Real moments from Candice Baughman’s work in reentry, advocacy, peer support, service, and community transformation — proof that dignity, courage, and practical support can help people rebuild their futures.
Each story represents a moment where leadership became service, advocacy became action, and community became a bridge toward hope.
Leadership
I served as Secretary of the Planning Committee and Volunteer Coordinator for this year’s Reentry Symposium, a powerful gathering focused on second chances, systems change, and community healing. I played a key role behind the scenes, organizing logistics, managing communications, and leading over 20 volunteers who ensured the event ran smoothly.
Reentry Symposium
Partnership
I partnered with Rat City Tat2 to support an individual in removing a gang-related tattoo as part of their reentry journey. This moment captures the power of community, second chances, and reclaiming one’s identity. I coordinated the effort, ensuring the process was trauma-informed, affirming, and rooted in dignity.
Tattoo Shop
Speaking
Keynote Presentation at Opioid Summit: Presentation: From Walls to Wholeness: Igniting Lasting Recovery Through Lived Experience and Community. This story represents the power of using lived experience, advocacy, and truth to inspire recovery, transformation, and hope.
Opioid Summit
Volunteer
The Tzu Chi Foundation Seattle Branch is part of a global humanitarian network focused on compassionate service. Their work includes building tiny homes for the unhoused, distributing food, and supporting marginalized communities. Their mission reflects compassion, service, and a supportive environment within the local community.
Tzu-Chi Foundation
Training
Becoming a Certified Peer Counselor in Washington State involves completing an 80-hour training, passing a state exam, and applying for certification. This training equips participants with skills to guide, mentor, and support individuals seeking long-term recovery.
Health Care Authority
Culture
On February 24, 2024, I attended the Cultural Fest at Benaroya Hall for personal enrichment and connection. The event celebrated global cultures through music, dance, art, and storytelling, deepening my appreciation for cultural diversity and community expression.
Benaroya Hall
Action
Organized a donation drive to support an individual transitioning out of the Washington Corrections Center for Women, with support from the Thurston County Resource Hub and Celebrate Recovery. Together, we gathered clothing, hygiene products, and household essentials to help her start reentry with dignity and stability.
Resource Hub
Community
Joined the Formerly Incarcerated Graduates Network (FIGN) and had the opportunity to attend their annual BBQ in 2024. It was an inspiring event that brought together people with shared lived experiences, fostering connection, empowerment, and community support.
FIGN
Support
Volunteering with the West Seattle Interfaith Network, handing out meals and essential supplies to members of the unhoused community. Supported by the Tzu Chi Foundation Seattle Branch, this warm community effort offers hope and support to those experiencing homelessness.
WIN
Faith
This photo captures a meaningful moment as Charles Roark attended church with me at Westminster Presbyterian after his release from 27 years of incarceration. It was a powerful experience of faith, freedom, and community support, marking a new chapter in his reentry journey.
Westminster Presbyterian
Service
Ronald McDonald House, where I helped cook and serve a warm meal for families with children receiving medical care nearby. It was a heartfelt experience to provide comfort and support through food, bringing a small sense of home and relief during a difficult time.
Ronald McDonald
Delivery
Delivered food to CASA Jalisco Transitional House in Thurston County, supporting residents as they work toward stability and independence. It was an opportunity to provide nourishment and encouragement to individuals rebuilding their lives in a safe, supportive environment.
Casa Jalisco
Travel
Trip to Kentucky, where I had the unforgettable experience of attending the Kentucky Derby. Surrounded by the energy of the crowd, rich traditions, and the excitement of the races, it was a memorable moment filled with culture, history, and celebration.
Kentucky Derby
Resources
This moment reflects direct support and practical care for someone taking the next step forward. Reentry support often begins with meeting immediate needs, building trust, and helping someone move forward with dignity, stability, and encouragement.
Resource Support
Care
Small acts of support can communicate deep care. This story reflects the consistent, practical, relationship-based work that helps people feel seen, supported, and encouraged during reentry, recovery, or transition.
Everyday Support
Essentials
Essential support helps restore dignity. This image represents the kind of practical care that helps someone feel prepared for the next step — supplies, encouragement, and the reminder that they are not walking alone.
Essential Needs
Stability
Food support can create breathing room during a difficult transition. This moment represents practical stability — helping individuals and families access resources that restore dignity, reduce pressure, and support a healthier path forward.
Food Support
Women Lead
Candice is pictured at an INSPIRE Women’s Conference backdrop, representing women-led impact, advocacy, and community empowerment. This story reflects the importance of stepping into leadership spaces with courage, clarity, and purpose.
Women’s Leadership
Reentry
This image shows reentry support beginning at the point of release. Practical help, preparation, and dignity matter in the earliest moments of transition. This story reflects what it means to help someone step forward with resources, hope, and human care.
Reentry Support
Peer Work
The heart of peer work is presence, trust, and walking alongside someone through change. This story reflects relationship-based support — the kind of encouragement that reminds people they are seen, valued, and capable of rebuilding.
Peer SupportEd 4 Empowerment exists to build bridges of education, restoration, practical support, and leadership for individuals and communities impacted by incarceration, trauma, and transition.
