About Us

In 1989, Eddie Ellis founded the Resurrection Study Group (RSG) pilot program at Green Haven Correctional Facility in New York State. The program emerged from the Non-Traditional Approach to Criminal and Social Justice analysis and the need for innovative empowerment models in prisons.

 

RSG was create as a community-specific, human and leadership development initiative, grounded in the experiences and insights of incarcerated individuals. The RSG model aimed to educate, reform, restore, and empower incarcerated people physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually, preparing them to become productive citizens upon returning to their families, neighborhoods, and communities.

 

Research indicates that communities most affected by mass incarceration face high rates of poverty, unemployment, failing schools, homelessness, and widespread crime, violence, and drug use. Yet, 90% (1.62 million) of incarcerated individuals will eventually return to these same communities. The crucial question is: how will they return? Will they be constructive or destructive? Will they be assets or liabilities?

 

Underserved and marginalized communities, heavily impacted by mass incarceration, require more than returning citizens with the traditional reentry and rehabilitative skills such as a college degree, vocational training, or substance use disorder certificates. These communities need returning citizen's who, during their incarceration, received a true education—one that reforms their minds and characters, restores their humanity, morality, sanity, decency, sense of community, and empowers them to undergo a whole person transformation. This approach helps them become new individuals, living better lives, and serving as agents of effective change within their families and communities.

 

For over 35 years, RSG alumni have returned to their communities as civic-minded, socially-conscious individuals. They have committed to strengthening their families and working to make their neighborhoods safer, more vibrant, and healthy places to live.

 

Today, Resurrection Study Group, Inc. (RSGINC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the harms of mass incarceration on individuals, families, and communities. We work closely with incarcerated people to provide them with the mindset, skillset, toolset, and community connections necessary to make a successful reentry and thrive post-incarceration. With over three decades of experience in human justice and human development work, our staff is well-equipped to serve incarcerated individuals and the communities they return to. With your generous support, we can continue this important work. Donate Now!