The Empowerment Zone Reentry Initiative (EZRI) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization (EIN 86-2855642). Our mission includes collaborating to provide employment, mental health counseling and case management services, reducing recidivism among previously incarcerated people, and focusing on individual strengths, human dignity, and the right to self-determination.
Since launching services in July 2022, EZRI has provided on-site counseling and case management in the heart of Overtown—serving men and women returning to Miami-Dade County. We help participants navigate reentry challenges, strengthen family and community wellbeing, and build sustainable paths forward.
Though our focus is on justice-involved individuals, we welcome anyone seeking assistance. Our first-year goals in both counseling and case management were surpassed, reflecting the community’s need and our team’s dedication.
Founded during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, EZRI continues to grow through collaboration and community trust. Our leadership team, three women representing diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, brings decades of experience in social work, mental health, and case management.
Though our focus is on justice-involved individuals, we welcome anyone seeking assistance. Our first-year goals in both counseling and case management were surpassed, reflecting the community’s need and our team’s dedication.
Cherry Smart
CSW, Co-Founder and Executive Director
Cherry Smart, LCSW, is a graduate of Michigan State University School of Social Work, with 55 years of social work experience, 30 of those in Miami-Dade. She was a founder and program director of the Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, Coordinator of Health Care for Homeless Veterans for the VA, substance abuse counselor for Concept House treatment center, was a prison social worker for 6 years in Michigan and provided mental health counseling at the Dade Correctional Institution Mental Health Unit in 2018/2019. She has decades of experience in community organization and outreach, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling and family and children’s services. Her belief is that all are capable of change when provided with information, support for mental wellbeing and intense advocacy.
Shamekia Gray-Lester
MSW, Co-Founder and Social Worker/Therapist
With us since our founding, Shamekia is one of our veteran team members and has played a critical role in shaping our mission and projects. They bring their years of experience and skills in helping Empowerment Zone Re-entry Initiative grow and make a measurable impact. Shamekia discovered her calling while helping inmates with mental health issues and this became her passion. Her goal is to stop recidivism, by providing adequate resources and help recenter individuals to become productive members in their communities.
Maria-Paula Herrera
MSW, Co-Founder and Social Worker/Therapist
Maria-Paula joined Empowerment Zone Re-entry Initiative with the vision and drive to improve our Non-Profit Organization and make our name synonymous with social change and human betterment. Paula is passionate about creating opportunity for every individual despite history or background. She believes in empowering people and helping individuals grow from their experiences so they can have a chance to succeed and prosper.
