Organizational Health

Established by the state legislature in 2016, the Washington Statewide Reentry Council was created to support successful reintegration after incarceration. Athena Partner Crystal Wade joined forces with Susan Mason, a formerly incarcerated community leader, to engage stakeholders and develop a powerful three-year strategic plan for the council. Susan played a key role in connecting with individuals directly impacted by incarceration—both currently and formerly incarcerated people, their families, and a diverse network of reentry organizations—ensuring the plan was shaped by lived experience and community collaboration.

Results of Collaboration

The strategic plan was guided by the vision to strengthen support systems for individuals reentering society after incarceration in Washington State. It emphasizes building strong, collaborative relationships among the criminal justice system, victims and their families, impacted individuals and their families, and service providers. Additionally, the plan charts a path toward becoming a Reentry 2030 State while shedding light on current custody conditions and the need for reform.

Outcome

Stakeholder engagement in this strategic plan was vital to its success, ensuring that the plan was rooted in the experiences and needs of the community it aims to serve. Firsthand experiences and insights provided real-world feedback on the plan’s development, which led to more responsive and adaptive strategies.

“Part of something I value as a leader is communication, vulnerability, and timeliness. Crystal Wade and Sue Mason are the best examples of this type of leadership. I would recommend them to any business trying to navigate a strategic plan. Although that would mean less time for us to snag them up! Authentic, genuine, kind, responsive, intelligent.....that sums up the Athena Group.” – Janel McFeat

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