Tennessee Higher Education Initiative

June is National Reunification Month. Reunification doesn't happen overnight. It takes time, intention, and support.

This June, we're celebrating our team, partners, students and alumni who are doing that work—creating the conditions for reconnection with children, partners, parents, and communities after incarceration.

Donate to help make this work possible: https://thei.org/donate/ 💙

Meet Michael Bolton, a proud Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) alumnus and upcoming graduate of Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) this May. Grounded in education and purpose, Michael has remained focused on building a stable and meaningful future for himself and his family.

A dedicated father and family man, Michael has aligned his finances and personal goals while continuing to grow professionally. Since his release, he has been working with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and was recently hired on as a permanent employee, putting his Peer Recovery Specialist certification into impactful practice.

Michael continues to pour into others, consistently showing up with positivity, professionalism, and a commitment to service. His journey reflects the power of education, stability, and using one’s experience to uplift those around them.

Want to help make this work possible? Consider a donation here: thei.org/donate

We invite you to change the narrative by becoming part of a passionate community that knows education is the key to liberation THEI’s Impact Circle is made up of recurring donors,—whether giving $5 or $500—who make our work possible.

Your ongoing support funds critical resources like school supplies, graduations, and housing necessities. Every donation shows our students and alumni that they’re not alone and their potential is limitless.

Donate here: thei.org/donate

Meet Sammy, a proud Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) alumnus whose journey reflects resilience, authenticity, and perseverance. While his path has included both highs and lows, Sammy has remained steadfast in his commitment to keep moving forward, never allowing challenges to define his direction.

What sets Sammy apart is the way he shows up for others. He pours into fellow alumni with honesty, realness, and genuine companionship while creating meaningful connections that uplift and support those around him.

Leveraging a strong analytical mindset, Sammy is also helping shift the narrative of what it means to be a THEI alumnus. He brings thoughtfulness and perspective to every space he enters, challenging norms and contributing to a deeper understanding of growth, accountability, and progress.

Sammy’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not about perfection, but about persistence, presence, and the willingness to keep going no matter the circumstances.

Want to help make this work possible? Consider a donation here: thei.org/donate

Meet Ricky Paul, a proud Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) alumnus who is turning skill into sustainability and vision into opportunity. Through determination and hands-on expertise, Ricky launched his own service company, Ready Ricky’s Home Repair, which continues to gain strong traction in his community.

What started as a skillset has grown into a thriving business, one that now allows him to not only support himself, but also create employment opportunities for others. Ricky is living proof of what it means to build independence through applied knowledge and consistent effort.

Ricky’s journey embodies autonomy, resilience, and success beyond incarceration, showing that with the right mindset and skill, lasting impact is within reach.

Want to help make this work possible? Consider a donation here: thei.org/donate

Meet Shelby Manning, a proud Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) alumna and graduate of Nashville State Community College who continues to build her life with intention and heart. Since returning home, Shelby has remained focused on creating stability while embracing the roles that matter most to her.

Shelby recently reached an important milestone by getting her license back, opening new doors and opportunities in her day-to-day life. She has been fully invested in being both a dedicated mother and a supportive partner—roles she deeply values and takes pride in.

Professionally, Shelby is thriving in her role as an Intake Specialist at Buffalo Valley, where she is committed to growing and putting her CPRS certification to meaningful use. Her work reflects her passion for helping others and her desire to make a lasting impact.

Shelby has worked hard to get to where she is, and she continues to push forward without slowing down. She remains actively engaged in the THEI alumni network, consistently showing up for her community. Her journey reflects perseverance, growth, and a deep commitment to building a life filled with purpose.

Want to help make this work possible? Consider a donation here: thei.org/donate

📘 Reentry comes with real challenges, but no one should have to navigate them alone. Moving Forward is a free, statewide guide designed to support people impacted by the justice system as they transition back into their communities across Tennessee.

From housing and healthcare to employment and education, the guide brings trusted resources together in one place—so individuals, families, and service providers can find what they need, when they need it.

Explore this resource: https://www.tennesseetransitions.org/

Meet Mathis Vaughn, a proud Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) alumnus who is intentionally building a life rooted in balance, growth, and purpose. Through discipline and focus, Mathis has worked diligently to align both his professional and personal goals at a high level.

Recently, he celebrated a major milestone with a promotion to Team Manager, reflecting his leadership, consistency, and work ethic. At the same time, Mathis continues to express his creativity by releasing music, sharing his voice and story with the world.

Mathis’s journey highlights the power of balance, self-expression, and continued growth. This proves that success can be both structured and creative when pursued with intention.

Want to help make this work possible? Consider a donation here: thei.org/donate

Education is one of the most powerful tools we have—and everyone deserves access to it. THEI partners with colleges and universities to bring degree-granting programs inside Tennessee prisons, and supports students long after they come home.

If you believe in this work, consider becoming a monthly donor or making a one-time gift. Every dollar builds a pathway forward.

Give at thei.org/donate

Meet Anthony Cartwright, a proud Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) alumnus who has been home for 13 months and is turning education into real opportunity. Through a THEI-sponsored cleaning course, Anthony didn’t just gain skills, he gained a foundation. Today, he has transformed that knowledge into ownership of his own cleaning business.

Anthony continues to lean into education as a driving force in his journey, understanding that learning, applying, and growing are key to long-term success. His commitment reflects a mindset rooted in discipline, purpose, and continuous development.

Alongside his professional progress, Anthony has also reunited with his family, rebuilding meaningful connections that fuel his motivation. His journey highlights the power of education, consistency, and intentional action in creating a new path forward.

Want to help make this work possible? Consider a donation here: thei.org/donate