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Mental Health & Wellness
PICS - POST INCARCERATION SYNDROME
PICS offers support groups, therapeutic activities and events designed to give men and women a safe and supportive environment. We focus on educating individuals on post incarceration syndrome, while also emphasizing self-care, responsibility, and self-confidence.
What is PICS?
PICS represents a collection of psychological and social challenges that many formerly incarcerated individuals face upon release. Understanding these signs helps both returning citizens and those supporting them recognize that these struggles are normal responses to incarceration rather than personal failings.
Institutionalized
Institutionalized Personality Traits What it means: Difficulty making decisions independently, rigid thinking patterns, and resistance to change. Many returning citizens struggle with adapting to environments where they need to make their own choices after years of having routines dictated to them.
Post- Traumatic Stress
Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms What it means: Experiencing flashbacks, hyper-vigilance, and heightened startle responses. The prison environment often exposes individuals to traumatic events, leading to symptoms similar to PTSD that persist after release.
Social Disconnection
Social Disconnection and Alienation What it means: Feeling out of place in everyday social situations, struggling to relate to others, and withdrawal from social interaction. This often manifests as difficulty reconnecting with family members and forming new relationships.
Disorientation
Temporal Disorientation What it means: Challenges adapting to the pace of life outside prison, difficulty planning for the future, and feeling overwhelmed by technology and social changes that occurred during incarceration.
Substance Use Vulnerability
Substance Use Vulnerability What it means: Increased susceptibility to substance misuse as a coping mechanism for the stress and anxiety of reentry. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous given the high rates of substance use disorders among formerly incarcerated individuals.
Identity Struggles
Complex Identity Struggles What it means: Confusion about personal identity and role in society, including internalized stigma and challenges with developing a non-criminal self-image. Many returning citizens struggle with the "ex-offender" label and finding meaningful ways to redefine themselves.
Finding Your Voice
Karaoke Night
Post Incarceration Syndrome (PICS) represents the unique set of challenges many individuals face after release from incarceration - including adjustment difficulties, social reintegration hurdles, and the process of rebuilding one's identity and voice in society. The journey of recovery involves not just practical supports but also opportunities for self-expression, community connection, and rediscovering personal identity in a supportive environment.
"Finding Your Voice Again" karaoke night creates a powerful metaphor for the PICS recovery journey. Just as participants work to reclaim their place and voice in the community, this event provides a literal opportunity to find one's voice in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Karaoke offers a unique blend of vulnerability, courage, and celebration that mirrors the larger reentry process.
By creating this social space centered around music - something that transcends backgrounds and connects people on a fundamental level - we're fostering community bonds while acknowledging the courage it takes to step into new roles and express oneself authentically.
Whether someone chooses to sing or simply enjoy others' performances, the night celebrates each person's presence and journey toward rebuilding connection and identity.
This Light of Mine
Candle Making Workshop
In this therapeutic and creative session, participants will learn the art of candle making while engaging in meaningful conversation about Post Incarceration Syndrome (PICS).
Each participant will create their own custom candle to take home—a symbol of light and hope on the journey toward healing and reintegration. This workshop provides not only a creative outlet but also a supportive community space where experiences can be shared and connections can be made.
Whether you're personally affected by PICS or simply interested in supporting this important cause, this workshop offers a unique opportunity for learning, creativity, and community.
PRAYER
Join us for prayer each Tuesday night at 9pm, creating a peaceful conclusion to your day before rest. In this sacred virtual gathering, we come together in faith and fellowship to offer prayers of gratitude, healing, and hope. Whether you're seeking spiritual connection, support through challenging times, or simply the comfort of communal prayer, this weekly practice provides a moment of reflection and devotion before bedtime. The prayer link will be shared exclusively with registered participants, ensuring an intimate and focused experience. Register today to become part of this meaningful spiritual practice that nurtures both individual and collective well-being through the power of prayer.
Reiki
Reiki offers a supportive complementary approach for individuals experiencing Post Incarceration Syndrome (PICS). This gentle energy healing practice may help those transitioning from incarceration by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and supporting emotional balance during the challenging reintegration process. Many individuals report that Reiki sessions help ease anxiety, improve sleep quality, and provide a sense of grounding while navigating the symptoms of PICS. The non-invasive nature of Reiki can create a safe space for healing trauma and building trust, potentially helping to restore a sense of self and well-being that may have been disrupted during incarceration.
Participants are required to review and agree to the Reiki Practice Acknowledgment and Consent Document.
Register for a one-on-one session below.