Meet Mary-Jane — Our Lived Experience Reintegration Worker

Hi everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to properly introduce myself here on the Empowered Project website.

My name is Mary-Jane, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team that believes in second chances, safety, dignity, and truly human-centred support.

Many people know parts of my story, but here’s the heart of it:

I am someone who has lived through addiction, trauma, incarceration, rebuilding, and healing. I’ve experienced loss, hardship, and moments of complete uncertainty — but I’ve also experienced resilience, growth, and the power of rebuilding a life from the ground up.

Over the years, I committed myself to deep personal work and professional development. I gained formal qualifications in community services, strengthened my practice, and learned how to turn my lived experience into purposeful, trauma-informed support for others.

At Empowered Project, my role focuses on reintegration support, wellbeing planning, and helping people transition safely back into the community. I support people in custody, people returning home, and people finding their way through complex life experiences. It’s meaningful, grounding, and purpose-driven work — and I am grateful to do it every day.

For me, this isn’t just a job.
It’s my purpose.
It’s proof that your past does not limit your future.
And it’s a reminder that with the right support, people can rise, reconnect, and reclaim a life they’re proud of.

If you’re new here — welcome.
If you’re on your own healing or reintegration journey — you are safe here.
If you’re supporting someone you care about — we see you.
And if you’re simply curious about our work — thank you for being part of this community.

I’m looking forward to sharing more, connecting more, and continuing to help build a space that is lived-experience-led, trauma-aware, and genuinely human.

Mary-Jane
Reintegration Case Worker, Empowered Project