A new organization, Validus Movement, has emerged in Indianapolis with a mission to empower individuals reentering society after incarceration.
Launched earlier this year, the movement aims to address the barriers faced by those returning home after serving time in correctional facilities and to create lasting, positive change within communities.
“People often think jail is just three meals and a bed, but it’s not that simple. You wake up, work for pennies, and if you’re sick, you call in for sick leave and sit in your cell for the day. You work jobs like landscaping, cooking, and dry cleaning for little pay,” explained Brian Bunyan, a member of the movement. “It’s a system designed to break you down.”
The name “Validus,” meaning “strong” or “powerful” in Latin, reflects the organization’s mission to help people rebuild their lives with strength and dignity. According to its founders, Validus was created to break the cycle of recidivism by addressing the systemic issues that make it harder for people coming out of the prison system to succeed after their release.
Josh Riddick, a founder of Validus Movement, highlighted some of those systemic challenges: “Our mass incarceration system treats people like second-class citizens, with the power to do so through legal and political means. Our movement aims to build a grassroots effort not just to change laws, but to run elections and alter the political conditions that perpetuate an oppressive system in our communities.”
For many returning citizens, the challenges can feel insurmountable.
One of the biggest hurdles is securing stable employment. A criminal record often makes it difficult to find work, leaving individuals at risk of reverting to criminal behavior simply to survive. Housing is another major obstacle, as many formerly incarcerated individuals are denied rental opportunities, leaving them with limited or unsafe options.
Riddick shared, “This system is a modern-day vestige of slavery and a continuation of the effects of Jim Crow. People are forced to work for pennies, contribute significant labor, and when they are released, they’re permanently punished. These folks need help. They need support, and they deserve to be treated as full citizens. But with a felony conviction, you become a second-class citizen.”
Several local organizations are working to support individuals during their reintegration into society:
- Promoting Access to Community Education
PACE provides educational and employment opportunities to help individuals successfully transition back into society. - Marion County Reentry Coalition
MCRC offers support for individuals reentering society from the criminal justice system in Marion County, Indiana. - Second Chance Indiana
This program helps formerly incarcerated individuals in Indiana access employment and other resources to aid in successful reintegration.
For more information on Validus and how you can support or get involved, visit their website.
This article was produced by WISH-TV anchor Brittany Noble.
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