April 18, 2025
“From Cell-2-Self”

Participants…

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At Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois, a powerful event recently unfolded, organized by the Illinois Prison Project, titled “FROM CELL-2-SELF: Psychological Transitions in Post-Prison Life.” This free public gathering brought together formerly incarcerated leaders who opened up about their journeys, shedding light on the tough transitions they face every single day after leaving prison.
One of the standout speakers was our very own Ronnie Carrasquillo, the main character in the compelling documentary “In Their Hands” by Dan Protess, featured on pbs.org. Ronnie’s story chronicles his relentless fight against the parole system during his 47 long years of incarceration. His heartfelt narrative dives deep into the emotional wounds and struggles that individuals encounter within the justice system, showcasing the immense resilience it takes to rebuild life after being released.
As we gear up for the launch of our podcast, we’re excited to weave in the feedback from these presentations and highlight the impactful discussions that resonated throughout the event. We believe that sharing these insights will strengthen our bond with our audience and enrich the conversations in our episodes as we delve deep into the root of these situations.
Our call to action is both inspiring and all-inclusive, reaching out to folks from every walk of life to tell their stories and join this vital movement. This podcast isn’t just about sharing stories; it’s about sparking a ripple effect of change that can transform lives. Together, we aim to build a community that champions healing, justice, and advocacy for a better and safer environment. We invite you to share your thoughts and insights from the event and our social media posts, as they will be crucial in shaping our content and engaging our readers and listeners in meaningful ways.

Ronnie Carrasquillo / Director of Operations and External Affairs
Ronnie Carrasquillo is a transformative advocate for justice reform and community safety, whose journey from incarceration to empowerment exemplifies resilience and dedication. After spending 47 years in prison, beginning at the age of 18, Ronnie emerged not just as a survivor but as a beacon of hope for others. His rehabilitation was not merely a product of circumstance; it was a profound deliverance fueled by a commitment to change.
Throughout his time in prison, Ronnie pursued various social and psychological studies, earning numerous certificates and achievements. He became a mentor to many, guiding individuals who faced their own struggles—whether they were formally incarcerated or battling personal challenges. Ronnie’s ability to uplift spirits and instill a new ideology of transformation has had a lasting impact on countless lives.
Now, as a free man, Ronnie continues his advocacy work, exploring innovative avenues to enhance community safety and foster positive change within the justice system. His life’s mission is to inspire others to believe in the possibility of redemption and to contribute meaningfully to society. Through his efforts, Ronnie Carrasquillo remains a testament to the power of rehabilitation and the importance of transformation.

Gilberto Morales President
Gilberto Morales is a dynamic leader and dedicated advocate for community empowerment, serving as the president of our organization. With a reputation as a go-getter, Gilberto brings a wealth of experience in development, media promotion, financial oversight, and legal management. His commitment to fostering positive change is evident in all aspects of his work.
After a successful 23-year career in the titanium industry, where he excelled as a technical engineering drafter, Gilberto coordinated departmental operations and utilize advanced software tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCad and other graphic related programs. His technical expertise contributes to the efficiency of his work and is also equipped with the knowledge to mentor and inspire others. Additionally, Gilberto’s media savvy allows him to effectively promote initiatives and engage with the community through various platforms, amplifying the organization’s message and impact.
Having navigated the complexities of the system himself, Gilberto understands the importance of empowerment and redemption. Over the past 25 years, he has dedicated his time to teaching and mentoring children at his church, helping them grow into successful adults. Gilberto remains committed to making a difference, using his experiences to guide and uplift those who have been wounded and traumatized to transform.

