Men Rising Above: Stories of Strength & Success"

Celebrating resilience, transformation, and success. Here, we highlight stories of men overcoming obstacles, clients excelling in their journeys, and empowering news that inspires change.

 

Spotlight Feature: The Heart Behind House of Resilience, LLC

Tagline: Unlearn. Re-Learn. Rebuild. Re Live Resilience.

In the heart of Wilmington, North Carolina, back in 2015, a seed was planted—quietly, in the corner of a shelter, where life had been stripped to its rawest form. That seed would grow into something powerful, sacred, and transformational: The House of Resilience, LLC

It started with a moment of truth.

resilience isn’t just about bouncing back.

 Founder Crystal Jackson found herself surrounded by individuals facing the same hardship, but what stood out was that only a few had the inner fire to rise above the circumstances.

Most, through no fault of their own, were stuck—not just in their physical situation but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

They were merely surviving, not living.

That’s when a deep realization came resilience isn’t just about bouncing back. It’s about learning how to live again after life breaks you down. It’s about rebuilding—not just the outer world, but the soul, the self, and the sense of purpose.

At first, Crystal envisioned founding a homeless shelter. By 2019, that vision matured into a desire to build a halfway house—a safe and supportive space where transformation could truly begin. But even that evolved 

 

 Crystal didn’t want to stop at helping people find jobs or housing. She wanted to help them find themselves. To tap into the purpose, the passion, and the power that still lived inside them.

That’s when coaching entered the picture.

Today, House of Resilience, LLC isn’t just a business. It’s a movement. It’s a sanctuary. It’s a bridge between where you are and where you are destined to be.

Our Mission

At House of Resilience (HOR), we are committed to reducing recidivism by helping men recognize their resilience, rediscover their purpose, and rebuild their lives. Through effective reentry action planning, targeted coaching, and behavioral transformation strategies, we help men break free from destructive patterns and develop the tools needed to navigate life’s challenges, make empowered choices, and live with purpose.

 

Core Values

Integrity – We operate with transparency, honesty, and accountability.

Empathy – We meet every individual with understanding and compassion.

Non-Judgment – We see past mistakes and focus on future potential.

Honesty – Truth is the foundation of transformation.

Hope – We believe that change is always possible.

Resilience – We help men recognize their inner strength and ability to rise again.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to be the leading force in reentry coaching, setting a new standard for lasting results that go beyond traditional programs. We aim to uplift, empower, and restore men as valuable members of society—helping them transition from survival mode to thriving in a fulfilling, productive, and purposeful life.

Our Promise

We promise to meet you where you are, honor your story, and walk beside you through the process of becoming who you were always meant to be. Whether you’re coming out of incarceration, healing from heartbreak, starting over, or just ready to break the cycles holding you back—House of Resilience is here to guide the journey.

Promise (Commitment to Clients)

At House of Resilience, we meet you where you are—without judgment, without shame. Our commitment is to guide you toward the best version of yourself by providing tailored support, tools, and strategies that align with your personal growth. All we ask is that you show up with honesty, openness, and a willingness to change.

How It All Came to Be

Born from lived experience and fueled by the desire to make healing holistic, House of Resilience was never just about survival—it was about soul restoration. What started in a shelter became a purpose-driven mission to guide others through their darkest nights and into the dawn of their rebirth.

It is more than just coaching. It is a lighthouse for the lost, a launchpad for the ready, and a sacred space for the becoming.

 

At House of Resilience, we don’t just coach. We rebuild. We don’t just rebuild—we rise.

Because when you learn who you are and live your truth—you can rebuild anything.

 

You Only Have to be Who you want to be, not who they say you are

-Crystal J

Main Featured Story

Empowerment Series: Male Role Models Who Rebuilt from the Rubble

     

     From Chains to Change: Real Stories of Resilience and Redemption

     

    There’s only one way to kick off this Empowerment Series—and that’s to go big or go home. And when you’re on a mission like mine, there is no turning back.

    When I founded House of Resilience, LLC, I envisioned a space that would not only support people through life transitions—but shine a light on those who have risen from the ashes. The overlooked. The underestimated. The ones society often gives up on. And in this post, I want to honor that spirit by spotlighting powerful stories of men who beat the odds—transforming their pain into purpose and their past into passion.

    As a woman who once sat in a shelter with nothing but a will to fight, I understand the kind of storm it takes to lose everything and still find a way to rebuild. What I discovered over the years is this: purpose and passion are the ultimate confidence boosters. Once I uncovered mine, it rewired my direction in life. I no longer moved from a place of survival—I began to live with intention. That’s what this blog is about: showing it’s possible.

