Who we are
We Are the Returning Citizens Union: For Those Coming Home, Still Inside, and Everyone Who Believes in Redemption
Our Mission
To empower returning citizens to dismantle mass incarceration, disrupt the school to prison pipeline, and amplify the voices of those still behind the wall.
Our Vision
We envision a society where the rights of returning citizens are fully restored—and where access to safe, supportive, and sustainable housing, education, and opportunity is a right, not a privilege.
Our Founders
Edwin 'Chino' Ortiz
Edwin 'Chino' Ortiz is a resilient advocate for justice reform and a beacon of hope for individuals impacted by mass incarceration. After serving an arduous 30-year sentence, Edwin faced the harsh reality of reintegration upon his release in September 2016. His journey was marked by numerous challenges, with housing insecurity standing out as a formidable obstacle. For over a year, he navigated the complexies of life by couch surfing; a stark reminder of the struggles returning citizens face.
Undeterred by his own tribulations, Edwin emerged as a catalyst for change. Today, he stands as the Execuve Director and Co-Founder of the Returning Citizens Support Group, Inc., a grassroots organizaon based in Newark, NJ. He also founded Second Chance Developers, a visionary initiative with the mission of building wealth and fostering community development through the construction of affordable homes. These organizations, born out of Edwin's first-hand experience, focuses on addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals reentering society after incarceration.
Carmelo 'Melo' Ortiz
Carmelo is a non-traditional, first-generation Rutgers-Newark graduate who earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice in fall 2019, graduating Magna Cum Laude and making the dean's list each semester. He obtained his degree during his 30 year term of incarceration. He is a proud alumni of the NJ-STEP program and the Honors Living and Learning Community (HLLC), where he mentored transfer students on goal-setting, time management, and campus life, and led group discussions on community resources and expectations.
As an undergraduate, he developed strong research skills through IRB-certified projects, analyzing over 30 peer-reviewed articles on expungement policies. He presented his findings at the 2018 American Society of Criminology Conference in Atlanta.
Carmelo is also the co-founder of the Returning Citizen Support Group, a peer-led nonprofit supporting successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Al-Tariq 'Tariq' Witcher
Al-Tariq 'Tariq' Witcher is an advocate, entrepreneur, and community leader who transformed his life after over 20 years in prison. Born and raised in Newark, NJ, he struggled with substance abuse before dedicating himself to advocacy while incarcerated, becoming a paralegal and fighting for prisoners' rights.
He is Managing Director of External Affairs at Fair Share Housing Center, leading work in policy, communications, and organizing. For over 14 years, he has focused on justice-impacted individuals, at-risk youth, and underserved communities. Tariq co-founded the Returning Citizens Support Group and held key roles with New Jersey Together, Rutgers University, and Catholic Charities. He holds an AA in Paralegal Studies and a BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Legal Studies from Rutgers.
Tariq mentors youth through Rise2gether and served on the Hudson County Advisory Board for the Reduction of Gun Violence. In 2015, he launched Around the Clock Property Management, LLC, and co-founded Second Chance Developers LLC- both focused on providing affordable housing and wealth-building opportunities for system-impacted individuals.
Al-Tariq's philosophy is simple but powerful: "Once part of the problem, now part of the solution!”
Sharif Abdur Raqeeb
Sharif Abdur Raqeeb is a dedicated community leader and advocate who served 27 years in New Jersey’s prison system, emerging as a powerful voice against injustice and a product of the mass incarceration crisis. Born and raised in Newark, NJ, Sharif was a fearless leader during his incarceration—fighting for improved living conditions and serving as a spiritual guide within the Islamic community. Today, he continues that leadership as an active member of the Returning Citizens Support Group (RCSG), where he supports others transitioning back into society. Sharif is also a co-founder of the Islamic Cooperative, a reentry organization that addresses the unique needs of the Muslim population. His unwavering commitment to justice, faith, and community upliftment defines his ongoing work and legacy.