Question 1

Why should anyone who hasn't been incarcerated or who doesn't know someone who's been incarcerated care about supporting reentry efforts?

Accepted Answer

Supporting reentry efforts benefits everyone, not just those directly affected by incarceration. Here’s why:

Safer Communities: When people leaving prison get the help they need—like jobs, housing, and education—they are less likely to commit new crimes. This reduces crime, eliminates victims, and makes neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Saving Taxpayer Money: Helping people successfully reenter society costs less than repeated arrests, court cases, and imprisonment. Investing in reentry saves public resources in the long run.
Stronger Economy: When formerly incarcerated people can work and contribute to society, they boost the economy by paying taxes and spending money in their communities.
Fairness and Humanity: Everyone deserves a Second Chance. Supporting reentry efforts shows compassion and helps break the cycle of punishment, allowing people to rebuild their lives and contribute positively.
Ripple Effect: When someone reintegrates successfully, it benefits their families, especially children, who are less likely to face hardships like poverty or instability. Strong families create stronger communities.

Even if you don’t think it affects you directly, reentry efforts create a better, safer, and fairer society for everyone.

Question 2

Is OurJourney a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our EIN is 88-0782634. In addition, we are certified as a nonprofit with the Office of the North Carolina Secretary of State.

This means that all donations to OurJourney are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Question 3

How does OurJourney fund its programs?

Accepted Answer

As with most nonprofit organizations, OurJourney funds its programs through a variety of means, which are listed below. The percentage of overall revenue for each method is listed in parentheses, based on the data from 2025, OurJourney's most recent fiscal year.

Public and private foundation grants (39%)
Contracts with government agencies (national, state and local), nonprofit organizations, and for-profit corporations (33%)
Individual and corporate donations (22%)
Fundraising events, such as our annual Anniversary Celebration banquet (5%)
Other, including retail sales of OurJourney products, such as our reentry booklet and t-shirts (1%)

You can read the complete 2025 Annual Report by clicking here.

Question 4

Does OurJourney partner with the NC Department of Adult Correction?

Accepted Answer

Yes! OurJourney values its relationship with the NCDAC in working toward shared goals that promote successful reentry, and are proud of the many ways we've found to collaborate. We are convinced that NCDAC is committed to expanding Second Chance opportunities and reducing the number of people who return to prison in this state.

At the same time, our organization remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the best interests of those impacted by the justice system, which may occasionally require us to address systemic issues independently to ensure fairness and meaningful progress.

Question 5

Does OurJourney provide reentry support outside of North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Our main focus is supporting the men and women who return from incarceration to North Carolina counties. However, we have worked with reentry support organizations in other states. Our Bylaws state that OurJourney's Board of Directors must approve by majority vote any activities conducted outside of North Carolina.

Question 6

In which county or counties in North Carolina does OurJourney operate?

Accepted Answer

OurJourney is a statewide nonprofit reentry organization. We support people returning from incarceration in North Carolina regardless of which of North Carolina's 100 counties they call home. We also actively pursue partnerships with reentry support organizations in all 100 counties.

Question 7

I read a brief  history of OurJourney on the website, but can you give me a little more information about OurJourney's origins?

Accepted Answer

Founder and Executive Director Brian Scott was released from prison in February of 2021 after twenty years of incarceration. While he was blessed to have the support of his family, he realized that some of his emotional and mental needs could only be met by people who had experienced incarceration and reentry themselves.

Fortunately, many of the men he had befriended during his incarceration, especially while at Nash Correctional Institution in Nash County, made a point to reconnect with Brian after his release. These men, who affectionately called themselves the Nash Alumni Association, encouraged Brian when he was overwhelmed or frustrated by what he saw as his slow progress. They prayed with him and for him, and even went so far as to travel from their homes to get together with him to show their support. As Brian often says, "Prison isn't the best place to go to meet true friends, but when you do, they're friends for life."

About ten months into Brian's reentry, once he finally started to settle into this new world, he and a few other members of the Nash Alumni Association decided they wanted everyone coming out of prison in the state, even people none of them personally knew, to experience this same sense of community. After all, they reasoned, we're all on this journey together. It truly is "our journey."

