Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Charlotte Garnes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Charlotte , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

In Southeast Georgia, Charlotte Garnes spearheads ReNforce, a nonprofit that supports justice-impacted individuals in reintegrating into society and the workforce. Pronounced “reinforce,” the organization provides training, coaching, and professional development opportunities to pave the path for successful reentry.

Charlotte’s own journey of facing discrimination due to her conviction history fueled her determination to create change. In 2020, she founded ReNforce in Savannah, GA, to remove obstacles and promote equal opportunities for all. ReNforce goes beyond traditional approaches by engaging employers to understand the value of hiring qualified candidates with convictions. The organization encourages inclusive hiring practices through education and advocacy, fostering a more equitable workforce.

Expanding its efforts, ReNforce recently launched a safe housing initiative in Augusta, GA, providing supportive housing for justice-impacted women rebuilding their lives after incarceration. This holistic approach to reentry reflects ReNforce’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges individuals face upon returning to their communities. With each initiative, Charlotte Garnes and ReNforce reinforce the importance of second chances and build a brighter future for justice-impacted individuals across Georgia.

Charlotte , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Charlotte Garnes, and I am the founder of ReNforce, a nonprofit organization based in Southeast, Georgia, dedicated to assisting justice-impacted individuals in successfully reintegrating into the community and the workforce.

Due to my own experiences with workplace discrimination based on my conviction record, my entry into this industry was incredibly personal. My discrimination drove me to create ReNforce, a mission-driven organization that breaks down barriers and supports those facing similar challenges.

ReNforce offers a comprehensive range of products and services tailored to justice-impacted individuals and businesses seeking to hire them. For our clients, we provide training, coaching, and professional development programs designed to equip them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.

For businesses, we offer consultation services and training programs to educate employers on the benefits of hiring justice-impacted individuals. We work closely with businesses to develop inclusive hiring practices and provide ongoing support to ensure a successful transition for both the employer and the employee.

Our holistic approach to reentry sets us apart in the field. In addition to our employment-focused services, we recently launched a safe housing initiative in Augusta, GA, providing supportive housing to justice-impacted women transitioning back into the community after incarceration.

I am incredibly proud of ReNforce’s impact on the lives of our clients and the community. Every success story, every job secured, and every life transformed is a testament to the power of second chances and the importance of our work.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that at ReNforce, we are committed to creating a more just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Whether you are a justice-impacted individual seeking support or a business looking to make a positive impact, we are here to help. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that traditional metrics like salary or job title solely measure success. Growing up, I was conditioned to believe that these were the markers of a successful career. However, my journey with ReNforce has taught me that true success lies in making a meaningful impact and fostering positive change in the lives of others. The backstory to this unlearning process involves my experiences of facing discrimination in the workforce despite my qualifications. It forced me to reassess my definition of success and prioritize values like empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. Through ReNforce, I’ve come to understand that success is not just about personal achievement but also about lifting others and creating opportunities for those who have been marginalized.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Outside of the founding journey of ReNforce itself, one particular moment stands out vividly in my memory, a moment that truly tested my resilience in the face of stigma and discrimination centered around being justice-impacted. During the early stages of founding ReNforce, I encountered significant pushback and skepticism from those around me. Many questioned the feasibility of my vision and doubted whether a formerly convicted individual could make a meaningful difference in addressing the challenges of reentry.

Despite my doubts and prejudice, I refused to waver in believing that change was possible and imperative. I vividly remember a meeting with potential stakeholders where I presented my plans for ReNforce, outlining our mission and vision for supporting justice-impacted individuals. Instead of receiving the support I had hoped for, I was met with skepticism fueled by the stigma and discrimination deeply embedded in society.

In that moment, it would have been easy to succumb to the weight of societal judgment and abandon my dreams. However, I chose to use that adversity as fuel for my determination. I doubled down on my commitment to creating change and refused to let others’ prejudice deter me from my mission.

Fast forward to today, and ReNforce stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against stigma and discrimination. Despite the initial challenges and setbacks, we have grown into a thriving organization, challenging misconceptions and breaking down barriers for justice-impacted individuals. This experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about weathering the storm; it’s about confronting and dismantling the systemic injustices perpetuating stigma and discrimination.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.renforce.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2renforce
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2renforce
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80368602/admin/feed/posts/

Image Credits
Patrick Avognon Jr. (FICPFM)