You’ve made 8 years of Permanent Supportive Housing possible!
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Communities of Belonging is a 501c3 empowering formerly incarcerated and homeless populations with holistic support and peaceful reintegration into society.
We build community in all that we do
Our History
Our three founders all met inside of prison, in Non-Violent Communication (NVC) workshops. One was incarcerated for nine years and spent 4.5 years in juvenile before that. He grew up in a lifestyle with violence, homelessness, food instability and addiction. After experiencing NVC he became a peer mentor and began co-facilitating workshops with the other two outside volunteers, and up on his release this trio expanded their shared leadership and vision.
Meet Our Board of Directors
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Rory Andes
Board President
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Daniel White
Vice President
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Lynn Howell
Secretary
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Michael Maddock
Treasurer
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Kristie McLean
Board Member/Executive Director
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Rodney Stoudamire
Board Member
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Cindy Zody
Board Member
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Board President
Rory Andes is a combat veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Army with two tours in Iraq. After coming home to an unstable environment, and further failings that led to prison, Rory discovered a profound connection between the experiences of combat and the challenges of incarceration. He advocates for the importance of adequate support systems following traumatic events, recognizing that true recovery and success are achievable when these experiences are comprehensively understood. Rory emphasizes that the restorative process requires more than just a list of support contacts; it demands a holistic approach that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. Known for their ethical and compassionate approach, Rory is a passionate supporter of Communities of Belonging, where authenticity and genuineness are paramount in their everyday operations. Through his work, Rory continues to champion the idea that with proper support and a genuine sense of community, individuals can overcome significant life challenges and thrive with all of life's battle scars.
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Vice President
Daniel White is a native of Washington and grew up in Port Orchard on the Kitsap Peninsula. He is an indigenous member of the First Nation Tsimshain tribe. Daniel has been in recovery from substance misuse and mental health challenges since December of 2021. He previously lived with undiagnosed and untreated chronic depression, which started very early in life and resulted in a variety of unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Since overcoming 40 years of addiction, Daniel has developed a commitment to helping others on their journey to find recovery and reach their fullest potential. Daniel has recently obtained certification as a Recovery Coach, Mental Health First Aid Provider and Alternatives to Violence Workshop facilitator. He truly believes that living a life that is full of peace, love and joy is the birthright of every human life. Recovery is possible for everyone, and Daniel is on a mission to spread kindness and compassion throughout our communities. Daniel is serving as the Vice President.
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Board Secretary
Dr. Lynn Howell is an Associate Professor Emeritus from City University of New York, where she taught masters students in mental health counseling and was Chair of the Department of Educational and Community Programs at Queens College. While studying for her Ph.D., she conducted chemical dependency groups at the nearby Blackfoot Reservation and re-entry groups at a women’s state prison in Idaho. In addition to serving on the Board, Dr. Howell assists with grant writing and provides expertise regarding chemical dependency and mental health. Lynn currently serves as the Board of Directors Secretary.
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Treasurer
Michael Maddock was born in Turkey and is a 55 year-old former security analyst. He currently serves as the Board of Directors Treasurer. Michael spent most of his professional career as a security specialist in California after receiving his Computer Science Degree. After a brief incarceration, he has used his time at the Restorative Home to create stable underpinnings for himself and make plans for the next stages of life.
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Executive Director
Kristie McLean is a certified coach, facilitator, global storyteller and community activist skilled in creating safe spaces to deeply learn, connect and transform. Her advocacy of crucial social issues has taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents. Kristie was a Non-Violent Communication prison volunteer for 3 years before shifting to reentry efforts. She is a co-founder of Communities of Belonging and currently serves as Executive Director. Using holistic models from more than 25 years of leadership practice, Kristie uses restorative modalities, emotional intelligence and hosting work to restore relationships, transform systems and create a world where everyone belongs.
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Board Member
Rodney grew up in Seattle until age 15. Due to bad choices he was incarcerated from age 15-59. During the first years of his 44 years of incarceration, Rodney thought he would likely die in a prison riot. "I was a skinny kid, in an adult prison. I was a fish out of water." Eventually, guided by the wisdom of others inside he began to take advantage of positive programming, receiving his high school diploma and AA degree. He participated in Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT,) Thinking for a Change, Black Prisoners Coalition, and Bridges to Life. Rodney ran the reentry program Interaction Transition, and is a certified facilitator for Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP.) He was an adult basic education tutor for many years as well as serving in a multitude of other leadership positions.
Rodney was released in 2022 and now works as a Workforce Development Coordinator for Arms Around You. He is grateful for his freedom and the ability to have choices. Rodney's wish for Communities of Belonging is to help it grow and prosper.
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Cindy is a communications practitioner specializing in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and Internal Family Systems (IFS,) with a deep commitment to healing and restorative practices. She is highly invested in helping dismantle systemic barriers and creating space for dignity and voice for those who are system-impacted.
She has volunteered and worked in both prison and regional justice center settings with incarcerated veterans, facilitating local NVC workshops to support emotional literacy and transformation. She volunteers with the United States Volunteers Joint Services Command, where she conducts hospice ceremonies for veterans. Additionally, she has a background in Music Education (36 years in the classroom,) and still teaches private piano.
Cindy has a passion for Communities of Belonging’s mission of creating safe, supportive spaces where ALL are welcomed, cared for, and honored.
“The work of COB seems nothing short of alchemy in today's world. Offering not only essential life skills but also joy and community, I can think of no other organization that does this work so well. You are all amazing.”
- Susan, Donor
“Since living with COB, my personal growth and drive has accelerated as a direct result of being in a supportive environment and connecting me to community.”
-Daniel, Restorative Home Member
“The work of Communities of Belonging is the thing that is most needed anywhere.”
- Reese, Community Ally
Resources
Other Housing:
Mental/Behavioral Health:
2nd Chance Employment: