About Us
A fair opportunity to rebuild—for every person.
Life After Life Returning Citizens Support Group is a New Jersey reentry, recovery and community empowerment initiative serving justice-involved individuals, returning citizens and community members facing hardship and instability.
Who we are
We support individuals and families impacted by incarceration through structured reentry programming, life skills development, workforce readiness, mentorship and community-based services.
Our work is designed to meet immediate needs while building long-term success. It rests on a foundation of accountability, support, education, mentorship and empowerment.
Life After Life is a program of Queens T.R.Y. and is based in Clementon, New Jersey, serving communities across Southern New Jersey.
Mission and vision
Our mission
To empower justice-involved individuals, returning citizens and underserved community members in Southern New Jersey by providing reentry support, job readiness training, mentorship, life skills education and resource connection services that lead to long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Our vision
A New Jersey where returning citizens and struggling families have equal access to opportunity, employment, housing, education and personal development—creating safer communities, stronger families and brighter futures.
Growth · Support · Connect
Our three guiding words describe how change happens: through effort, encouragement and the relationships that hold it together.
Growth
Life skills, job readiness and personal goals that build confidence and independence over time.
Support
Individualized case planning, coaching and mentorship—with structure that helps progress stick.
Connect
Family reunification, peer support circles and partnerships that link people to their community.
Our leadership team
You can reach the people who run Life After Life directly. Call any of us—we’ll make sure you get to the right person.
Darlene Bunch
Manager
Jay Rutherford
Director
Hassan Shakur
Assistant Director
Ricky Haywood
Community Development
Our program philosophy
Dignity, accountability and second chances belong together.
- People deserve a second chance.
- Accountability is necessary for growth.
- Support and structure lead to success.
- Employment and stability reduce recidivism.
- Communities improve when individuals are empowered.
- Transformation is possible with the right tools and guidance.
What we’re working toward
These are the goals our programs are built to reach for participants and their families.
- More people finding employment and keeping their jobs
- Fewer returns to incarceration and fewer probation or parole violations
- Greater housing stability
- More participation in workforce training and certifications
- Stronger engagement with mental health and recovery support
- Stronger family reunification and parenting involvement
- Improved life skills, confidence and decision-making
Where we work
Based in Clementon, we serve communities across Southern New Jersey through in-person workshops, group sessions, one-on-one coaching and community outreach.
Programs may be offered at
- Community centers
- Transitional housing programs
- Probation and parole–referred locations
- Partner nonprofit locations
- Local churches and outreach sites