On the evening of Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, THEI hosted its first-ever Donor Gratitude Open House, and it was an inspiring night filled with community and reflection. The event brought together a diverse group of THEI staff, donors, alumni, and two alumni who both recently came home less than two weeks prior to the event. These alumni offered personal insights into the impact THEI had on them during their time as students and how that support continues to guide them on their reentry journeys. We were especially honored to hear from one alum, now the first resident of Busby House, a new venture in THEI's Housing Network, which aims to provide safe, supportive housing for alumni as they continue their educational journeys after coming back home.

The evening provided a unique opportunity for our supporters to connect directly with those they’ve helped uplift through their generosity. Attendees heard firsthand how their contributions are transforming lives—whether it’s expanding educational opportunities or providing critical resources post-release. The shared stories highlighted the essential role our donors play in fueling THEI’s mission and the meaningful progress we've made in empowering justice-impacted individuals.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and helped make this evening so special. If you’re interested in continuing to support THEI or would like to learn more about joining our donor community, we encourage you to donate and consider joining our Impact Circle, which offers deeper connection and insight into THEI’s ongoing work.

Please take a moment to browse the event photos at the end of this article, and thank you for being part of our growing community!