Welcome to Lifers Leaving a Legacy

Oakland's Community Protection Organization

Lifers Leaving a Legacy (LIFERS) is Oakland's Community Protection Organization dedicated to improving the human condition through community-led solutions, environmental stewardship, workforce development, youth leadership, and civic engagement.

We believe stronger communities are built when residents have the knowledge, resources, opportunities, and support needed to shape their own future. Through community science, education, outreach, workforce training, and community engagement, we work alongside residents to create healthier neighborhoods, stronger communities, and greater opportunities for future generations.

Our vision is simple:

Building the Oakland Future Generations Deserve.

Our Mission:

To protect communities, advance community science, create opportunity, and prepare future generations through education, engagement, environmental stewardship, workforce development, and community-led solutions.

Our Four Pillars of Impact

Everything we do is guided by four core pillars that help us improve the human condition and build the Oakland future generations deserve.

Protecting Communities

We work alongside residents to promote healthier, safer, and more resilient neighborhoods through environmental stewardship, community engagement, education, and practical action.

Advancing Community Science

We empower residents and youth to better understand local environmental conditions, contribute to community-led research, and transform information into informed action and accountability.

Creating Opportunity

We connect community members to workforce pathways, leadership development, life skills, career exploration, and opportunities that support long-term success and economic mobility.

Preparing Future Generations

We invest in youth leadership, mentorship, education, and hands-on learning experiences that equip future generations to lead, serve, and thrive.

Together, these pillars guide our work and help create stronger communities, healthier environments, and lasting opportunities for Oakland residents.

A Journey of Redemption + Restoration

Lifers Leaving a Legacy was founded by Charles Reed, respectfully known throughout the community as Mr. Charles.

After serving 31 years in prison and returning home in 2017, Mr. Charles made a commitment to transform his experience into service. Rather than allowing his past to define him, he chose to dedicate his life to creating opportunities for others and helping build stronger communities.

His journey has inspired a movement rooted in accountability, hope, service, and community empowerment. Today, Lifers Leaving a Legacy works with residents, youth, community partners, public agencies, and local organizations to address challenges and create meaningful pathways forward.

A Philosophy of Preparation

One of Mr. Charles' guiding principles is:

"Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance."

This philosophy is woven throughout every Lifers program and initiative. Whether preparing youth for leadership, residents for workforce opportunities, Returning Family Members for successful reentry, or communities to address environmental challenges, we believe lasting change begins with preparation.

When people are equipped with knowledge, resources, skills, and support, they are better prepared to succeed, contribute, and create positive change in their communities.