Transformation rarely happens gently or quickly. Through God’s work, one’s life can be strengthened and shaped into one guided by faith, resilience, and persistence. Cindy’s story begins with loss turned into anger. That anger influenced her choices and kept her trapped in a cycle that took some time to escape. While incarcerated, Cindy spent a year attending Bible studies with Jessica from Next Chapter Reentry Project. During that time, God’s light slowly began to shine within Cindy. The transformation started. She attended Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge before deciding to enroll in NCRP’s women’s program. She was enthusiastic to be involved in a program she once had no desire to join. Immediately, NCRP became Cindy’s “safe zone.” It became a place where she didn’t feel like she had to lock her doors or look behind her shoulder. She showed up exactly as the person that she wanted to be without judgment. She genuinely felt welcomed and that she belonged. Through God’s work, she forgave herself and worked on a new path forward. Since joining the NCRP community, Cindy has achieved a lot. · She deepened her faith and built a stronger relationship with God · She discovered peace and healing · She obtained her ID · She rekindled relationships with some of her family and children · She rebuilt her credit · She is fully employed at a place she is passionate about · She focused on her recovery and personal growth  Cindy is most proud of the relationship she has built with God and the biblical knowledge she has gained since joining the NCRP community. She says, “The world we live in is the world we create.” Cindy is no longer isolated or hiding, but guided by faith, grace, and community. We are so proud of the progress and successes Cindy has accomplished!

At one point, Al’s life was marked by hardship, uncertainty, and nights spent on the streets. He faced the weight of mental health challenges and the isolation that comes with homelessness. But through God’s grace—and the support of the Next Chapter Reentry Project community—Al’s story took a powerful turn. A Turning Point Through Faith and Community When Al connected with Next Chapter, he found more than a program. He found a family that believed in his potential and walked alongside him with compassion, accountability, and faith. Through consistency and care, he began rebuilding his life one step at a time. Since then, Al has graduated from the Next Chapter Reentry Project’s program, become a manager at Dave’s Hot Chicken, joined the ACLU’s apprenticeship program, and started mentoring other men on their own journeys. Most importantly, he has reconnected with his faith, his purpose, and his daughters. “You have to humble yourself, accept your past, and choose a different way,” Al says. Today, he lives out that truth daily—leading with humility, courage, and faith. His story reminds us that transformation is possible when grace meets perseverance. Why We Do What We Do Stories like Al’s are at the heart of our mission. At Next Chapter Reentry Project, we believe everyone deserves a chance to rewrite their story and walk in freedom, purpose, and community. Help us walk alongside more men and women on their journey to healing and hope.

