During the 22 years of incarceration that I served in the federal penitentiary, I watched as countless young men who looked like myself “came and went” from the penitentiary.  It was troubling to see all these men seemingly “playing with there freedom” in their Coming and going out of the prison system.

As a result, I started challenging these young men.  Overwhelmingly, they would respond with the same response: “Big T (which is what they called me),” there is nothing out there to help us stay out of here. Nothing!!”  Having been imprisoned for decades, I didn’t believe it and couln’t accept that as a reality on the outside. I left prison determined to help these men when they were released,

Once I was released and it was my turn to locate services to assist me in my efforts to reenter, I discovered that there were minimal services and these services were little-known and difficult to access.  Within three years of my release, 1 Like Me was formed as a not-for-profit entity.  I worked tirelessly with my partner and and charter board member ( and best friend ), to create a reentry organization that would make sure that everyone returning from prison would know about our services prerelease and receive the best quality help in the City of Indianapolis –  Thomas Ridley’s 1Like Me.

1 Like Me received federal tax exempt status in 2018 and has been up and running as a reentry organization since.  Our Board is comprised of a variety of individuals including lawyers and those with lived experiences.  And, our core team includes very smart people with a personal connection to reentry.

I am YOUR advocate and dedicated to helping YOU succeed during your transition.  I am like you and you are like me.

Thomas Ridley

Thomas Ridley