09/25/2026
Last month, we gathered in Oakland with participants in Dream.Org Oakland Area Green Reentry program, which connects justice-impacted people to green career training and job opportunities.
Over the program’s eight weeks, Root Cause founder AW Shields led virtual wellness workshops and group coaching, where participants dug into emotional boundaries, impostor syndrome, and balancing reentry, work, family, and personal wellbeing.
To close it out, the group came together in person for an identity-based ritual honoring each participant’s journey through the program. They reflected on the gifts they bring to every community they’re part of, and how to care for their own wellbeing in the midst serving others.
Mental health tools should feel practical, accessible, and connected to people’s real lives. This is especially true for folks stepping into new roles, environments, and chapters. Sharing this space with participants as they closed one chapter and opened another was an honor.
Shoutout to the entire Dream.org team for the intentionality they brought to every detail, from program content to the folks in the room. We can’t wait to work together again. ✨