Charles Saunders and the Positive Domino Effect of Reentry Programs: Impact the Person, Impact the Family, Impact the Community

In the world of reentry programs, there are community resources, mentors, and caseworkers, and then there is the one-of-a-kind, Charles Saunders. A unique blend of all three components, Charles’ work with reentry programs surpasses three decades -- reshaping the lives of countless men and women in Allegheny County in the process. With a glass-half-full spirit, no-excuses attitude, and determined work ethic, Charles Saunders’ approach to working with reentry participants is direct, empathetic, and thoughtful, but never strays away from the tough questions that prompt deep reflection and ultimately evoke change.

“Are you tough enough to change your life?”

Throughout his career mentoring and educating those involved in the justice system, Charles Saunders has consistently uttered these eight words, so much so that they eventually became his mantra. For years, Mr. Saunders’ unique perspective and words of wisdom have prompted reentry participants to pause, reflect and think twice about their actions as they prepare for their next chapters. The combination of his genuine care, ability to connect one-on-one, and straight-to-the-point conversations continue to capture the attention of these individuals and inspire them enough to make a lasting change.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh (specifically in the Hazelwood area), Mr. Saunders' professional background has been varied since the beginning, with time spent working in construction, as a recreation leader, at the Boys and Girls’ Clubs/Revising Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), Allegheny County Jail, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and most recently, The Auberle Employment Institute. Considering himself more of a ‘community engager’ than any other title, Mr. Saunders prefers to visit families and communities on-site and in-person, so he can get an unfiltered first-hand glimpse of the situation at hand. The complications of COVID-19 made this practice more challenging, but through thoughtful coordination and adherence to safety measures, Mr. Saunders was still able to do his at-home visits. By going this extra mile, Mr. Saunders reminds participants that there are people who believe in them and feel that they deserve a second chance.

It is this interpersonal component of Mr. Saunders’ case management strategy that is perhaps his most compelling. By candidly getting to know clients’ skills, behaviors, personality traits, and seeing where they came from, he is better equipped to help direct them to future work or education options. The secret to making this strategy a reality? Judgment-free understanding and empathy.

In the future, Mr. Saunders hopes to see more programs that address systemic barriers and how to break cycles before justice system involvement takes place. Mr. Saunders said that a combination of boosted leadership from grant writers/congress and an increased understanding of the legacy of the reentry participants will also give future programs the fuel they need to thrive and grow.

“We’re farmers -- we’re planting seeds. When they grow and are cultivated, that’s when we are successful.”

Included in these successes, is a previous client of Mr. Saunders’ who formerly struggled with substance abuse problems but ultimately found his way through. During Mr. Saunders’ time working in a reintegration program at the County Jail, he would hold classes focused on self-esteem and personal growth. It was during these classes that Mr. Saunders met this client, connected with him on a personal level, and helped guide him on the road to recovery. After their hard work together and upon the client’s release, he created his own cleaning company, started earning reliable wages, and got back into the church community. 

When asked about his favorite part of working as a case manager at Auberle, Mr. Saunders’ said, “Being my brother’s keeper, sharing things to young folks, breaking barriers/cycles, and helping them realize things their parents did not realize.” When it comes to the programs themselves, Mr. Saunders stressed that prior to adding on soft-skill development, it’s important for case managers to address the root of any negative issue or behavior, or as Mr. Saunders likes to phrase it, “stinkin’ thinkin’.” Getting to know the clients for who they really are in the present moment -- not who they aspire to be -- is the first step to Mr. Saunders’ effective treatment plan. It is this continued investment to fearlessly dive deep into a person’s background that makes Mr. Saunders the standout manager he is today. Never afraid, judgmental, or apprehensive, Mr. Saunders offers each client the same opportunity to not only return to the workforce but to become permanent role models in their communities. 

Individuals ready to jump-start their careers after involvement in the justice systems should contact Auberle’s Employment Institute. Within the Employment Institute, are 13 nationally recognized certification programs, with two of those tailored to reentry. Of those two, the ‘Career Pipeline Program’ offers adults 18-24 access to paid vocational training in booming industries such as construction, healthcare, and automotive, all while providing transportation assistance and GED/HSE prep. The ‘Career Pathways Program’ for younger adults 16-24, focuses more on job search support, tutoring, GED preparation, case management, and certification training.

If you or your organization share a similar passion as Mr. Saunders and have the necessary resources, be sure to check out Partner4Work’s Request For Quotes for vocational reentry training programs for participants of the Pathway Home Employment Program and the Career Pipeline Program.