    Let’s highlight five powerful male role models whose lives prove that no matter where you start, redemption is always within reach.

    1. Luis Centeno – From Untrustworthy to Unshakable

    Luis Centeno’s story is a bold testament to the struggle of reentry. After incarceration, he faced every possible obstacle: employment discrimination, basic life reintegration challenges, and the lingering stigma of a criminal past.

    But he didn’t give up.

    In his own words, “I used to be somebody that couldn’t be trusted. Now I’m a father, a husband, and a business owner.” His leap into entrepreneurship speaks volumes: it can be done. Not only did Luis redefine who he was, but he also reclaimed his right to build, lead, and inspire. His transformation is the kind of proof we need more of in this world.

    2. Dale Robinson – Fitness, Philanthropy, and Freedom

    Dale’s journey after prison was not just about business—it was about balance. As the founder of GURU Fitness, he brought his vision of holistic health to life, emphasizing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

    But Dale didn’t stop there. He created the Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation, named after his late mother, to support children affected by incarceration. This level of purpose-driven work goes beyond success—it speaks to legacy.

    He now shares his 7-step transformation model in prisons, inspiring men to embrace physical conditioning, emotional healing, and mentorship. Dale proves that growth is multi-dimensional—and freedom is a full-body experience.

    3. Albert Chavez – Redemption at Any Age

    Albert Chavez hit rock bottom at 47. But instead of giving in, he committed to becoming the man and father he knew he could be.

    Through therapy, coaching, and deep self-work, Albert transformed. His journey led him to develop a coaching program that helps others realize their potential and confront hard truths. His message is simple but profound: it’s never too late to rebuild.

    As one article put it, “The more a man becomes a truth-teller, the safer he becomes for his community.” That’s Albert’s power—rooted in honesty and fueled by vision.

    4. Kevin Bruno – Finding Dignity Behind Bars

    While serving time, Kevin Bruno had to confront hate, racism, and violence head-on. But everything shifted when he joined the Prison Fellowship Academy. There, he found something few expect to find behind bars—dignity and belonging.

    In his testimony, Kevin shared that when God came back around to him, it altered the trajectory of his life. “I could not deny it,” he said. And from that spiritual awakening came a life of purpose.

    His story reminds us that identity is not fixed—and that no system can erase what’s destined for you once you remember who you are.

    5. Education: The Silent Game-Changer

    Let’s talk facts. According to data, the recidivism rate drops from 55% with some high school education to just 5.6% with a bachelor's degree—and 0% with a master. Yet access to education for formerly incarcerated individuals remains incredibly limited.

    That’s why these men’s stories are not just inspirational—they’re exceptional. They defied systemic barriers, refused to settle, and used knowledge as their ticket to transformation.

    The Real Message: If They Did It…So Can You

    This blog isn’t just about celebrating success—it’s about reminding every reader, especially those who feel stuck in shame or survival, that change is not just possible—it’s powerful.

    These men didn’t just rebuild their lives. They became role models, fathers, founders, and forces in their communities. They chose not to be defined by their worst decisions, but by their best comeback.

    And if they could rise—from where they were—so can you.

    House of Resilience stands for stories like these.
    Because when we learn, we live. And when we live, we rebuild resilience.

     

     

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    Empowering Men with Criminal Backgrounds

    Our resilience building sessions and empowerment workshops are specifically designed to help men with criminal backgrounds instill the power of resilience within themselves.

    Through personalized life skills training, we aim to empower these individuals to overcome their past and create a successful future.

    Client Success Stories House of Resilience Achievers

    Shining Spotlights

     

    A section dedicated to clients who are excelling in their personal or professional lives.

    On this page, we showcase positive media information pertaining to men overcoming obstacles and clients who are excelling

     in their personal and professional lives. By highlighting powerful success stories, we aim to inspire others to believe in their own ability to overcome challenges and thrive.

    Horraayyy for the Grand Opening I would like to shine the Spotlight Collectively on my team, supporters, and the clients who dare take the first step towards Empowerment 

    Let's R.I.S.E. & Reinvent 

    Positive Media & News for Men

    (“Empowering Stories in the World”)

      Breaking Barriers: Understanding Reentry and Empowerment After Incarceration

      Reentry after incarceration is one of the most misunderstood — and often overlooked — phases of the justice system. Yet, it is one of the most critical. For formerly incarcerated individuals, coming home doesn’t always feel like freedom. It’s the beginning of a new set of challenges that require resilience, support, and opportunities.

