by Christiane Rios, Communications Associate, A New Way of Life
Since early 2026, the policy and advocacy teams from A New Way of Life (ANWOL) and All of Us or None (AOUON) Long Beach and Los Angeles chapters have been actively involved in statewide organizing, public education, and legislative advocacy to advance justice-impacted communities.
“A New Way of Life and All Of Us Or None demonstrate that people are more than their past mistakes. Through housing, advocacy, and community organizing, they create pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals to reunite with their families, contribute to their communities, and thrive.” — Michelle Chambers, Policy & Advocacy Manager
One of the year’s key milestones was participation in the Face-2-Face Conference in San Diego. Participants expanded their knowledge of strategies and critical policy issues affecting justice-involved individuals and their families while deepening their commitment to advancing justice reform.
On April 14, the All of Us or None Los Angeles Chapter hosted a screening of the documentary A Father’s Reckoning. The film follows a pastor’s journey after spending 23 years in prison as he seeks to reunite with his five sons. The screening created space for meaningful conversations about the impact of incarceration on families and communities.
“Movie nights like this help us connect policy to people. A Father’s Reckoning reminded us that justice is not just about punishment—it’s also about healing, restoration, and preventing future harm.” — Michelle Chambers, Policy & Advocacy Manager
In early May, ANWOL Staff, Residents, and AOUON Members traveled to Sacramento to participate in Quest for Democracy, a statewide event focused on civic engagement and policy reform. A highlight of the trip was the participation of four ANWOL house residents, who met with lawmakers, shared their personal experiences, and advocated for policies affecting reentry and criminal justice reform. Their participation underscored the importance of incorporating lived experiences into decision-making and policy discussions.
Legislative advocacy has remained a major priority throughout the year. The organization has continued building relationships with policymakers, including meetings with Assemblymembers McKinnor and Bryan’s office to discuss key legislation and community needs. ANWOL and AOUON co-sponsored AB 1646, known as the Hug Act, which seeks to ensure youth in juvenile facilities can maintain physical contact with family members during visits. They also supported AB 1201, legislation aligned with the goals of family connection, rehabilitation, and reducing barriers faced by justice-impacted individuals.
As California continues to tackle questions of reform and equity, the work of A New Way of Life and All of Us or None serves as a compelling example of how community engagement, grassroots leadership, and sustained advocacy can drive meaningful change. Through every legislative meeting, conference, and community event, these organizations are helping build a more just and inclusive future for all.
Building Leadership Through Lived Experience
“Leading the Policy & Advocacy Team this year has been both rewarding and impactful as we’ve expanded community engagement, strengthened partnerships, and advanced policies that support formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. We’ve worked to ensure that directly impacted voices are at the center of important conversations about housing, voting rights, reentry, and economic opportunity. One of our greatest accomplishments has been empowering All Of Us Or None members and A New Way of Life residents to become advocates for themselves and their communities. For the remainder of the year, we will continue building our advocacy network, advancing key legislative priorities, and creating opportunities for people with lived experience to lead the change they want to see.” — Michelle Chambers, Policy & Advocacy Manager
In early 2026, the policy and advocacy department welcomed two new team members: Jose Catalan and Jared James. Working alongside Michelle Chambers, Policy and Advocacy Manager, Jose serves as Community Organizer and Jared serves as Community Organizer Fellow. Both joined the department in February after being released in the summer of 2025. “People often assume that once you’re free, the hard part is over. I’ve learned that freedom is actually where the real work begins.” — Jared James
Jared described Quest for Democracy as an “eye-opening” experience, particularly as someone whose fresh start was made possible through policy changes: “It was incredible to step onto the other side & witness firsthand the massive amount of organizing required to drive systemic change.”
Jose brings purpose to his work rooted in lived experience. After serving 23 years of a life sentence, he shares that the idea of a second chance is not just symbolic—“it’s something I’m living every day.”
A Broader Mission
The policy and advocacy department is one part of A New Way of Life’s broader mission. The Family Reunification Program helps justice-impacted parents restore relationships with their children through pro bono representation in Family Law and Probate Court. The program also provides monitored visitation and connections to social services, including housing and substance abuse programs.
The Workforce Development and Education Program is grounded in four core pillars: skill-building, career exploration, empowerment, and community building. These principles guide efforts to provide system-impacted women and justice-involved individuals with the tools and opportunities needed to overcome barriers, achieve economic mobility, and build sustainable careers.
The SAFE Housing Network is a national collective of formerly incarcerated people working to decarcerate the United States by bringing people home to stay, helping them heal from the trauma of incarceration, and empowering them to lead efforts to end mass incarceration. A New Way of Life and SAFE Housing Network partners have collectively reshaped reentry services, prioritized decarceration efforts, and expanded their ability to meet the urgent housing and support needs of justice-impacted women and LGBTQ+ individuals across the United States and internationally.
Continuing Susan Burton’s Vision
Susan Burton is a visionary and inspirational leader in the criminal justice reform movement, author of the award-winning memoir Becoming Ms. Burton, and founder of A New Way of Life Reentry Project. Over the past nearly three decades, she has built a nationally recognized model for reentry that blends direct services with advocacy, organizing, and leadership development. Her work has focused on breaking cycles of incarceration, restoring families, and transforming communities.
She believes that lasting change happens when people directly impacted by the system lead the movement—when they are trained, supported, and empowered to raise their voices and shape the policies that affect their lives. Today, Susan continues her work to eliminate suffering through opportunity while passing on her mission to the next generation of justice-driven ANWOL leaders and staff.
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