Protecting People.
Restoring Oakland.
Building Legacy.
Welcome to
Lifers Leaving a Legacy
Oakland's Community Protection Organization
Communities don't change because someone else solves their problems. Communities change when residents are empowered to become part of the solution.
At Lifers Leaving a Legacy (Lifers), we believe Oakland's greatest resource is its people. Every day, we work to unlock potential, expand opportunity, strengthen neighborhoods, and help residents turn hope into action.
Together, we're building a future where communities don't just overcome challenges—they thrive.
Lifers is a community-driven organization dedicated to improving the human condition by transforming challenges into opportunities, empowering residents to lead change, and helping create healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities for generations to come.
Vision
Building the Oakland Future Generations Deserve.
A Journey of Redemption + Restoration
Lifers Leaving a Legacy (Lifers) 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 dedicate his life to service, personal accountability, and community improvement. Rather than allowing his past to define his future, he chose to create opportunities for others and help build stronger communities.
His journey reinforced a simple belief: people and communities are capable of transformation when they have access to support, opportunity, and purpose.
What began as one man's commitment to give back has evolved into a community-driven movement focused on protecting neighborhoods, expanding opportunity, empowering residents, and preparing future generations to lead.
Today, Mr. Charles continues to work alongside residents, youth, Returning Family Members, community organizations, businesses, and public agencies to help create the Oakland future generations deserve.
Stay Connected. Stay Informed. Stay Engaged.
Join a growing community of residents, volunteers, youth leaders, Returning Family Members, partners, and supporters working to create a stronger Oakland.
How We Create Impact
Creating stronger communities requires more than addressing a single issue. That's why Lifers takes a holistic approach that connects people, opportunity, and action.
Our work focuses on four areas that help residents, neighborhoods, and future generations thrive.
Protecting Communities
Healthy communities begin with safe neighborhoods, environmental stewardship, and engaged residents. We work alongside community members to address local concerns, increase awareness, and support solutions that improve quality of life.
Advancing Community Science
Residents often know their communities best. Through community science, environmental awareness, and research initiatives, we help transform local knowledge into informed action, accountability, and meaningful change.
Creating Opportunity
Opportunity changes lives. We connect residents to workforce pathways, leadership development, skill-building experiences, and resources that help individuals pursue their goals and strengthen their economic future.
Preparing Future Generations
The future of Oakland depends on the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Through mentorship, education, youth leadership, and hands-on learning experiences, we help young people build the confidence and skills needed to thrive.
Together, these efforts help create healthier neighborhoods, stronger communities, and a more resilient Oakland.