The Inspiring Story of Legacy Reentry Foundation

In September 2023, I talked with Robin Tinker, the marketing director for Legacy Reentry Foundation, a Chicagoland nonprofit agency that serves individuals post-incarceration. She earned that title in November of last year when she was recognized by the founders of Legacy, Pastor George Moore and his wife ReGina, for her impactful work in the community through social media and podcasting. Tinker was unfamiliar with the nonprofit world, but Legacy staff members demonstrated what being part of such a lasting organization means.

Tinker explained that Legacy Reentry Foundation did not start as a nonprofit. Instead, it began as a ministry entitled "Captive for Christ'' by Pastor George during and after his incarceration. Pastor Goerge's challenges throughout his life inspired his ministry, and he hoped to offer services so that others would not go through those same challenges.

It was not until 2014 that Legacy formed its roots and established a location to grow in Waukegan, Illinois. Legacy, in 2015, gained status as a nonprofit and had a grand opening in 2016. Currently, the Legacy Reentry Foundation helps clients gain resources for life skills, job prep, financial literacy, traumatic care, youth development, and faith-based teaching after incarceration.

Tinker was honored to talk about the two founders of Legacy, Pastor George and ReGina. While ReGina handles the day-to-day observations, Pastor George handles the big-picture activities. The pair are very different in their approaches to things— ReGina has a more stern and "let's figure it out" attitude while Pastor George has a laid-back and joking presence— but those opposite qualities match perfectly. Tinker told me it creates a "great balance" for the organization.

Tinker then described the programs offered at Legacy Reentry. One of those programs is the mentorship groups held on Tuesdays for men, women, and youth. These groups focus on essential life skills, such as building job resumes and connecting with possible employers. Tinker explained that participants are improving their lives. At Legacy, they understand that everybody makes mistakes, but it is important what you do with those mistakes.

It is the media program offered at Legacy Reentry that is truly unique. Tinker explained that many youth participants are involved with the media. Currently, they are working on a four-episode web series called The Root of All Evil. Many participants improvise the scenes in the web series but in a manner safe and comfortable for everyone. The media opportunities offered at Legacy help the youth express themselves creatively and connect with the community around them. Another film, Lock Up to Legacy, made its debut on October 13th; it is a documentary that tells Pastor George's story. Legacy worked with MTV for the documentary. Many in the community are intrigued to see what other projects are coming from this fabulous media program.

When I asked Tinker about anything else she wanted to say, she had no hesitation when telling me that Legacy "focuses on bettering people's lives. When you walk through those doors, you are part of the family. Anyone has the ability to rewrite their story".

I was then told the Legacy Reentry Foundation's slogan, which sums up everything very well: "I am coming back to get me!"