Two local men in Warren County have taken a stand against recidivism in the community, founding a 501(c) organization dedicated to reducing the cycle of repeat offenses through vocational assistance and advocacy.

After becoming Certified Recovery Specialists, Herb Schumann and Noah Sharp, wanted to help the community in a unique way, by forming an organization dedicated to assisting former inmates and addicts.

“We made mistakes in our lives and ended up paying the price for those mistakes, and now we are trying to do our best to make sure that we are better people for it," stated Noah Sharp, Assistant Director of Charcoal & Grey. "We want to help others have that same opportunity, but we want to make sure that we can get them to a place where they are involved in the community, and we want the community to come and be involved with us as well."

The driving force behind this initiative is the memory of a loved one. Herb Schumann established Charcoal & Grey after the passing of his wife, Jesse.

In her memory, they are working hand in hand with local groups and businesses, determined to create a network that supports individuals and helps prevent former inmates and addicts from falling through the cracks. 

"There is an overwhelming need for an organization like this one in our community," stated Herb Schumann, Director of Charcoal & Grey. "People coming out of institutions are in need of assistance, and as we have both been in jail and suffered from addiction, we have a unique perspective and understanding for what they are going through. That is something that not a lot of organizations can boast." 

Charcoal & Grey will be hosting several community-oriented events this year, including a memorial softball tournament in June at Betts Park in Warren.

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