Summer is here, and at The LOHM, the work continues to move forward in powerful ways.
From gathering in Harlem for our largest convening of the year, to advocating for family reunification, expanding legal support, and celebrating the staff making housing stability possible every day, June has been a reminder that when directly impacted people lead, communities thrive.
Here is what we’ve been building together.
PATHWAYS TO POWER: A WEEKEND OF CONNECTIONS & POSSIBILITY
The LOHM gathered community leaders, justice-impacted women, advocates, creatives, and changemakers in West Harlem for Pathways to Power, a transformational weekend centered on healing, leadership, entrepreneurship, storytelling, and economic opportunity.
We opened Pathways to Power with a keynote that set the tone for everything that followed. Aisha Babilonia-Campbell, Founder and Executive Director of HBBK, shared her story of moving from surviving to leading — faith, restoration, and what it means to reach back for the women coming up behind you. The room felt it.
Actress and advocate Carmela Zumbado joined Pathways to Power for a powerful conversation on storytelling, justice, and the responsibility artists carry when bringing complex human stories to life. She offered a thoughtful reflection on how film and television can help shift public understanding and humanize the experiences of people impacted by incarceration.
Carmela didn't just take the stage, she stayed in the room and spent the day in real conversation with attendees, proof that justice-impacted voices belong in every space, including the ones we don't expect.
Visionary strategist and creative leader Alexys Feaster brought her expertise in culture, sports, entertainment, and impact to Pathways to Power. Through her workshop and conversation, she challenged attendees to think bigger about platform, purpose, legacy, and how storytelling can move communities from visibility to real change.
Some of the most powerful moments don't come from a podium. FOWI author Frances Garcia-Newsome read directly from her chapter in Rewriting Her Story, her voice, her words, her power, on full display for the room to witness.
Storytelling and advocacy met on stage for a film screening and talk-back featuring Carmela Zumbado, Alexys Feaster, and director Antwan Williams joining virtually, moderated by Starling Thomas. The conversation went straight to the heart of it: who gets to tell our stories, and why that matters.
We closed the summit the way we always come back to each other, around a table. Women Over Dinner brought the community together for one more night of connection, proof that the work we do is always rooted in relationship.
None of this happens without community. Thank you to West Harlem Development Corporation for partnering with us on this vision, to Women Over Dinner for bringing the heart of the summit to the table, and to Petite Plume for your generous support. And to every woman who walked through those doors over three days — thank you for showing up, for sharing your story, and for reminding us why this work matters.
FAMILIES BELONG TOGETHER:
FATHER'S DAY ADVOCACY
This Father’s Day, LOHM stood alongside partners helping reunite families impacted by incarceration and reminding the world that connection matters.
In partnership with advocates and national leaders working toward justice reform, this work continues to highlight the importance of preserving family bonds and creating pathways for healing for parents and children navigating incarceration.
Because family connection is not a privilege. It is part of restoration.
FREEDOM LAB x LOHM: MIAMI JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
This Juneteenth, LOHM partnered with Freedom Lab in Miami to celebrate freedom, community, and the ongoing work required to create true liberation.
Together, we gathered in reflection of the generations who fought for freedom before us while recommitting ourselves to building a future where justice, opportunity, and dignity exist for all.
Freedom is not just history. It is work we continue every day.
HOUSING TEAM SPOTLIGHT:
EXCELLENCE IN NOLA
We are proud to celebrate two members of our New Orleans Housing Team — Brison Shelton and Demetrius Rayford — both recently recognized by UNITY of Greater New Orleans as Case Manager/Housing Specialist of the Month.
These consecutive recognitions reflect the strength of LOHM’s housing programs and the incredible staff working every day to help individuals and families secure safe, stable housing.
In 2024 alone, LOHM housing initiatives helped more than 80 justice-impacted women access housing opportunities, while 77 women and 55 children found stability through Hope House and Rapid Rehousing programs.
This recognition reflects what we already know — our team is changing lives every single day.
Congratulations Brison and Demetrius!
FUNDER SPOTLIGHT:
TRINITY CHURCH
Since 2020, Trinity Church has stood with The LOHM in our commitment to ensuring that justice-impacted women have a safe place to land. Their continued investment makes our housing program possible, providing stability for women who are rebuilding their lives and reclaiming their futures.
Five years of partnership. Five years of supporting our work. We are deeply grateful to Trinity Church for believing that every woman deserves dignity, safety, and a real shot at what comes next.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT:
CHICAGO BEYOND
We’re proud to share that The LOHM has been selected as a partner in Chicago Beyond's latest investments supporting organizations driving justice and transformative change across the country.
This investment strengthens our mission to create pathways to healing, opportunity, and leadership for justice-impacted communities while continuing our deep commitment to empowering women and families impacted by incarceration.
We know that when people are given access to opportunity, communities transform.
Thank you, Chicago Beyond, for believing in this work and helping us build a future rooted in freedom, dignity, and possibility.
MAKE AN IMPACT
EVERY DOLLAR WRITES A NEW CHAPTER
Every event, every family reunited, every woman housed, every opportunity created happens because people believe this work matters.
Your support helps justice-impacted women access housing, healing, leadership development, and the tools needed to rebuild their lives.
The work is growing. The need remains urgent.
Help us continue building what freedom looks like.