Opportunity Over Incarceration With SC2: Ramsey's Turning Point

When Ramsey returned home after nearly a decade in federal prison, the road ahead felt uncertain. Like many people reentering their communities after incarceration, he faced serious barriers to employment — and the constant pull of habits that had defined much of his life.

“I’ve been in and out of prison for over 30 years,” Ramsey shared. “This was the first time — probably the first time ever — that I didn’t even think about going back to that lifestyle.”

That turning point began through street outreach. Ramsey was connected to SC2 (Scaling Community Violence Intervention), a citywide initiative that works through trusted community organizations to prevent violence by addressing its root causes. SC2 focuses on relationship-building, conflict resolution, and linking people to real opportunities — from mental health support to job training — before harm occurs.

Through SC2’s outreach, Ramsey was introduced to Association House of Chicago and its Culinary Careers Training Program. What started as a class quickly became something much bigger.

“When you find something that gives you peace and lets you be productive — and you can see the results of your work — that’s something you start to value,” he said. “Every day, I appreciated it more.”

In the kitchen, Ramsey found structure, encouragement, and a sense of dignity that had long been missing. He credits the program with helping him stay focused and grounded during a critical period of reentry.

“This wasn’t about being perfect,” Ramsey explained. “They met you where you were. If you didn’t know anything, they taught you. And they actually wanted to see you succeed.”

Most importantly, the program helped interrupt the cycle that had pulled Ramsey back into incarceration for decades.

“It was never prison that stopped me before — not family, not fear. It was finally having the chance to do something different and still be good at it.” -Ramsey, SC2 Participant at Association House

Today, Ramsey continues to build his skills, pursue certifications, and explore opportunities in the culinary field, lending a hand to catering events alongside his fellow graduate chefs. He remains deeply grateful for the environment he found at Association House — and for the outreach that made it possible.

“When you walk into Association House, you feel it,” he said. “People there genuinely want to help. And that kind of atmosphere can change a life.”

Ramsey’s story is just one example of how SC2’s community-based approach is creating safer streets and stronger futures — not through punishment, but through connection, care, and opportunity. ▪

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Discover more about SC2 at sc2humboldt.org.