SEJI'S STORY
From a mother's experience to a mission of second opportunities.
WHERE IT BEGAN
Seji S.O.A.R.S., Inc. began with a very personal experience. In 2009, my son was arrested and charged with his first felony. He served 2½ years in federal prison at a very young age.
When he returned home, his sentence may have ended, but the consequences had not. He was quickly identified by the label “felon”—a label that followed him as he tried to rebuild his life. Employment opportunities were limited. Resources were difficult to find. And the programs that could have helped him successfully transition back into the community were often unavailable or difficult to access. He was fortunate to have family and friends who stood beside him, but I began to understand that many young men returning home do not have that same support system.
That experience became the foundation for Seji S.O.A.R.S.
FROM EXPERIENCE TO PURPOSE
What began as one mother's determination to help her son became a larger commitment to individuals and families facing similar barriers. Seji S.O.A.R.S. was created to help bridge the gap between needing a second opportunity and knowing how to access one. Over the years, our work has expanded beyond reentry support to include youth and family support, essential needs, employment resources, community outreach, resource navigation and partnerships that help people move toward greater stability. We understand that sometimes people don't need another program—they need someone to help them figure out where to start.
The inspiration behind the mission.
WHERE WE ARE TODAY
Today, Seji S.O.A.R.S., Inc. continues to build on that original purpose while responding to the broader needs we see within our community. Our work includes reentry support, employment resources, youth and family support, food and essential needs assistance, transportation and resource navigation, and community-focused outreach. When we cannot provide a resource directly, we work to connect individuals and families with community partners who may be able to help. We believe stability often begins with access—access to information, resources, opportunities and people willing to help navigate the next step. Seji S.O.A.R.S. remains committed to creating pathways toward stability, opportunity and successful second chances.