What leads individuals down a path of crime and addiction, and what does it take to change course?
Please join us on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 12:00-1:30 in the UMD Rafters for an engaging and deeply personal conversation with guest speaker Eric Johnson as he shares his journey through substance use, criminal justice involvement, and repeated incarceration. Drawing on his own experiences, Eric will reflect on the circumstances that contributed to his involvement in crime, the challenges he faced along the way, and the turning points that helped him find a different path.
Central to his story is the role of Hope for Prisoners, a reentry and rehabilitation organization that Eric credits with helping him rebuild his life and discover a renewed sense of purpose. His experiences offer a powerful illustration of how life trajectories can change, even after years of involvement in the criminal justice system.
Moving beyond traditional narratives of crime and punishment, this event invites attendees to consider the importance of rehabilitation, personal transformation, and second chances. It is ultimately a story about moving from a life defined by substance use to one grounded in meaning, purpose, and hope.