Last summer, Project 180, a nonprofit that supports men and women transitioning from incarceration, released a powerful documentary, The Light They Cast. The film follows the journey of eight men as they face the challenges of reentry into society after prison. It offers a raw and honest look at their struggles, from their first week of freedom to moments of success as they achieve sobriety, find employment and rebuild their lives. The Light They Cast will debut at the Sarasota Film Festival on April 5, at 2pm at New College of Florida's Sainer Pavilion.

Stacey Rickelmann, an employee at Project 180, shares her own story of overcoming addiction and incarceration to inspire others. Rickelmann first heard about Project 180 when she was in the Salvation Army's Viper program, a residential drug recovery program for Sarasota residents. “A few of the male clients mentioned Project 180, and it seemed to be more of an entry-focused recovery program," she says. Rickelmann was in and out of jail for the last three years and was interested in learning more. She knew that the program only had men's houses but she heard they were planning to open a women’s house in 2026, so she decided to look into it. 

Rickelmann's upbringing was marked by drug use and instability. “One of my earliest memories is watching my dad get arrested after fighting with my mom,” she recalls. Growing up in this chaos, she began drinking heavily at a young age, becoming an alcoholic by 21. After her father passed away, she turned to opiates and IV drugs to numb her feelings.

After multiple arrests, surgery and hospital stays for a heart infection caused by her drug use, Rickelmann found hope when a doctor insisted on a mandatory six-week treatment program. Though initially angry, she began to feel a shift by the end of the program and entered the Viper program feeling hopeful. "Viper gave me a different perspective. It showed me that I could learn coping skills and create the life I deserve," she says.

After completing the program, Stacey was hired as an admissions assistant at Project 180. She was recently promoted to Brand and Operations Manager, where she manages relationships and office tasks. “I’m in recovery here like everyone else here,” she says. “I share my story to help others. It’s challenging, but it’s doable, and I’m proud to inspire others with my journey.”