Alwin Smith

REENTRY INTERN

Alwin Smith is the Reentry Intern at For The People, where he brings deep expertise in reentry support, peer mentorship, and trauma-informed care to help formerly incarcerated people rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and opportunity. Alwin is a dedicated social service advocate who believes every person returning home deserves an individualized path to healing and success.

With extensive experience across nonprofits, reentry organizations, and faith-based groups, Alwin has served as a Peer Mentor and leader, using his firsthand knowledge of the justice system to connect authentically with system-impacted populations. He has supported many people through the reentry process—offering personalized support, promoting recovery, and equipping people with practical tools to thrive. Alwin has also led self-help and educational groups on emotional regulation, housing stability, and substance use recovery, fostering safe spaces for growth and accountability.

Before joining For The People, Alwin worked as a Fair Chance Employment Specialist, leading project planning and outreach initiatives focused on expanding employment opportunities for system-impacted individuals. In that role, he developed and administered surveys to identify barriers to fair-chance hiring, facilitated focus groups, and built partnerships with community-based organizations and business intermediaries across Los Angeles County and beyond.

Alwin holds an Associate of Ministry degree from Harvest Bible University, a Peer Support Specialist Certification from Loyola Marymount University, a Community Health Worker Certification from the International Pre-Diabetic Center, and additional certifications in First Aid, CPR, and OSHA Health and Safety.

Outside of work, Alwin enjoys attending comedy shows with his wife and gaming with his family. He lives in Azusa, California, with his wife, Dr. Debra G. Smith.