People attend JCP events for many reasons. Some are seeking personal transformation and healing. Others want to be of service to individuals who are currently incarcerated (“inside people”) or to returning citizens (formerly incarcerated individuals) who are rebuilding their lives.

Participants often come with a desire to:

• Break cycles of isolation and shame

• Improve relationships with family and loved ones

• Heal from past trauma

• Explore new ways of being and expressing themselves

• Connect with others in a safe, supportive community

No matter your background—race, age, religion, sexual orientation, or economic status—you are welcome at JCP. The only requirement is a willingness to show up, be honest, and support others on their journey.

JCP provides a rare space for deep self-exploration and connection. Exploring meaningful issues in a group setting can accelerate personal growth. Many men and women who join our circles have long believed they must face their challenges alone. In the circle, they discover they are not alone—and that their stories are heard, honored, and shared by others.

Participants often experience:

• Greater self-awareness

• Emotional healing

• Improved communication skills

• A sense of belonging

• Empowerment through supporting others

For returning citizens, JCP can be a vital part of the reentry journey, offering stability, accountability, and community.

No, JCP is not therapy and is not facilitated by licensed therapists. Our volunteers lead circles using time-tested processes rooted in peer support, emotional honesty, and experiential learning. While the work can be therapeutic, it is not clinical therapy.

No. JCP is a secular organization. We have no religious affiliation and do not promote any particular belief system. People of all faiths, spiritual paths, and secular philosophies are welcome.

Yes. Emotional and physical safety are core values of all JCP gatherings, whether inside correctional facilities or in community settings. All participants and facilitators agree to guidelines that promote:

• Strict confidentiality (nothing shared in circle is discussed outside of it)

• Respectful, non-judgmental communication

• No physical, verbal, or emotional harm

Safety and trust are foundational. Without them, deep personal work cannot happen.

Confidentiality is essential to our circles. All participants and facilitators agree not to share the personal stories, identities, or experiences of others outside the circle. The only exception is if someone poses an imminent threat of harm to themselves or others, in which case appropriate action may be taken.

JCP uses a donation-based model. We explain the costs involved in hosting our events and invite participants to contribute what they can. No one is turned away due to lack of funds. If you are ready and willing to do this work, we will work with you to make it possible.

Our minimum age is 21. JCP circles are open to people of all backgrounds—regardless of past involvement with the justice system. Some participants are formerly incarcerated; others have never been in prison. Some are volunteers, facilitators, family members, or people on their own healing journey. Everyone has a role to play in creating healing communities.