"Like Sitting in God's Lap": A Retreat with ARC

The ARC Community at our 2020 Annual Retreat (photo: Kabir Cardenas)

Dear John xxxxxx,

At Pali Resort in Running Springs, I was thrilled to celebrate the New Year with my first annual retreat as ARC Executive Director.

With nearly 200 people in attendance, this was one of the largest retreats in ARC history!

The fellowship and love on display all weekend beautifully represented what ARC is at its core: a support and advocacy network for, and comprised of, formerly incarcerated men and women.

As we braved the wintry weather in a variety of activities—from ascending a rock wall to descending a zip line—ARC members, staff, and allies competed vigorously, all while bonding in the process.

ARC member ziplining at the Annual Retreat (photo: Kabir Cardenas).

There was also on display something that touched me deeply: the awe and wonder usually reserved for children in the eyes of people who have endured so much. For some, who had only recently gained their freedom, this was their first time in years—sometimes decades—to be reunited with nature. For others, this was the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing snow for the first time. For all, this was a celebration of new beginnings and hope for the future.

ARC member Marquies, himself home less than a year, described being around so much support as "feeling like I’m sitting in God's lap."

Marquies (pictured), home within the last year, described the retreat as "sitting in God's lap." (photo: Kabir Cardenas)

Regardless of the individual journey, there was an overwhelming spirit of gratitude permeating all of our activities: gratitude for freedom—and gratitude for fellowship.

Each of us also has gratitude in our hearts for the critical role that you play in championing our work. We rely upon your advocacy, as well as your generosity.

To help us fund impactful member experiences like the ARC Annual Retreat—and to help us launch into this New Year and new decade—I ask, humbly, that you consider supporting ARC’s transformative work. Please donate as generously as you can today.

Many thanks,

Sam Lewis

Executive Director

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Anti-Recidivism Coalition
www.antirecidivism.org

Anti Recidivism Coalition

1320 E. 7th Street

Suite 260

Los Angeles, CA 90021

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