The New Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad once moved people from physical bondage to freedom. Today, freedom looks like healing, identity, mentorship, and sustainable reentry.
Freedom once moved quietly, through ordinary people who chose to open doors, build routes, and guide others from bondage to hope. They called it the Underground Railroad.
Today, captivity looks different. It looks like trauma without healing. Incarceration without restoration. Reentry without support. Youth growing up without identity or direction.
The Starts Within Organization is building the New Underground Railroad, modern freedom pathways for men, women, and youth impacted by incarceration and systemic barriers.
Our mission is to guide people from captivity to character, healing, and purpose.
Through programs like The Walking Logo, Walking Logo Youth, Mending Brokenness, The Father Within, Reentry Mentorship, and Case Management, we restore identity, heal trauma, and provide sustainable pathways forward. One organization. Multiple freedom routes. One mission.
In 2026, we are declaring The Year of Expansion. Our goal is to raise $250,000 to expand these freedom routes and reach more lives.
We invite you to become a Conductor. Some will build tracks. Some will open doors. Every gift moves freedom forward. Freedom still moves through people. Thank you for helping it move again.
- REDEMPTION is for everyone DESPITE all that they have GONE THROUGH. "Before change can be seen externally, change must be done internally."
https://www.startswithin.com
Light Bearer - $1,000
Sustains program materials & support
Freedom Partner - $2,500
Supports trauma healing & mentorship
Track Layer - $5,000
Sponsors a cohort (men, women, or youth)
Safe House Builder - $10,000
Funds a full reentry & case management track
Master Conductor - $25,000
Launches new site or program expansion