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.