In February of 2022, a little over a year after Brian's release from prison, OurJourney officially launched in Rocky Mount, NC. We launched without any money or a clear understanding of how we would make a difference. When people ask Brian what type of market research OurJourney conducted before launching, he smiles and says, "We went to prison and got out!"

Indeed, all we had on the day of our launch was this website and a mission, and while the website has undergone many iterations, the mission remains the same: We want everyone returning from incarceration in North Carolina to know they're loved and valued, and to support them in their reentry journey, especially during those first critical 90 days.

Today OurJourney has three members of its staff and two members of its Board of Directors who all met each other while at Nash Correctional Institution and who are, and always will be, proud members of the Nash Alumni Association.

Left to right: 
Overhead view of the launch of OurJourney at Calvary Chapel Red Oak in Rocky Mount, NC, pastored by Tim Sauls.
Over 20 formerly incarcerated people attended, including many members of the Nash Alumni Association. In fact, the main purpose for the event that day was a reunion of the NAA. 
Around 60 people were on hand for OurJourney's launch, including former Nash Correctional Institution correctional officers, such as the lady pictured in the foreground at the near end of the table and the gentleman to her left.

Question 8

How are OurJourney Board Members chosen?

Accepted Answer

OurJourney's Board of Directors has the authority and responsibility to add to its membership as positions come open. Individual board members or subcommittees can recommend candidates. Our Executive Director, who is a non-voting member of the board, can also recommend candidates. To be seated as a new board member, candidates must receive a majority vote of the entire board.

While the needs of the Board of Directors will vary depending on its current makeup, OurJourney generally looks for people to serve on its board who meet the following qualifications:

Candidates who reside outside of North Carolina are encouraged to apply to serve as board members as long as they meet the qualifications listed below.

Professional Qualities (at least one, preferably two)
Lived Experience: Firsthand knowledge of incarceration and reentry, preferably in North Carolina.
Other Reentry and Criminal Justice Experience: A background in criminal justice, reentry services, social work, or related fields.
Nonprofit Management: Experience in nonprofit leadership, governance, or strategic planning.
Fundraising and Development: Knowledge of fundraising strategies, grant writing, or donor relations. 
Access to Philanthropic Individuals and/or Private Foundations: Connections with a network of wealthy donors or social justice foundations.  
Legal Expertise: A legal background, particularly in areas like criminal justice reform, nonprofit law, or civil rights.

Personal Qualities (all)
Passion for Reentry Work: A deep commitment to supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration.
Leadership Skills: Strong decision-making, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
Diversity and Lived Experience: Individuals with lived experience in reentry or diverse perspectives that reflect the communities OurJourney serves. Candidates without lived experience aren't disqualified from consideration as long as they are committed to supporting people returning after incarceration.

Community Engagement (at least one)
Local Networks: Strong connections within North Carolina’s community, government, or businesses.
Advocacy Experience: Ability to advocate for policies that support reentry programs and criminal justice reform.
Community Representation: A track record of serving as a voice for underserved or marginalized populations.

Practical Skills (desired but not required)
Financial Acumen: Knowledge of budgeting, financial oversight, or accounting.
Marketing and Communications: Skills in public relations, storytelling, or community outreach.

Availability and Commitment (all)
Time and Dedication: Availability to attend board meetings, participate in committees, and support the organization’s events. OurJourney's Board of Directors meets virtually six times a year (bimonthly, in the evenings), in addition to subcommittee meetings and attendance in person at our annual fundraiser banquet in February. 
Collaborative Spirit: Willingness to work collaboratively with other board members and staff to advance OurJourney’s mission.

Incoming board members must agree to abide by OurJourney Bylaws, including those that govern conflicts of interest.

If you would like to serve on OurJourney's Board of Directors, please email your resume to current Board President Heidi Coleman at heidi.coleman@ourjourney2gether.com with the heading: "Board of Directors Candidate."

Frequently Asked Questions By Category