The House Appropriations - Human Resources Division of the North Dakota State Legislature convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding rehabilitation and reentry programs for justice-involved individuals. The meeting featured testimonies from key stakeholders, including Adam, the founder and CEO of the FI Project, who emphasized the importance of rehabilitation over punitive measures in the criminal justice system.

Adam highlighted the work of the FI Project and the Ridge Treatment and Reentry Center, which collectively employ around 70 individuals across North Dakota. He shared his personal journey of overcoming five felonies and obtaining a pardon, attributing his success to the incentives provided through rehabilitation programs. He argued that current policies, particularly those related to truth in sentencing, often extend prison terms without offering meaningful rehabilitation, ultimately leading to higher recidivism rates.

He urged legislators to focus on evidence-based practices that foster rehabilitation and community reintegration, rather than punitive measures that lock individuals up longer. Adam pointed out that successful reentry programs not only help individuals return to society but also contribute positively to their communities. He called for a collaborative approach among community partners and emphasized the need for lived experience in supporting those in recovery.

Following Adam's testimony, Travis Gatsky from Evangel Church shared his own story of overcoming addiction and homelessness. He has dedicated the last decade to helping others struggling with similar issues, particularly through mentoring programs for youth involved in the juvenile drug court.

The meeting underscored a growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for reform in the criminal justice system, advocating for a shift towards rehabilitation and community support to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for justice-involved individuals. The discussions concluded with a call for continued collaboration among various organizations to enhance the effectiveness of reentry programs across the state.