Deyra Mercado CEO Executive Secretary
Deyra Mercado is the CEO Executive Secretary of our organization, bringing over 20 years of advocacy experience to her role. For 21 years, she has been a tireless advocate for her brother, navigating the complexities of the justice system to secure his release. This personal journey has provided her with profound insights into the intricate social dynamics within the system.
Deyra’s firsthand experiences with the challenges of visitation and the emotional toll of the search process have fueled her passion for reform. Her commitment to raising awareness and driving change reflects her dedication to justice and compassion for those affected by the system.
In addition to her advocacy work, Deyra possesses exceptional clerical skills and is technically savvy, which are essential to our organization’s operations. Her ability to leverage technology and streamline processes enhances our efficiency and effectiveness. As a professional and mentor, she inspires others with her expertise and resilience. Deyra fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging team members to share their insights and experiences. Her invaluable knowledge and unwavering advocacy make her an essential leader, guiding us toward a future of positive change and empowerment for all.
Learn and Grow
Lights, Camera, Purpose…
Behind the scenes of something powerful. The Unshackled: Building Bridges podcast isn’t just talk — it’s transformation in motion.
From cables to convictions, from setup to soul work — every mic check and camera angle is part of a deeper mission: to amplify truth, justice, and love.
These moments remind me: what we’re building is bigger than us.
Follow @UnshackledBuildingBridges for full episodes, real stories, and raw inspiration.
This is where chains break, and bridges rise.


Community members hit the road from Chicago to Springfield

On Tuesday, April 29th, a whole busload of IPP community members hit the road from Chicago to Springfield. Among them were our own crew from the Unshackled Building Bridges organization. It was a powerful mix of voices—previously incarcel impacted people and their loved ones coming together for a mission.They rallied hard, talking to lawmakers about policies that can actually help end mass incarceration and bring families back together, torn apart by those unjustified long prison sentences. This is about more than just talking; it’s about making noise and demanding change. We know we can reform this broken criminal legal system by showing up, sharing our stories, and standing up for what’s right. Together, we’re pushing for a future where justice actually means something.

We invite you to join us in this crucial mission to bring about meaningful change. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for our youth and those impacted by the criminal justice system.
UNSHACKLED BUILDING BRIDGES ORGANIZATION

The stark truth is that approximately 28,000 individuals in custody currently do not have access to the proper “Help Programming” necessary for a meaningful re-entry into society. The demand for restorative justice has surged in Illinois and across the U.S. Acknowledging the broken aspects of the criminal justice system, we recognize the urgent need to fulfill the Illinois Constitution’s mandate to “Restore the Offender to Useful Citizenship.” as they integrate back into society.
UNSHACKLED BUILDING BRIDGES ORGANIZATION

One of the primary objectives of our Network Alliance is to bring maximum awareness to prisoners and their families concerning “HELP FACTORS” that will enable their restoration to useful citizenship. Through our network and its various connections, we believe that community building within the prison system can lead to a safer and more cohesive society. By breaking down existing barriers to communication, our Network Alliance will ignite meaningful change that enhances public safety.
UNSHACKLED BUILDING BRIDGES ORGANIZATION
The Podcast – Stories that build bridges…
Real conversations about transformation, redemption, and building bridges between communities. Stories from those impacted by or through incarceration, reentry, and the fight for justice.
Our Unshackled Building Bridges YouTube channel is a transformational video platform for podcast hosting by Gil and Ronnie —two men whose powerful journeys led them from the streets and prison yards to platforms of healing, advocacy, and purpose. Together, they shine a light on lives impacted by incarceration, injustice, and generational trauma. Gil, a former gang member and ex-felon who turned his life around at 46, brings out the stories. Ronnie, who has seen it all from the inside walls, served 47 years. Now he is fighting to change the mindset and perception of second chances to transformed lives. Bringing the need for change and reform in our criminal justice system, this podcast is about truth, love, and transformation.
Life Stories… Season 1
Unshackled: From 600 Years to Freedom – Ronnie & Gil Tell Their Story..
Welcome to the very first episode of Unshackled: Building Bridges — a podcast built from the ground up by Ronnie and Gil, two men who have lived through trauma and are now redeem and transformed rebuilding lives, one conversation at a time, one life at a time. In this powerful intro, Ronnie shares the origin of this movement — from spending 47 years behind bars to becoming a mentor, a leader, and a voice for change. He takes you through the birth of the Hispanic Culture Change Committee, the impact of programs like Mothers of Mercy and HUB (Help Us Build), and how two ex-gang members turned their pain into mission driven purpose. This is more than a podcast — it’s a mission to break cycles, confront truth, and build bridges between the streets, the system, and society. 🛠️ No filters. No retakes. Just real stories and raw transformation. ⸻ 👉 Subscribe, share, and walk with us on this journey. We’re not here for perfection — we’re here for healing. Grow with us.


