Beyond the Label: Finding Purpose and Rebuilding Integrity in Reentry

By: Jenee Fortier

At A Curiae, our mission is to bring the principles of public health—specifically, the power of social connection—into the courts to support justice-involved individuals. Few people articulate the deep human need for connection and purpose in reentry better than author, entertainer, and activist Kari Ferrell.

In a recent conversation with A Curiae Founder Wyatt Lim-Tepper, Kari shared profound insights from her personal journey, detailed in her book, You'll Never Believe Me. The discussion highlighted a critical truth: successful reentry is not just about fulfilling requirements; it’s about reclaiming one’s identity and purpose.

Kari spoke candidly about the inherent failures of the justice system, noting that it often does more harm than good by attempting to break down an individual's sense of self.

"The shame of having done something wrong, the shame of being told you're broken, and the entire prison system is built to tell you that you are broken and unfixable."

This systemic pressure leads to a profound identity crisis during the post-incarceration process. This includes the immense hurdles of the job market, where the criminal justice label often acts as an insurmountable barrier. As Kari explained, the system attempts to "break that integrity that you might have toward other parts of your life." The real work of reentry, therefore, is not conformity or simply ticking boxes for potential employers, but the hard, intentional work of rebuilding the integrity that the institutional experience tried to strip away.

For Kari, the turning point came when she chose to embrace her identity as a writer and performer. This act of self-determination provided the drive needed for personal growth. Purpose, Kari argues, is the most powerful catalyst for change:

"It's about finding that purpose that is bigger than you, that is bigger than the experience, and that is not connected to the labels and the expectations."

The journey to finding purpose cannot be undertaken in isolation. The conversation underscored A Curiae's core belief: social connection is an essential resource. Connection provides the support network necessary to overcome institutional trauma, navigate systemic obstacles (like employment discrimination), and retool one's drive toward a constructive life

Kari's final advice to anyone going through the reentry process was simple and powerful:

"Be purposeful, be connected. It's how...things get better."

At A Curiae, we are honored to work alongside individuals like Kari who turn their experiences into powerful advocacy. We remain committed to fostering the connections, resources, and sense of purpose that lead to true healing and successful transition back into the community.

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/oH6OlX9AHm0