The Schumanns had been together for years, starting as childhood friends, and had been lifelong residents of Warren. The result, after years of thought and legwork, is Charcoal and Grey Inc. The Warren-based nonprofit organization is focused on reducing recidivism and addressing substance use disorders through job placement, peer support and community programs.

“I wanted to do something. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. There isn’t much support for those coming out of rehab, jail, and prison to find housing, employment, or interact with people in the community,” he said about founding the organization.

Schumann recalled that on the final Monday of another stint in rehab, his mother-in-law called him at the rehab and told him that Jesse had overdosed. Herb was released from rehab on Friday, the same day as Jesse’s funeral.

Herb would find himself in ICU from an overdose not long after Jesse’s death. He had a stroke while in the hospital, and had to learn to walk and speak again.

Photos provided courtesy of Herb Schumann Group photo after the first annual Jesse Schumann Memorial Softball Tournament that raises awareness about substance use disorders and reentry.

“Charcoal and Grey Inc. exists not only to honor Jesse’s spirit, but to help others find a way out of the darkness,” Schumann said.

The organization is at the forefront of efforts to reduce repeat offenses by offering employment and support services. It provides immediate job placement, vocational training, and comprehensive recovery support to help individuals transitioning out of jail or treatment to establish stable, rewarding lives.

The Release and Rise is a program created to assist individuals transitioning out of incarceration in reintegrating into society. It focuses on life skills, employability, and recovery support. The organization collaborates with Family Services to teach programs inside the Warren County Jail.

Charcoal and Grey offer lawn care services with affordable lawn mowing, leaf cleanup, snow removal, and more.

Open to the general public, the organization offers discounts for older adults, low-income households, and individuals on a fixed income. Profits from the service support recovery and re-entry programs.

Charcoal and Grey also collaborates closely with local agencies such as CareerLink and OVR to help individuals secure employment.

The organization is funded through grants, and donations, along with community support and partnerships with local organizations.

Schumann also organizes the Jesse Schumann Memorial Softball Tournament, which he admitted wasn’t because she loved softball.

“She would love that her name is on something though, she would have thought that was great,” said Schumann.

Schumann reminds those who are struggling with reentry and substance use disorders, “know that you are not alone. There is hope, and there is a way forward. I’ve been there, lost everything, but found the strength to keep going. You can too.”

Charcoal and Grey’s website has information on the organization’s programming, services, and community events, along with ways to get involved and to contribute. For more information, visit www.charcoalandgrey.org.