where she hopes to help expand
community understanding and acceptance of individuals with prison histories.
“Everyone deserves the right to work, live and love, regardless of their past transgressions,” Loper explained. “TRI is working hard to make these rights a reality for people who have been in prison.”
The four newly appointed board members join Board Chairman Wayne Simmons, TRI Co-Founder and Board Member Deborah Simmons, Board Treasurer Bill Horton, and Board Member Pamela Maltzbender.
The Reentry Initiative is recognized for its unique, evidence-based process supporting individuals who are reentering the community from incarceration. Founded in 2016, TRI originally focused on supporting women during their return. TRI now works with both women and men on parole as one of 19 reentry programs in
Colorado funded by WAGEES Community Partners (Work And Gain Education & Employment Skills). TRI provides mental health and substance abuse treatment, classes on self-sufficiency, connection with mentors, and assistance with housing, transportation, and employment.
TRI is one of only two programs in the state working with incarcerated women and the only one in Boulder County offering comprehensive wraparound services through its Longmont-based Welcome Back Center.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, TRI offered a six-month pre-release course inside Denver Women’s Correctional Facility along with trauma and addiction treatment and other mental health counseling. (This program is anticipated to resume later this month.)
Learn more about the programming and services offered by The Reentry Initiative and how you can help at www.thereentryinitiative.org.
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