About Us
We are a 501(c)(3) Reentry Community focused on helping incarcerated men successfully reenter society focusing on mental health, family reunification, job placement, and basic life skills.
Our Mission
Our mission is to aid in reintegrating former incarcerated citizens into the community, reduce recidivism, and improve public safety through addressing the educational, employment, parole and probation, benefits, healthcare, housing, and family relationship needs of prisoners re-entering society. We intend to accomplish this by providing a safe, secure, and supportive environment while they transition from prison to freedom.
Our Vision
Our vision at OTWH is to make lasting and effective impacts on our residents in an effort to lower recidivism, unemployment, and homelessness commonly seen in those who have been incarcerated.
What is On The Way Home
On The Way Home is a community and not just a re-entry program created to aid incarcerated citizens as they move toward a successful reentry back into society. We allow individuals to address the circumstances of how and why they entered the prison system as well as how to avoid those same circumstances once they are out of prison by focusing on mental health. We will provide services and support needed to live a better life and be productive members of society. We are focused on those who have served longer prison sentences therefore we will help provide them with the knowledge needed to succeed and flourish by providing them with counseling, education, encouragement, specialized training, and supportive services which help address issues such as health, housing, and transportation.
What We Plan to Offer
- Low-cost living quarters.
- A safe and secure environment.
- Education services, training, individual and group counseling.
- Create a family community within the larger community, both relying on the area resources and helping them transition back to the community.
- Job placement and transportation.
- Three meals a day in addition to small kitchenettes in living quarters.
- Family housing for integrating men back into the role as father, husband, caregiver.
- upport for those leaving On The Way Home for 2 years following their completion of our program.
The Beginning
On The Way Home was established in 2023 by two women in Alabama who saw a need for a different type of reentry. The goal was to start a reentry community, not just a program. Somewhere men who have been incarcerated for long periods of time could come and get the help they need while also being comfortable and safe. Both women having an incarcerated loved one they had a different view of reentry than so many others. They wanted men to be able to come to their community and leave changed men.
Meet Our Team
Founder & Executive Director
Kelly Lang
Kelly, a proud native of Alabama and devoted mother of two, is the heart and driving force behind On The Way Home. With a 25-year career as a structural designer, as well as experience as a notary public and caterer, Kelly has always been a woman of resilience and determination. Yet, it wasn’t until 2020 – after connecting with someone through a prison pen pal program,that she discovered her true calling: advocating for incarcerated individuals and creating pathways for successful reentry.
Kelly’s passion for justice and second chances is rooted in both personal experience and deep empathy. She grew up witnessing the devastating impact of violence, addiction, and systemic injustice. Her uncle was kidnapped, beaten, stabbed, and left for dead – his home burned down, and his business robbed. Her mother, a survivor of domestic violence, overcame unimaginable odds. Her father’s battle with alcoholism ended at just 50, and her brother lost his life to addiction before reaching that same age. These painful experiences shaped Kelly’s understanding of the struggles many face – struggles that often mirror the stories of those behind bars. Despite these hardships, Kelly believes unwaveringly in the power of change and redemption. She is committed to helping incarcerated individuals in Alabama find hope, healing, and a second chance at life. Recognizing the critical intersections of mental health, substance abuse, and incarceration, Kelly founded On The Way Home with the vision of creating a reentry community unlike any other – a place where lives are not only transformed but also given the tools to thrive.
Board Member
Richard Fox
Richard Fox is a native of Bessemer, AL. and an incarcerated individual currently at Donaldson Correctional Facility. He went to Tarrant High School in Alabama, but didn’t graduate, he did however receive his GED. He joined the Army National Guard, where he was a heavy equipment operator. He also attended classes at Bessemer State Technical College in Bessemer, AL . Richard has been incarcerated since he was 20 years old, and is serving a LWOP sentence. He is an avid writer and has been involved in many writing classes and projects while incarcerated. He has also had multiple articles published, by Beth Shelburne, The Prison Journalism Project, and The Alabama Reflector. He is currently involved in a fellowship with The Prison Journalism Project, providing them with many articles on the ins and outs of prison life. He is also writing a self-help book for people struggling with life’s choices.
Board Member
Alison Mollman
Alison Mollman is the Legal Director at the ACLU of Alabama and has called Alabama home for the last 13 years. Prior to joining the ACLU of Alabama in 2022, Alison worked as an attorney at the Equal Justice Initiative for ten years. For over a decade, Alison has represented incarcerated people on death row in Alabama and in parole proceedings across the country. Alison is committed to client-centered direct representation and to building inside-outside relationships to amplify the voices of those most acutely impacted by the criminal legal system. She earned her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, and her B.A. in Women’s Studies from the University of Iowa.
Board Member
Jennifer Kilburn
Jennifer Smith Kilburn is a retired Captain for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. She has had a life-long interest in justice, having served in Law Enforcement for 31 years, then as a children’s advocate with the Children’s Policy Council of Jefferson County. She maintains a passion for evening the playing field for those affected by the justice system. She has served as adjunct faculty in the Justice Science program at UAB and she has taught rape investigation at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Academy. Jennifer earned a Master’s Degree in Justice Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and is a resident of Concord, Alabama.