On September 15th , Dr . Torianto S.Johnson Sr. celebrated his first anniversary as Executive Director of Next Chapter Reentry Project —and what a remarkable year it has been. As he reflects on the past twelve months, one word rises above the rest: gratitude . Gratitude for the lives transformed, for the progress made, and for the faithful community of supporters who have stood by Next Chapter every step of the way. A Year of Vision and Expansion Since stepping into leadership, Torianto has guided the organization through a season of tremendous growth and purpose. This year, Next Chapter secured Housing Support and Freestanding Board & Lodge licensing , laying the groundwork for lasting stability for returning citizens. The organization also expanded its reentry program to a full year—giving men and women more time to heal, rebuild, and prepare for a successful reintegration into their communities. New and strengthened partnerships have been a key part of that growth. Collaborations with the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine , St. Mary’s University MSW program , Partners Behavioral Health , Timeout Behavior , and First Alliance Credit Union have brought invaluable expertise and resources to those the organization serves. Perhaps one of the most inspiring developments has been the growth of Next Chapter’s Women’s Reentry Program . Initially met with skepticism due to Minnesota having only one women’s prison, the program has flourished. Today, the women’s house is full—and there’s a waiting list. This powerful outcome speaks volumes about both the need for and the impact of this work. In addition, Next Chapter has added another family home , creating space for even more residents to find hope, healing, and stability. Transforming Lives Through Housing Among all these milestones, one achievement stands above the rest: the ability to offer free housing to many residents for the first time in the organization’s history. Through Housing Support and Freestanding programs, Next Chapter now provides a critical safety net for men and women returning from incarceration—individuals who might otherwise face homelessness during their most vulnerable months. This change has been transformational. With stable housing, residents can focus on recovery, rebuilding relationships, securing employment, and participating in treatment and counseling. They can invest in their futures without the crushing weight of financial instability. As Torianto often says, “Free housing isn’t just about a place to stay—it’s about dignity, stability, and opportunity.” Faith at the Heart of the Mission Through every challenge and breakthrough, one thing has remained unchanged: faith . Next Chapter Reentry Project has always been, and will always be, a faith-based organization . That faith is the anchor of everything they do. It drives the team to see potential where others see problems, to serve when others turn away, and to believe in restoration when the world says it’s impossible. Faith isn’t just part of Next Chapter’s identity—it’s the reason transformation happens. It’s why the organization believes that every man and woman who walks through its doors has a future worth fighting for. Preparing for the Next 25 Years While this first year under Torianto’s leadership has been one of accomplishment, he and the team are already looking ahead. Next Chapter is now laying the foundation for the next twenty-five years of impact. In the coming months, the organization will introduce new programs focused on parental coaching, financial literacy, credit-building, and life skills for both men and women. These additions are not simply educational—they’re lifelines designed to equip residents for long-term success and stability beyond their time in the program. The Power of Community Support None of these achievements would be possible without the generosity and commitment of Next Chapter’s supporters. Churches, business partners, donors, and volunteers all play a vital role in sustaining the mission. Torianto is quick to express his appreciation for this community: “Every meal served, every bed filled, every home opened—each one is made possible by the people who believe in what we do. Our supporters are the lifeline of this organization.” Despite the challenges of today’s world, Next Chapter has actually gained more supporters than it has lost , a rare and encouraging sign of the mission’s resonance. It’s clear that people recognize the value of second chances—and want to be part of making them possible. Faith in Action, Hope in Motion For Torianto and the Next Chapter team, this work is more than a profession—it’s a calling. “This is the Lord’s work,” Torianto says with conviction. “And it is marvelous in our eyes.” Through faith, perseverance, and community support, Next Chapter is proving that redemption is not just an idea—it’s a living, breathing reality. As the organization moves into its next season, Torianto remains both humble and hopeful. “I’m deeply grateful,” he shares. “Grateful for the trust, the prayers, and the unwavering belief that lives can be changed. The best is yet to come.”

At Next Chapter Rochester , we believe that every moment is an opportunity for growth—and sometimes, those moments come with fluffy alpacas and fun crafts! Recently, our Little Legacies group took a special trip to Homestead Arts Farm , where they spent time getting to know the farm’s gentle alpacas and creating their own alpaca mask crafts. While the outing was filled with laughter and creativity, it also carried a deeper, lasting lesson. The visit wasn’t just about animals—it was about connection, self-awareness, and learning to regulate emotions. The kids discovered that their energy and behavior had a direct impact on how the alpacas responded to them. By staying calm, quiet, and gentle, they were able to build trust and get close to these peaceful creatures. These seemingly simple experiences play a powerful role in helping children develop emotional awareness. Learning to be mindful of their energy, to practice patience, and to engage with empathy are life skills that will serve them well beyond the farm. Moments like these remind us that growth doesn’t always happen in a classroom—it often happens in the quiet, joyful spaces where children feel safe, seen, and supported. We’re proud of our Little Legacies and grateful for partners like Homestead Arts Farm who help create these meaningful experiences.

June has been a beautiful season of growth, hope, and new beginnings for our Women’s Reentry program here at Next Chapter Reentry Project . We are overjoyed to share that this past month, we welcomed four incredible women into our second reentry house—a space dedicated to offering support, stability, and a fresh start for women ready to step into the life God has for them. Among these courageous women is Julie , whose story is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. Julie’s journey with Next Chapter began over a year ago while she was still incarcerated. Even then, God was planting seeds of hope and possibility in her heart. Today, those seeds are beginning to bloom. Not only is Julie a proud mother and grandmother, but she is also a woman choosing to embrace new opportunities with courage, joy, and an open heart. Beyond her bravery and determination, Julie is someone who loves life. She finds peace and joy in the outdoors, soaking in the beauty of God’s creation, and cherishing the simple moments of fun and connection. We are incredibly honored to walk alongside Julie as she steps into this next chapter of her life. Her story reminds us that no matter where we’ve been, God’s love makes all things new—and that there’s always hope for a brighter tomorrow. Welcome home, Julie! We are cheering you on every step of the way.