• Home
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • WHERE THE WORK STARTED
  • Hope And Redemption Team
H & R

Sam lewis

Executive Director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform. As a formerly incarcerated individual who was sentenced to life in prison at age 18, Sam's lived experience equips him with a deep understanding of the criminal justice field and a knowledge of the best services to meet the needs of system-impacted individuals. 
As Sam himself said in an op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle, “I know well the power of hope in the darkness behind prison walls.” He serves as a positive role model and mentor for incarcerated youth and adults across the state, and also works closely with key partners in the criminal justice reform space, including agencies, policymakers, funders, and other community-based organizations. Sam serves as a voice for those inside, connecting decisionmakers and those most affected by decisions to address critical issues in our justice system.
In 2012, Sam was released after serving 24 years of a life sentence and now uses his freedom to give back to those still inside; helping incarcerated people transform their lives, acquire tools to successfully re-enter society, and serve as role models for at-risk youth. Sam began his work at ARC in 2015 as a Life Coach, providing case management services to formerly incarcerated members. Since then, he founded and led one of ARC's largest programs in eight state prisons, the Hope and Redemption Team (HART), as well as Youth Mentorship Programs in three juvenile detention facilities. ​​
Picture
​This is Mic Dispatch
Picture
Picture

It always seems impossible until it's done...

​FREEDOM, HOPE , AND REDEMPTION...
Many times I have been asked why I do what I do...  The simple answer is that I love my people.

As a teen I did not have a mentor, or positive role model.  My mentors and role models were dope dealers, hustlers, and gangsters.  Growing up I looked up to those I saw in the streets, and I wanted what I thought was the respect that they were given.  

Growing up I made some terrible decisions I wish I could change,  and I take full responsibility for every wrong action I'v taken.  My poor choices lead to a life sentence in the California Department of Corrections.  ​

While incarcerated I began to change my life.  What ignited my desire to change was my then seven year old daughter.  At one point during my incarceration my 7 year old daughter asked me to try not to get in trouble so that she could hug me the next time she came to see me.   That small request from my daughter lit a fire in my heart to be a better man.....  A better father....
"Forgiveness is not an occasional act.”
Picture
Picture
PLAY TRAILER
Picture
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."

I believe in second chances, and giving back.

Picture


Education is themes powerful weapon you can use to change the world!
T
Picture

Get In Touch

Contact me to speak on criminal justice reform, youth mentoring, re-entry, rehabilitation and consulting in these fields.
swlewis5@gmail.com. 323-830-0177
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • WHERE THE WORK STARTED
  • Hope And Redemption Team