4 Years Strong: A lifetime of of Purpose
It all begins with an idea.
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Four years ago, I had nothing but a vision—one that came out of lived experience, frustration, and a desire to do better by my community. I knew firsthand the challenges of coming home after incarceration. I knew what it felt like to be overlooked, underestimated, and unsupported. But I also knew that with the right people, the right purpose, and a little faith—we could build something real.
That’s how T.O.N.E. U.P. was born. And four years later, I can say with pride: we’re no longer just an idea. We’re a movement.
Our Impact So Far
Since 2021, T.O.N.E. U.P. has helped more than 300 justice-impacted individuals across Minnesota.
We’ve:
Recovered hundreds of state IDs and helped participants secure jobs and stable housing
Provided mentorship, transportation assistance, and emotional support
Launched the Liberation of Leaders Fellowship—a 12-week coaching program to help returning citizens become changemakers
Built the From the Block to the Ballot civic initiative and supported Clean Slate Law awareness
Partnered with grassroots organizations and leaders to build pathways of hope, not just help
And we’re just getting started.
Where We’re Going
As we move through 2025, we’re focused on three key priorities:
Housing Expansion – Securing transitional housing opportunities across the Twin Cities
Workforce Access – Connecting returning citizens to fair-chance employers and CDL/job training
Leadership Development – Empowering participants through mentorship, fellowship, and civic engagement
But we can’t do this alone.
Join Our $5/Month Campaign
Today, I’m asking you to stand with us.
We’re launching our $5/month donor campaign to fund things like ID recovery, bus passes, interview prep, program stipends, and community education.
If 1,000 people give just $5 a month, we can scale our services statewide and walk with hundreds more people returning home.
[Click here to become a $5/month supporter] (Insert donation form/button)
Meet the T.O.N.E. U.P. Team
We’ve grown from a one-man operation to a full organization led by people with purpose:
Antonio Williams, Executive Director
Leslie Alvarez, Co-Executive Director
Felicia Sherrod, Chief Marketing Officer
Lorenzo Hurd, Program Director & Transitional Housing Community Coordinator
Amy Alvarez, Lead Program Director
Our Fellows Include:
Lovell Oats El
Each of us brings something powerful to this work—and together, we’re building something unstoppable.
Volunteer With Us
We’re looking for passionate people to join the mission. Whether you’re interested in tabling, organizing, marketing, or just lending your time—there’s space for you here.
[Click here to sign up to volunteer] (Insert form link)
Need Services? We’re Here.
If you—or someone you know—is preparing to come home or has already returned and needs support, we’ve got you.
We help justice-impacted individuals access housing, job opportunities, ID recovery, and more. Visit www.toneup.org or email lorenzo@toneup.org to start the process.
Become a Donor or Sponsor
We’re also welcoming new monthly donors and corporate/community sponsors who believe in what we’re building.
[Click here to learn about sponsorships]
[Click here to give a one-time or monthly gift]
Thank you to our sponsors and partners!
Connect With Us
We’re proud to say T.O.N.E. U.P. is becoming one of the most respected voices in reentry and justice reform—not just in Minnesota, but nationally. This year, we’ll be sharing our story on podcasts, panels, and media platforms across the country.
If you’d like to connect with us, here’s how:
Media Inquiries – Felicia Sherrod, CMO: felicia@toneup.org
Speaking Engagements – Antonio Williams: antonio@toneup.org
Services – Lorenzo Heard: lorenzo@toneup.org
Thank you for walking with us. For believing in second chances. And for being part of the journey.
Year five is just around the corner—and with your help, it’s going to be our biggest yet.
In purpose and power,
Antonio Williams
Founder & Executive Director, T.O.N.E. U.P.