Our Volunteers
BBARC’s work is powered by community members who mentor, staff the Welcome Center, run workshops, and help people navigate life after incarceration. Meet the volunteers who make that possible:
Kayla Berge: Kayla is a student volunteer with BBARC and has been involved with the organization since August 2026. She assists individuals at the BBARC Welcome Center during drop-in hours and contributes to research examining the effectiveness of BBARC’s programming and community outreach efforts. Kayla is currently completing dual degrees in Criminology and Psychology, along with a minor in Crime Scene Investigation, at Florida State University. Her research interests include rehabilitation and reentry, correctional practices, and the factors that shape successful community reintegration for justice-involved individuals. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Master’s in Social Work and hopes to build a career working with justice-involved populations.
Justin Moore: Justin is a student volunteer with the Big Bend A.F.T.E.R Re-entry Coalition. His academic and professional interest center on juvenile justice, trauma-informed care, and preventing youth involvement in the legal system proactively. He is passionate about challenging systemic barriers and harmful policies that perpetuate trauma and disproportionately impact vulnerable children and families. Justin hopes to advocate policy reform and rehabilitative approaches that prioritize healing, accountability, and prevention rather than reinforcing cycles of trauma within correctional institutions.
Justin’s long-term goal is to bridge the gap between social work and the legal system by developing evidence-based prevention programs, addressing systemic barriers, advocating for systemic reform, and promoting more equitable, supportive systems that improve the quality of life and outcomes for at-risk youth and their families. Justin holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology/Criminal Justice from Florida State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree there.
Jonathan Blackburn Jr.: Jonathan joined BBARC as a volunteer in September 2026. He is an aspiring criminologist with a desire to break down the barriers that make reentry challenging for formerly incarcerated individuals. He possesses a Bachelor’s in Sociology (Florida A&M University) and a Master’s in Criminology (Florida State University). He plans to continue furthering his education by pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminology.
Lauren Ellis: Lauren is a current intern with BBARC and has been with them since August 2026. She works as a reentry support case manager and assists individuals at the BBARC Welcome Center during drop-in hours. Lauren is currently earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology with a minor in Psychology at Florida State University and plans to continue with a Master’s in Social Work.
Brooklynn Turner: Brooklynn has volunteered with BBARC since May 2026, managing the organization’s website and representing BBARC at local community events. She’s currently pursuing a graduate degree in applied American politics and policy, with a focus on criminal justice reform. Volunteering with BBARC helps her turn that academic interest into hands-on community work.