Golden Rule ReEntry is a trauma informed organization that assists the formerly incarcerated by engaging the community. We foster connection through kinship, netwoking, classes & services with a focus on personal & professional growth.

We are located in Southern Oregon

Welcome to our first monthly newsletter!

As we reach the beginning of 2026, I find myself reflecting with immense gratitude on all that has taken place at Golden Rule ReEntry since we began in 2020 - all the participants who have healed and found their way back into the world, all the support we have received from community partners, advisors, foundations, government agencies, local businesses, and community members. I stand in awe of the Golden Rule staff - a small but mighty team - almost all having endured incarceration and rebuilt their lives in service to help break cycles of trauma, criminality and despair.

What began as an idea filled with hope and intention has become a recognized southern Oregon community agency providing a critical step in the process of reentry after incarceration. Our core service pillars of housing, case management, life skills training and career/workforce development creates community safety, a valued talent pool for employers, and a place of safety and transformation for our clients as they rebuild their lives. It is also nexus point for community members to share their gifts with our participants by offering services and classes - usually at our downtown Medford Drop-In Center.

Our participants have demonstrated over and over that, if they are ready to become productive citizens, they just need the opportunity to do so. Here are some examples that come to mind: 


• Daniel - who is now finishing a degree in engineering after attending our men's manufacturing program. 
  
• Michelle - who has found her vocation through our women's construction program and is pursuing a career as a plumber. 
  
• Derick - who had no hope for his future because of epilepsy, but is now starting his own epilepsy support nonprofit. 
  

In addition to these big wins, there a hundreds of little wins built on small, consistent acts of support and kindness - something not widely given to the formerly incarcerated, who face enormous barriers to reentry.

I want to extend my most sincere appreciation to everyone who has believed in our mission, who has supported us financially or otherwise.

There is so much more to come. We have accomplished a lot in 6 years, but we are truly only just beginning. We are about to launch our podcast studio sharing important support information and stories of triumph, a renovations workforce development program, and will see our first women's house opening in 2027! Please stay tuned for updates and thank you in joining us in the belief that the power of redemption serves us all.

In Gratitude,



Abigail Lewis
Founder & Executive Director

LOOKING BACK: SINCE WE BEGAN


2020

Attained IRS Nonprofit Status

Met with numerous community organizations

2021

Joined the Federal ReEntry Court support team

Started offering support groups & resource navigation

2022

Opened our 1st Drop In Center with Lounge

Began offering Case Management

2023

Opened our first Golden Rule Residential House

Joined the Statewide HECC Manufacturing Consortium

2024

Added 2 houses to Golden Rule Residential

Launched our Men's Manufacturing Program

Moved to our current Drop In Center location

2025

Launched our Women's Construction program

Opened Newtown Apartments

2026

Furniture Making & Upholstery (see above photo)

Held out first "Unlocking Second Chances" Luncheon

Participants Served: Over 1200 Drop-ins in 2025 alone

At Golden Rule ReEntry, we believe wellness is an important part of recovery. Every Friday is a chance for a group of our participants to get outside together, enjoy some fresh air, build community and just have fun. That’s what GRR's Wellness Fridays are all about, creating space to experience life, build community, and rediscover the joy that recovery can bring. Sometimes, wellness is simply

remembering how good it feels to play.

We had a wonderful turnout for the first class in our new

Golden Rule ReEntry Civics Series: Get to Know Your City.

Our participants and staff came together to learn more about how the City of Medford works, how local government impacts our community

and how each of us can have a voice in the process. A special thank you to Medford City Councilors Jessica Ayres and John Quinn for joining us and sharing their knowledge and experiences with our group.

Afterward, our group attended a Medford City Council meeting, giving participants the opportunity to see city government in action and experience civic engagement firsthand. It was a powerful reminder that democracy works best when people are informed, involved, and connected to their community.

VOLUNTEER: Teach a class and share your time and skills.

SHARE OUR MISSION: Help others learn about Golden Rule ReEntry.

PARTNER WITH US: Join us for coffee and a tour and learn more about how we can create opportunities together.

DONATE: Circle of Support

Imagine a Southern Oregon where no one comes home from prison alone. Where there is always a door open, a caseworker ready, a peer who has been there and a community that believes rebuilding is possible. That is what the CIRCLE OF SUPPORT is building...one monthly gift at a time. We are not waiting for a grant to make this happen. We are asking our community of people to each give a little, every month, so that Golden Rule ReEntry can be here for every single person who walks through our doors.

If given the opportunity, most of us would like to leave the world a better place than we found it. A gift of real estate can be the ideal vehicle for make this possible. Your gift can create a far reaching legacy for generations to come.

WANT TO DONATE ONLY PART OF YOUR REAL ESTATE TO CHARITY?

No problem, we can help structure that for you.

WANT TO DONATE TO A DIFFERENT CHARITY?

Golden Rule ReEntry can faciliate real estate donations that your earmarked charity might otherwise reject.

FAMILY HOME / INVESTMENT PROPERTY / COMMERCIAL

INHERITED OUT-OF-STATE PROPERTY / VACANT LAND / FARMS

Thank you for believing that people deserve the opportunity to rebuild, reconnect, and thrive. Your support makes this work possible.

Every donation, word of encouragement and act of partnership helps create a community where people are given the tools, support, and opportunity to build a different future. We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to stand alongside Golden Rule ReEntry and believe in the power of second chances.

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!