Memphis Takes Steps to Help Jail Exits with New Clothing Initiative
MEMPHIS, Tenn. โ The Shelby County Jail has officially launched a heartfelt initiative aimed at helping individuals transition smoothly back into society after leaving custody. On a bustling Saturday morning, workers at the Shelby County Office of Re-Entry rolled up their sleeves and began sorting through donated clothing, eager to make a difference in peopleโs lives.
Why Clothing Matters
When you stop to think about it, leaving prison can be a daunting experience. The vulnerability of stepping back into the world after time away can weigh heavily on anyone. DeAndre Brown, the Director of the Shelby County Office of Re-Entry, made a significant point: โWhen you think about a person leaving incarceration, thatโs the most vulnerable time in their lives, and we want to make sure that we can remove as many of the impediments as possible, clothing being one.โ
In partnership with the Shelby County Mayorโs Office and the Sheriffโs Office, this initiative is all about collecting clothing that will be handed out to men transitioning out of 201 Poplar. No more walking out in dull grey sweatpants! โThis allows individuals to leave and not have that tag of โIโve been incarceratedโ with a grey jogging suit,โ Brown added. โSo, you can leave there with a sense of pride and dignity.โ
A Place to Start Fresh
The Office of Re-Entry is setting up what they call a โclothes closet,โ where men and women leaving custody can grab the attire they need to head straight to family members or a job interview. As Dominique McKinnie from the Mayor’s Office described, โMen and women who are leaving custody can go to the clothes closet, get clothes, leave, go be with family members, go look for employment.โ Itโs all about providing a fresh start when starting over feels especially daunting.
Community Support Shines
People in the community are rallying together to support this noble cause. Numerous individuals dropped off gently used items early on Saturday mornings, and it was heartwarming to see familiar faces make their way to the office to donate. One such person, Antonio Jackson, shared his own experience from 2017 when he sought help from the same program after serving six years in prison. โWhen I came home, they had me some clothes, and thatโs why I just said I looked in my closet and brought them clothes right there,โ Jackson reminisced. โItโs all about presentation.โ
Jackson symbolizes the spirit of transformation the program seeks to foster in others. He emphasized the importance of a positive mindset: โYou got to change your mindset, and when somebody wants โ when itโs there you got to accept it and just move forward. Donโt worry about the past. You got to move forward.โ
How to Get Involved
If youโre feeling inspired to join this movement and help those in need, you can contribute by donating your own new or gently used clothing items. Just swing by the Shelby County Office of Re-Entry located at 1362 Mississippi Boulevard. And for those wondering, the program doesnโt stop with just one location; there are plans to expand into Jail East soon!
A Bright Future Awaits
Ultimately, this initiative is just a small step towards ensuring that those faced with the challenges of re-entering society have a path forward thatโs filled with hope and opportunity. In Memphis, itโs clear that the community is ready to lend a hand in helping individuals start anew with dignity and respect.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
