Deborah Simmons, co-founder of The Re-entry Initiative (TRI), introduced Emily Kleeman, the Executive Director of TRI, a program designed to provide support to formally incarcerated adults. 

Emily started her presentation with an experiential activity, inviting Rotary volunteers to line up against a wall and following their cue cards (violent history, no ID, no Medicaid, no family support, etc) would would take one step forward as Emily called out some specific attribute or limitation the individual is facing.  The outcome was very few (actually only one), made it across the room.  The exercise emphasized the many challenges recently incarcerated individuals have once back in society.  These hurdles can ultimately lead to re-incarceration.  The vision of TRI is to offer formally incarcerated adults an opportunity to thrive in the community without reoffending. Their slogan, From Surviving to Thriving is manifested through the comprehensive services inside and outside prison walls that empower adults.   The Reentry Initiative is a 501(c)(3) organization, registered in the state of Colorado. TRI has served over 300 men and woman.  

Major Jeremy Atherton is a Military Pilot, and he shared a few elements of his military career…and yes, Jeremy Atherton is Josh’s younger brother.

Jeremy graduated from Skyline High School, was a Eagle Scout with Troop 65  and a graduate from Colorado State University.   Jeremy spoke about is active duty career, serving as an Instructor/Evaluator pilot,  his deployment to Afghanistan, Aeromedical evacuations and his special missions for the Wyoming Air National Guard providing air fire fighting services (MAFFS)   Jeremy recently received his commercial pilot’s license.  Keep a lookout for Jeremy, sporting a new uniform, flying the friendly skies!