
About MRI
The Full Story
Muslim Reentry Initiative (MRI) was established to build upon, honor, and carry forward the remarkable five-decade legacy of Islamic prison ministry pioneers in our state. Our mission is to mobilize community resources to provide comprehensive, full-circle supportive services to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Muslims.
Built from inside out—MRI is the fruit of the personal experience of formerly incarcerated Muslims and the sacrifices of early volunteers who helped open these doors.
Founded by a small group of concerned and committed community members, MRI has operated with a passion to better serve this often-overlooked segment of our community. We are dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by Muslim individuals during and after incarceration, and to fostering a supportive community that empowers them to thrive.
By providing essential services and support, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Muslims, and to contribute to the betterment of our community as a whole.
Why Muslim Reentry Initiative (MRI)?
For nearly five decades, a dedicated group of individuals has selflessly provided support to Muslims incarcerated in correctional facilities across our state. Despite minimal resources, their tireless efforts have yielded countless success stories. Many formerly incarcerated individuals have transformed their lives, becoming loving family members, successful business owners, community leaders, activists, college graduates, and professors.
Moreover, Islam has been a source of transformation for many incarcerated individuals. So many have become and are becoming Muslim while incarcerated, and have been profoundly transformed through their practice of Islam. Unfortunately, these men and women often face resistance and discrimination, both within the correctional facilities and upon reentry into society.
With the average age of our pioneering supporters now over 80 years old, there is an urgent need for a new generation of advocates to step forward. Without adequate support, many formerly incarcerated Muslims return to communities ill-prepared to support their transition back into society. This is where the Muslim Reentry Initiative (MRI) comes in – to provide comprehensive support services, address the unique challenges faced by Muslim reentrants, and foster a supportive community that empowers them to thrive.