A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE
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See you there!
We give individuals a platform to share their stories of trauma and their resilient paths forward, working to tear down barriers to stigma and communication, and in doing so carve a path for others hoping for a better tomorrow,”
Dominick Farinacci, Musician
When the bell rings and an opportunity like this comes up – am I ready? This was a chance for me to speak not just for myself, but to inspire countless other people to lift up their own unique stories. Sharing my story lets me bring a voice to the voiceless – ‘if I can do it, you can to’ – so when that bell of opportunity rings – they are ready!”
Ronnie Cannon, Storyteller
What is A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE?
Dominick Farinacci, international jazz artist, Cleveland native and co-creator of Modern Warrior LIVE, has partnered with Towards Employment to create a live performances in collaboration with TE Alumni with involvement in the criminal justice system who faced barriers to finding jobs and careers. This heart wrenching, inspirational and joyous Work and Reentry EXPERIENCE holds up the words of the four storytellers using Modern Warrior LIVE’s innovative and immersive model of storytelling, music, and multimedia.
Modern Warrior EXPERIENCE & Dominick Farinacci
Recipient of the 2022 Cleveland Arts Prize, a TED Speaker, and headliner in the 2024 Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, Dominick Farinacci co-created the national touring production Modern Warrior LIVE, a production that provides a catalyst for meaningful conversation about stigma, mental health, post- traumatic growth, and resiliency. Using Modern Warrior LIVE’s innovative, integrated and immersive model of storytelling, music, and visual multimedia, the Modern Warrior EXPERIENCE is part of a series of storytelling collaborations that lift community stories of resonance and healing.
Meet the Storytellers
Alisha Brooks-Hall
Alisha Brooks-Hall is standing tall. She is a young mother almost through college, on her way to becoming a social worker. As a graduate of one of the pre-release programs that Towards Employment offers, she started her second career journey while incarcerated. She did not let grief and loss get the best of her, even though it seemed in initial job searches all she heard was no. Alisha’s goal is to help people returning home from prison to create networks and find resources, so they can find strength to get back up and move forward.
Tracy Patton
Tracy Patton struggled with a lifetime of addiction. Her experiences battling addiction and returning from incarceration fuel her commitment to community and to other women struggling with addiction. Tracy went through Towards Employment in 2012 and started a career pathway in hospitality. After five years, she found her way to providing direct assistance to women addressing mental health and dependency. She is currently a Substance Use Disorder Counselor, a Quality Mental Health Specialist, a Smoking Cessation Specialist and the founder of Survived To Live For Women In Recovery.
LaTonya Cliff
LaTonya Cliff is a Case Manager at Towards Employment working with young men and women, hoping that they can learn from their experiences and find the strength and connections needed to build a career. She knows firsthand how trauma, violence and abuse can lead to bad decisions and chaos, and as she listens to the younger participants and graduates of Towards Employment, her life and career journey provide a foundation she uses to provide council, understanding and inspiration.
Watch the Performances