      At House of Resilience, we believe that reentry is not the end of the road — it’s the beginning of transformation. This article is dedicated to shedding light on the barriers that justice-involved individuals face, and the tools, strategies, and community support needed to help them rebuild their lives with dignity.

      💔 The Reality of Reentry

      Leaving prison doesn’t erase the past — and for many, it introduces new barriers:

      • Employment discrimination

      • Housing restrictions

      • Limited access to education

      • Stigma and social isolation

      • Mental health and substance abuse challenges

      • Lack of identification and documentation

      • Family reintegration stress

      • Parole/probation complications

      And it’s not just individual hardship — it’s a systemic issue. Studies show that over 70% of individuals released from prison are rearrested within five years. Not because they want to return, but because the system often sets them up to fail.

      🌱 A New Narrative: From Inmate to Empowered Individual

      At House of Resilience, we reject the notion that a criminal record defines a person’s future. Every human being is capable of growth, healing, and transformation — but to do that, they need tools, support, and community.

      Here’s how we believe real change happens:

      1. Identity Reinvention

      Before someone can rebuild their life, they must first redefine who they are — not as a number or a case file, but as a whole person with dreams, strengths, and purpose. Through self-reflection tools and empowerment coaching, we help individuals reshape their mindset and rewrite their self-image.

      2. Purpose Discovery

      Many individuals leave prison with a heavy sense of “what now?” Purpose is not just a motivational buzzword — it’s the anchor that fuels progress. We use transformative tools like the IKIGAI method and resilience assessments to help people reconnect with their unique gifts and find meaningful direction.

      3. Emotional Intelligence & Healing

      Trauma, abandonment, guilt, and shame are often silently carried by the justice-involved population. Healing must come before growth. We guide individuals through self-awareness, emotional regulation, and communication skills so they can rebuild relationships and show up differently in their world.

      4. Empowerment Through Education

      Knowledge is power. We provide education around personal development, mental health, boundaries, accountability, and self-advocacy — not just to reduce recidivism, but to awaken potential.

      5. Support Systems that Actually Support

      True reentry doesn’t happen in isolation. We collaborate with housing resources, employment readiness programs, life coaches, and mental health providers to help individuals rebuild on a stable foundation.

      📊 What the Numbers Say

      The data is loud and clear:

      • Over 600,000 people are released from U.S. prisons each year.

      • Employment reduces recidivism by over 30%, yet over 60% of formerly incarcerated individuals remain unemployed one-year post-release.

      • Reentry support reduces relapse, improves mental health outcomes, and strengthens family reunification.

      In North Carolina, these challenges are intensified by limited transitional programs, especially in rural counties. Many are released with no plan, no income, and no guidance.

      ✨ A Message of Hope

      To every man and woman coming home: You are not your past.

      You are worthy of healing, capable of growth, and deserving of a future filled with peace and purpose. No matter what you’ve been through — it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

      To every community leader, advocate, coach, and mentor: Your support matters. The work you do behind the scenes — offering rides to job interviews, making referrals, holding space without judgment — helps shift lives.

      🛠️ Resources for Reentry Success

      Here are a few key areas where reentry support can make all the difference:

      • Resume and Job Readiness Training

      • Therapeutic Support and Mental Health Counseling

      • Life Skills Coaching

      • Faith-Based and Peer Support Circles

      • Expungement & Legal Aid Clinics

      • Financial Literacy and Credit Repair

      • Housing Placement and Transitional Living Programs

      If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to local reentry programs or contact us at House of Resilience — we’re building a directory of trusted providers and healing-centered coaches who are ready to help.

      💬 Final Thought

      Reentry is not just about avoiding prison — it’s about becoming whole again.

      Let’s shift the conversation from punishment to potential. From recidivism to resilience. From surviving to thriving.

      Together, we can break barriers — and build lives rooted in restoration, dignity, and purpose.

      Would you like me to turn this into a downloadable PDF resource or add an infographic with key stats and tips?

      Words of Wisdom"

       

      • Cheers to resilience, growth, and second chances. Remember The past already happened, the present is a gift, and the future is up to you

       

      • Have a client or community member share a short reflection on how that quote applies to their life.

      Nominate someone who deserves it 

      a Spotlight Feature (User Submission Form)