Carrie Kurtz: Hope Keepers On Supporting Returning Citizens

We would love to hear from you, send us a text!About the episode Today’s guest is Carrie Kurtz, CEO of Reentry Synergy. Carrie has spent her career at the intersection of justice, housing, and human dignity—building real second chances for people returning home from incarceration. From Ban the Box to Justice Bridge Housing, Carrie explains why reentry only works when agencies, families, and communities coordinate—not silo.What you’ll learnWhy collaboration > “referrals” in reentry (coordination is the unlock)How housing first stabilizes employment, mental health, and family reunificationTrauma-responsive reentry: language shifts, safer spaces, and trust-buildingFair housing, landlord education, and reducing hidden discriminationThe power of lived experience: multiple seats at the table, not a token voiceWhy it matters Reentry isn’t a program—it’s an ecosystem. Carrie shows how aligning stakeholders (people, families, providers, probation/parole, landlords, health systems) produces measurable stability and fewer returns to custody.Perfect for Anyone working in justice, social services, housing, policy—or anyone who believes redemption should be real and reachable.Join the movement If this episode challenges you, share it with a colleague or friend who cares about second chances. Let’s turn reentry from a buzzword into a blueprint.Subscribe to the podcast through Spotify, Apple, IHeart or other podcasting channels. Connect with Us on the Web for: s2spodcast.net (sms at the bottom of our page for real time reply)For topics and podcast information reach us at: [email protected] booking information reach us at: [email protected] sure to leave a review on Apple Podcast your feedback helps us reach more listeners. Thank you for listening to the Struggle2Success Podcast!