Released from jail with only a trash bag in your hand, no work, no family — how do you pick up the pieces? Where would you go to find a fresh start?
For many, the answer is Whole Systems Learning, a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 by President Eba Laye that lives by the belief that “there’s a gift in the wound,” a philosophy program leaders say reflects their healing vision for the community.
Inspired by Laye’s experiences witnessing inequities in the justice system as a criminal defense attorney, Whole Systems Learning supports formerly incarcerated African American and Latino men and women, many of whom struggle to navigate the system and face a lack of resources and support.
Whole Systems Learning serves as a 24-hour drop-in center for those in need. While the eight-to-12-week cohort builds a foundation of soft skills and helps participants shift their perspective.
Expanding community support
Since opening its doors, Whole Systems Learning has grown exponentially as the community’s needs have increased. The organization is preparing to celebrate the grand opening of its Community Center for Youth and Adults on July 16 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., an expansion meant to deepen its impact and provide even more resources.
Rei’s story: From incarceration to leadership
Reinaldo “Rei” Henry-Ala, now the executive director, remembers the moment he decided he would not fail his son again.
While incarcerated, Rei found purpose and committed to healing work through substance abuse treatment and counseling. His determination paid off when a judge reduced his sentence, allowing him to reunite with his family.
After his release, Rei was introduced to Whole Systems Learning, where staff encouraged him to apply for a job. He was hired as a case manager and, before long, Laye asked him to lead the organization’s youth program.
Rei, who credits his faith for every opportunity, has since fought to protect grant funding, even driving to Sacramento to testify before the state Senate and help reverse funding cuts.
“God’s not going to wait for you to be ready. He’ll put you in that situation, and you need to be ready,” he said.
Programs that build resilience
Whole Systems Learning offers programs centered on healing and skill development. Its TRIBE program, which aims to change mindsets, includes initiatives such as self-awareness, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurship and wealth building, and hip-hop healing.
Loss and determination
That mission became painfully personal after a TRIBE program graduate, 19-year-old Dante Williams, was shot to death just a quarter-mile from the Whole Systems Learning office in North Long Beach.
Williams had been on a promising path, recently completing probation, earning his security guard card and serving on the organization’s youth advisory council.
“I lost Dante. He had a security job lined up just two days before he died, and it devastated me. It really broke me,” Henry-Ala said. Despite the loss, Henry-Ala continues to stay deeply involved. He shows up in court and at school for young people in the program, describing them as “my kids.”
Building creative pathways
Jason Edmunds, director of business development and communications, brought 25 years of experience in the music industry, writing and artist management to the program.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, he mentored 27 young people on his own. In 2021, he officially joined Whole Systems Learning to expand those efforts by launching a project-based audio and video course where students learn practical skills and collaborate to create podcasts, films or music.
Two instructors help support the program, giving participants real-world experience and confidence.
“By partnering with studios after they graduate, I take them to Hollywood,” Edmunds said. “At the end of their cohort, they have the opportunity to apply for jobs.”
His most recent graduating class saw seven students secure employment. Notably, Amber Royster, a program graduate, was hired as a production assistant and worked at the last presidential debate.
A tribe that shows up
The leaders at Whole Systems Learning go the extra mile for their students and the communities they serve, recognizing their talent, brilliance and ambition.
“The people you pass over have some of the most brilliant minds you will ever meet,” Edmunds said. “There are opportunities in America for free thinkers, but if you don’t come through a certain doorway, you won’t get the same chances that others get. Whole Systems Learning is changing that.”
“What we know about these kids is that they need time and patience. They need a tribe to care for them. It takes a community,” Henry-Ala said. “These men won’t let me down. To help them fight peer pressure, they need someone who has their back. I’ll pick them up right off their block in the neighborhood.”
If you would like to attend the grand opening of the Youth Development Center, please RSVP by July 12.
For more information or to RSVP, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpnfPQN2nw–jtJk18iP0-Wt9ymNh1SW-ip9uqp2dlssIq0A/viewform?pli=1.
