Drawing on her own life experiences and a steadfast commitment to justice reform, Sheba Williams founded Nolef Turns, a nonprofit working to provide second chances in what she views as an unjust penal system. Her goal is to break down barriers for people affected by the criminal justice system through holistic support services. 

Nolef Turns provides guidance before incarceration, resources during re-entry and post-conviction assistance to help clients secure housing, employment and emotional stability. Williams also uses her platform to push for policies that reduce recidivism and support the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated people into society. 

“Our policy work gets the most exposure,” Williams said. “But we need help with direct services like jobs, housing, food and other important life skills, which have the most impact.” 

Formerly incarcerated people are about 10 times more likely to be homeless than the general public, according to a report by the Prison Policy Initiative. Hiring discrimination, low wages and high unemployment rates continue to hinder formerly incarcerated people, making it harder for them to successfully re-enter society. 

Williams, a Richmond native, grew up with firsthand knowledge of the criminal system; both of her parents spent time in prison when she was a child. Later in life, she found herself implicated in an embezzlement case at her workplace. Williams professes her innocence and frustration with what she believes is an unjust criminal justice system, especially for those relying on court-appointed legal representation. Although she did not serve jail time, the resulting felony conviction has remained on her record, shaping her understanding of how labels can follow someone for decades. 

Virginia’s Clean Slate Law, passed in 2021, marks a major milestone in Williams’ advocacy. The measure allows certain felony records to be sealed from public view rather than fully expunged, offering hope to many. For Williams, it means her record will be suppressed next July, opening new personal and professional opportunities. 

“I connected with people who could help get this law passed,” Williams said. “Now, I’m part of a group that holds expungement clinics. It’s part of my life’s work.” 

Williams is a proud mother of three children, all of whom have been inspired by her work. Her eldest son is a clinical social worker, and her daughter recently graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in criminal justice. Both are following her example of helping others. Her youngest is in his final year at Hampton University as an architecture major. 

Through her work, advocacy and example, Williams is proving that past mistakes don’t define a person’s destiny and that, with the right support, second chances can transform lives. 

Where do you live? 

Eastern Henrico. 

What’s your educational background?

I graduated from John Marshall High School, and I hold a bachelor’s degree in business management from Norfolk State University. I also became a licensed master barber, stylist and instructor. 

Tell us about your family.

I have three adult children. My mother passed in 2021, but my father lives in Richmond. I am the youngest of three siblings. 

What is Nolef Turns?

Nolef Turns Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Richmond. We provide direct service and support for individuals leaving long-term incarceration. We also do policy and advocacy work that supports improving the lives of those impacted by crime, trauma and mass incarceration. 

What is Nolef Turns’ mission?

Our mission is to reduce recidivism by supporting and advocating for court and justice involvement. 

Why did you create Nolef Turns?

I founded Nolef Turns in 2016 because incarceration has plagued my life since childhood. After a wrongful conviction, despite being a college graduate, my ex-partner and I put in over 1,000 job applications between the two of us without a single callback. That was the spark that led me to start the organization. 

Why the name? 

Nolef is Felon backward. Initially, the tagline was “Turning Felons Around,” but to change the narrative of how we treat individuals impacted by incarceration, we use humanizing language. The name hasn’t changed, but our tagline is now “Home for Good.” 

What services does Nolef Turns provide?

We provide re-entry support for individuals leaving the Virginia Department of Corrections or the Bureau of Prisons, pretrial support, an advocacy training program, CASE (a dual mentorship program), harm reduction services, restoration of rights and voter education and expungement support. 

Give us an example of how you’ve seen Nolef Turns make a difference.

We maintained a 0% recidivism rate for our first seven years; we now hover around a 3% recidivism rate. We invest in the whole person, making policy strides that directly improve the quality of life of the people we serve. That includes the historic expungement/record sealing bill, probation reform and leading the right-to-vote constitutional amendment. Most importantly, we provide the resources that people need to be successful upon release from long-term incarceration. 

What are the biggest challenges facing Nolef Turns?

Funding is always our biggest challenge. Donors are willing to support policy, but few fund direct service support, which is most critical in getting to the policy piece. We need support for housing for individuals with past convictions as well as funding to support holistic care and to encourage all Virginians to take elections seriously and vote in November, so our constitutional amendment has a better chance of passage. 

How is Nolef Turns funded?

For the first four to five years, I worked four jobs, and we received support through small-dollar donations from community members. We now receive grant funding from a handful of donors. We ensure alignment with organizations that share our mission. 

Who are Nolef Turns’ partners?

We partner with many organizations, including Justice Forward Virginia Foundation, REFORM Alliance, ACLU of Virginia, Virginia Civic Engagement Table, Virginia League for Safer Streets, Ketchmore Kids, Henrico NAACP, Richmond Community Bail Fund, Blue Ridge Detention Center, The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, Uhuru Foundation and the Legal Aid Justice Center. 

How do people in need get in touch with Nolef Turns?

We have an online intake application on our website, nolefturns.org. 

Are there volunteer opportunities with Nolef Turns?

We have opportunities for housing support navigators, second-chance partner researchers, second-chance phone banking, advisory board members and youth advisory board members listed on our website, nolefturns.org. 

Do you have any upcoming events?

We are hosting the Virginia Justice Conference Sept. 11- 12 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. There will also be awards and a sneaker ball on Sept. 20. Details are on the conference website, virginiajusticeconference.com. 

How do you start the day?

I do a power hour each morning where I turn off all access to my phone calls, so no texts, emails, social media or news consumption. One hour a day is dedicated to centering myself to prepare to take on all the challenges of the world for the remaining 23 hours. 

Who is your dream dinner party guest?

Dick Gregory. 

What is a quote that inspires you?

“Nobody’s free until everybody’s free,” by Fannie Lou Hamer. 

Who has influenced you the most in your life?

My mother, because she never met a stranger and was kind to everyone. Her heart was way bigger than her stature, and she taught us that we are on earth in the service of others. 

What is a book that has influenced you?

“Between the World and Me,” by Ta-Nehisi Coates. 

What are you currently reading?

“Dying to Self,” by Tashera Simmons. 

What’s next for you?

Getting through our first-ever Virginia Justice Conference in September, then getting through elections. I’m considering housing development to serve our population because we’ve tried to leave it in the hands of other housing developers, but most still legally discriminate against people who have past convictions.