Pioneer supports criminal justice-involved individuals with the services needed to successfully re-enter our communities. Our mission is to provide individuals with criminal histories the opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives.
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We believe that words are powerful and can be very stigmatizing and harmful when used to label our citizens who are or were formerly incarcerated. Let’s be clear, the individuals are first and foremost human beings!
We all need to remember that people released from prison or jail share common and descriptive names with everyone else in society to include: grandparent, parent, son and daughter, extended family member, friend, neighbor, colleague and employee. These are the only type of names that should ever be used to describe a person.
When talking about people who have been involved in the criminal justice system, here are labels to avoid and terms that are acceptable:
NEVER USE
|
Convict |
ex-Con |
Inmate |
ex-Inmate |
|
Offender |
ex-Offender |
Criminal |
Prisoner |
|
Felon |
ex-Felon |
Parolee |
Watch a Video about Pioneer
Last Wednesday, Pioneer welcomed hundreds of community members to our annual Change Maker luncheon. It was a day of inspirational stories, thought provoking ideas and support for individuals rebuilding their lives after....Read more >>
Thanks to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for interviewing Karen, Lee, CEO of Pioneer Human Services and writing the following on their Facebook page: @kcprosecutor There were so many hoops to jump....Read more >>
We have several clients at our Pioneer Counseling - Rainier Clinic in Seattle who are transitioning from homelessness to their first home and are in desperate need of supplies. Imagine coming out of a situation such as....Read more >>