Restoring Lives, Rebuilding Futures – The R3 Way
At The R3 Program, based in Baltimore, we are dedicated to helping individuals navigate life transitions with the support they need to heal, grow, and succeed. Through a combination of residential reentry services, professional coaching, and leadership training, we provide a comprehensive approach to restoring dignity and building sustainable futures. Our commitment to Ubuntu, a philosophy of interconnectedness and mutual support, guides everything we do, ensuring that no one faces their challenges alone.
Driving Lasting Change, One Life at a Time
Our mission is to create lasting change by offering trauma-informed services that empower individuals to overcome past obstacles and move forward with confidence. We are committed to helping those impacted by incarceration, recovery, or homelessness find stability, rebuild their lives, and become contributing members of society. Our focus is on dignity, healing, and accountability, creating pathways to success for every individual we serve.
Community and Connection
Rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu, we believe in the strength of collective growth and healing. We are committed to fostering a supportive, community-driven environment where every individual’s success is tied to the well-being of others.
Dignity and Respect
We honor the inherent worth of every individual, ensuring they are treated with respect, compassion, and kindness. Our programs are designed to restore a sense of identity and self-worth while helping participants regain control over their lives.
Empowerment Through Education
We believe in the transformative power of knowledge and skills. By offering professional coaching, leadership training, and workforce development, we equip individuals with the tools they need for long-term success and independence.
Trauma-Informed Care
We approach every participant's journey with understanding, recognizing the impact of past trauma. Our programs are designed to heal emotional wounds, providing a safe, supportive space where individuals can rebuild and thrive.
Accountability and Growth
We foster an environment where individuals are not only held accountable for their actions but also supported in their growth. This balance of responsibility and support encourages personal transformation and long-term success.
Generational Impact
We are committed to creating lasting change. By providing the foundation for healing, leadership, and stability, we ensure that the positive effects of our work extend beyond the individual, benefiting families, communities, and future generations.
A Journey of Healing, Growth, and Empowerment
At The R3 Program, our story begins with a powerful vision: to provide individuals who have experienced incarceration, recovery, or homelessness with the tools, resources, and community support they need to reclaim their lives and thrive. In a world where so many face systemic barriers and generational disadvantages, we recognized the need for a holistic, compassionate approach to reentry and personal development.
Our story is deeply rooted in the ancient African philosophy of Ubuntu, which teaches that “I am because we are.” This powerful idea emphasizes that our strength, success, and well-being are interconnected with those around us. As we began building The R3 Program, we wanted to create an environment that reflected this belief—one where individuals not only heal from trauma but also feel the power of community and mutual support.
Starting with the core belief that no one should have to face their struggles alone, we developed a dual-service model that blends residential reentry services with professional coaching and leadership training. This approach allows us to offer comprehensive support—from life stabilization to long-term success. We saw that it wasn’t enough to address immediate needs; we had to help people build a foundation for the future—whether that meant helping someone find a job, restore their sense of identity, or develop the leadership skills necessary to transform their lives.
The R3 Program has now become a healing sanctuary, a leadership incubator, and a reentry accelerator. Through the power of Ubuntu, we continue to help individuals transform their lives, one step at a time. Our story is one of compassion, empowerment, and the belief that when we work together, we can create lasting, generational change.
As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission—to restore, rebuild, and release individuals into society equipped to thrive. The R3 Program is not just about the work we do; it’s about the lives we touch, the futures we help shape, and the communities we strengthen. It’s a movement that grows stronger every day, and we invite you to be a part of it.
Herbert Fenner, CPRP
Founder/Director of Programs
Herbert Fenner is a dynamic and visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in community-based advocacy, reentry support, and transformational leadership. A Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP), Herbert Fenner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies and has been formally recognized with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for his exceptional service to underserved populations.
As a Certified Speaker, Teacher, Trainer, and Coach with the globally recognized John C. Maxwell Team, Herbert Fenner has inspired thousands through leadership seminars, life coaching programs, and reentry mentorship initiatives. He is also the author of the bestselling book Your Dreams Matter: 7 Things Your Dreams Need from You, a powerful guide for individuals seeking to unlock their potential and live with purpose.
Known for his passionate, faith-grounded, and Ubuntu-centered approach, Herbert Fenner brings deep insight, lived experience, and cultural relevance to the R3 Program’s vision to restore identity, rebuild purpose, and release potential.
Dr. Michelle Blackston, DBH, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Founder/Director of Mental Health & Wellness
Dr. Michelle Blackston is a Board-Certified Family and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of clinical and community experience. She holds a Doctorate in Behavioral Health (DBH) and is a recognized leader in integrated care, trauma-informed treatment, and holistic wellness.
As Director of Holistic Health & Wellness at R3, Dr. Blackston oversees the integration of behavioral health principles into the daily operations and curriculum of the program. Her approach blends clinical excellence with compassionate care, ensuring that each resident receives support that honors both their mental and emotional well-being.
Dr. Blackston’s expertise in evidence-based interventions, mental health and addiction management, wellness coaching, and culturally competent care makes her a vital force in helping participants heal deeply, grow fully, and thrive sustainably. She is also instrumental in shaping the staff training protocols, trauma-responsive practices, and peer support systems that define the R3 model.