Conversations with Jamie Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Williams. 

Hi Jamie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For the past 8 years, I have dreamed about starting my own nonprofit. I’ve worked with many populations such as human trafficking victims and survivors, elderly and disabled, and incarcerated individuals. I appreciate everything that I have learned along the way, but my heart kept going back to my brother. My brother was incarcerated when I was 22 years old. This life sentence was what encouraged me to return to school and get my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology because I wanted to understand people and trauma. Throughout the years I realized that I wanted to create a program that would assist individuals who were involved in the revolving door of the criminal justice system. Many incarcerated individuals suffer from addiction and mental health.

It was with this personal connection and newfound understanding of the gaps within the system that I returned to school for my Master’s degree in Social Work. Throughout this program, I developed a nonprofit called REshape. REshape (ReSources, ReHabilitate, ReAct, RePrieve, ReEntry) was designed to reshape the minds of society regarding incarceration and incarcerated individuals. Our goal is to “turn bars into ladders” and reduce recidivism.

I decided that I wanted to help a population that has been overlooked for many years and help create a solution for the future.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been very educational and humbling. I have had a lot of assistance with this dream from my board, school, and family. We changed a lot of our ideas and I networked with many other nonprofits and asked for advice. I realized early on that if we were going to succeed, I needed to ask questions and admit when I felt lost. It was alright to be afraid and intimidated, as long as I kept moving forward.

When the pandemic hit, I went through a lot of personal struggles as my own trauma began to surface. It was during this time that I started to write my book, “Broken Strings.”

This book explains the process of revival and how pain plays a huge part in transformation. How we must face and accept our pain in order to grow. I’m glad that I chose this outlet during a hard time because it helped me to continue forward with my goals.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As of now, I am waiting for REshape to be approved. I graduated from MSU with my Master’s Degree in May of 2021. I recently passed the first test (jurisprudence) to become approved for supervision hours in order to be licensed. I have recently published my poetry book “Broken Strings” last month (September 10) as well. I feel that this time that I have been given is a gift while I’m waiting for the approval. I have been given a little more time to embrace my creative nature until we have to hit the ground running once, we are approved.

I would say that the main thing that sets me apart from others is that I have had ideas and acted on them. I have addressed and overcome imposter syndrome and will no longer allow my own self to be an obstacle in my life. I want to be the change; I want to be the light. I believe I have to power and the circle of people in my life to accomplish this vision.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I genuinely appreciate that Denver is eager about reform in many aspects. I love the diversity and empowerment that Denver has to offer.

I am not a big fan of gentrification and how it has affected so many individuals.

Contact Info:

• Email: Reshapeminds@gmail.com
• Instagram: Reshapeminds
• Instagram: Brokenstringspoetry
• Facebook: RE Shape

Image Credits
Sabrina Laratta