Homies
Helping Our Communities Thrive through Youth Empowerment and Support
Welcome to Homies, a supportive community where we embrace and empower individuals who have experienced incarceration, detention, or any form of confinement, as well as anyone in need of assistance on their journey toward growth and transformation. Whether you've faced time behind bars or are simply seeking support, we're here to provide a safe space where everyone is welcomed and supported.
Homie Initiatives
Welcome Home Celebration
In addition to celebrating and commemorating an individual's journey beyond institutional boundaries and successful completion of rehabilitation, our ceremonies emphasize the pivotal transition back into society after extended absences, sometimes spanning decades. Through personalized support and empowerment, we equip individuals with the tools and resilience needed to navigate the complexities of reintegrating into society, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
Cultivating Circles
A safe space where individuals share their stories, confront past traumas, make peace and begin their journey toward healing. Through mindfulness exercises, meditation, and art therapy, guided by our supportive facilitators, they find solace and renewal. Amidst heartfelt dialogue, active listening, and mutual support, participants engage in empathetic exchanges, uplifting or forgiving one another as they navigate their journeys. Guided by experienced facilitators, the circle promotes a non-judgmental atmosphere where each person's voice is heard and valued.
Rites of Passage
Welcoming and supporting graduates, fathers, grandpas, immigrants, system-impacted individuals into a nurturing community involves incorporating cultural rituals, traditional greetings, and symbolic gestures. These practices foster acceptance, inclusion, and respect, while also emphasizing responsibility, healing, and positive values. Our program, recognized nationwide and funded by various sources, offers tailored interventions to address challenges like anger and violence, ensuring holistic support for all members. La cultura cura (culture cures).
Peace Catalyst
At Peace Catalyst, we facilitate lasting peace by providing vital support to peace-building organizations. While not always on the front lines, we play a crucial roles in amplifying impact. Our services include advocacy, capacity building, networking, and research. Additionally, we incorporate adaptable tools such as sharing circles and rites of passage to directly or indirectly support peace efforts. Through inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches, we empower individuals to navigate conflict constructively, fostering belonging and interconnectedness.
Storytelling Creates Opportunity
In the heart of the Homies community, storytelling serves as a powerful thread weaving through our transformative initiatives. It is within these narratives that individuals find recognition, healing, and empowerment, forming the cornerstone of our mission. Individuals find solace and solidarity in the sharing of their stories. Whether in the safe embrace of our Talking Circle, the cultural bonds of a Rite of passage, or the spiritual depths of a traditional tale, storytelling becomes a healing balm, igniting hope and fostering connections.
Youth Leadership Commemoration
Empowering teens to assume leadership roles in their community involves drawing upon symbols of leadership from their culture, receiving mentorship from elders or seasoned leaders, and integrating elements from transformative programs like the Joven Noble curriculum. This approach instills responsibility, respect, and healing, preparing them to positively influence their communities.
YOUTH LEADER
Dennis Gereritz
As an helper, an activist and grassroots organizer, Dennis leads COPAL—Cultivating Opportunity, Peace, and Leadership. His journey to start this non-profit spans over two decades, during which he’s worn multiple hats. He has been a dedicated teacher for almost two decades and a part of his school's Restorative Justice team. As a youth, Dennis made many mistakes, so he knows the value or another chance, of a conversation with an elder.
Nurturing youth leadership is his passion. Mentorship and education allow young individuals to become resilient, visionary leaders within their communities. Dennis is a mestizo, his blood is the Americas, thus he honors diverse cultural practices and recognizes the inherent wisdom of each person. The COPAL community fosters inclusivity, valuing and empowering everyone.
From bustling inner cities to the serene Amazon rainforest, Dennis has connected with diverse communities. His experiences in the Andes and Alaska have deepened his understanding of resilience and adaptation. Dennis stands for immigrant rights and works with formerly incarcerated individuals. Their stories fuel his passion for justice and empowerment.
Join Dennis in weaving these threads of connection, compassion, and leadership. Together, we can create a tapestry of positive change—one community at a time.