Colorful Backgrounds/ E.X.P.O (Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing)

Project Summary

Your past should never limit your future.  There is often a negative stereotype that surrounds the label of “formerly incarcerated”.    We’re looking to counter this way of thinking in every way possible.

Terri Minor Spencer coined the phrase, “Colorful Backgrounds,” to redefine what it means to be an individual who has been formerly incarcerated. It allows acknowlegement of the fact that everyone has a story, and at times, these stories, experiences, struggles, failures and triumphs can at times create the most impactful legacies.

“Colorful Backgrounds/ E.X.P.O. (Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing) is a program chartered by West End P.O.W.E.R. and  Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network (P.I.I.N) to train formerly incarcerated people to organize for change in the criminal justice system and build their employment prospects with a 12 week class with courses on areas such as:

• Job Readiness

  • Including resume writing and mock interviews

• Basic Computer Skills

  • Including Internet Security, Social Media Basics and Google Workspace training

• Community Organizing

• Leadership Skills

• Anger Management

• Financial Literacy

  • Including Bank Account Basics, Budgeting and Credit Repair

• Expungement Clinic

• …And more

Find out more information and register at the link below.

Project Committee Members

Terri Minor Spencer

Ella Scales

Kristin Hughes

Gabriel O'Donnell

Nicholas Murphy

Terri Shields

Walter Harris

Patricia Johnson

Stephen Shandor

Neoshe Jenkins