Board Member
Dr. Retisha Warr, PhD.
Retisha (Tish) Warr, PhD received her Bachelor in Arts in Psychology from Texas Woman’s University in 2007. Dr. Warr has worked in child welfare, juvenile court, and in various prisons in Colorado, Texas, and Alaska. In 2017, she received her Masters in Social Work (MSW) at the University of Alabama. After completion, she gained employment as a Licensed Master’s Social Worker. She has since worked in a Level V correctional facility in Alabama, reentry, and mediation assisted treatment programs. Dr. Warr began her post-graduate studies at the University of Alabama, being awarded a five-year Capstone McNair fellowship. She completed three research projects as part of her dissertation entitled “A Mixed Methods Exploration of First -Generation College Students Resisting and Healing the Chains of Mass Incarceration”, inspired by her own journey of having a formerly incarcerated parent. Dr. Warr is a current Assistant Professor of Social Work at Troy University and serves on the Advisory Board of Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty. She lives in Central Alabama with her spouse, two dogs & two cats, and continues to pursue projects and research that utilize transformative trauma-informed approaches to heal the family and individuals impacted by mass incarceration.
We are currently seeking 2 more board members who are passionate about helping those incarcerated.
Careers
Currently Seeking Interns
Bring your passion for helping other to On The Way Home
Grant Specialist intern
We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Grant Writing Intern to support our development and fundraising efforts. As a Grant Writing Intern, you will assist with researching potential funding opportunities, foundations, and grant databases that align with our mission and programs. You will support the drafting, editing, and submission of grant proposals while ensuring that applications meet guidelines and deadlines. The role will also involve helping track grant calendars, deadlines, and reporting requirements, as well as maintaining organized grant records and documentation. In addition, you will assist in monitoring awarded grants, ensuring compliance with funder requirements, and collaborating with staff to gather program data and impact stories that strengthen applications.
Qualifications:
- Strong writing, editing, and research skills.
- Interest in nonprofit development, fundraising, or grant writing.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace (experience with grant databases a plus).
- No prior grant writing experience required—training and mentorship will be provided.
Benefits
- Hands-on experience in nonprofit development and grant writing.
Opportunity to contribute to securing funding that directly supports community impact. - Professional mentorship and skill-building in fundraising and nonprofit management.
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate school/work.
- Portfolio-building experience in nonprofit communications and proposals.
Social Media Coordinator intern
This internship provides hands-on experience in the field of social media development. This remote position will play a key role in managing and growing our digital presence across our website, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram platforms. The intern will assist in developing and scheduling content for Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and our website while creating engaging graphics, captions, and posts that reflect our mission and brand voice. You will monitor engagement, respond to comments and messages, and foster meaningful connections with our online community. This role also involves researching trends, hashtags, and best practices to optimize reach and engagement, as well as supporting website updates such as blogs, news, events, and resources. Additionally, you will track analytics, prepare monthly performance reports, and collaborate with staff and volunteers to highlight stories, programs, and events that showcase our impact.
Qualifications:
- Strong interest in nonprofit work, community building, and social impact.
Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). - Basic knowledge of Canva, graphic design, or video editing tools (preferred but not required).
- Excellent written communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and think creatively.
- Comfortable working remotely and using digital collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Zoom, Trello/Slack).
Benefits
- Hands-on experience in digital marketing and nonprofit communications.
- Opportunity to build a portfolio of social media and content work.
- Mentorship and professional development from nonprofit leaders.
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate school/work.
- Contribute to a mission-driven organization making a difference.
Case Management Intern
We are seeking a compassionate and organized Case Management Intern to support our reentry programs. This role will assist with client intake, needs assessments, resource navigation, and case tracking. The intern will gain hands-on experience working directly with individuals in transition while learning about nonprofit operations, social services, and community-based support systems. As a Case Management Intern, you will assist with conducting intake interviews, gathering client information, and identifying service needs. You’ll help connect clients to resources such as housing, employment, mental health services, education, and community programs. You will also assist with maintaining accurate client records, tracking progress, and supporting follow-ups. In addition, you’ll work alongside staff to coordinate services, prepare reports, and provide encouragement and guidance that fosters client success.
Qualifications
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Interest in social services, reentry support, or nonprofit work.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality.
- Organized, reliable, and able to work independently.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
- Background in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related fields (preferred, not required).
Benefits
- Gain real-world experience in case management and reentry services.
- Build professional skills in social services, client support, and nonprofit operations.
- Receive mentorship from experienced staff.
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate school/work.
- Opportunity to make a direct impact in the lives of returning citizens.
Email us @ kelly@otwhreentry.org for more information or to apply for any of these positions. Unfortunately at this time these positions are all on a volunteer basis with no monetary compensation.