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Reentry Reframed focuses on the journeys of individuals who are returning to the community after being incarcerated. Each episode features a guest who has experienced the reentry process first hand, or is an active member of the reentry system. Subscribe to the podcast on BuzzSprout by clicking here, or by playing the individual episodes below.
Episode 32 - Our Honor, Your Honor: Judge Bough, U.S. District Court
Judge Stephen Bough joins us for a special episode providing perspective from his side of the courtroom. Judge Bough was nominated by President Obama in 2014 to serve as a United States District Judge of the United States Court for the Western District of Missouri. In more recent years, Judge Bough presided over Reentry Court for the Western District of Missouri. Like drug court and other specialty courts, this model serves as an intervention for individuals releasing from prison who are struggling throughout the reentry process. Reentry Court is a collaborative approach to assist in successfully completing the conditions of supervision and providing an alternative opportunity to avoid incarceration. On that note, we discuss the “weight” that comes with sentencing, and Judge Bough does not take his position of authority lightly. As he looks out in the courtroom during a trial and sees family members of the defendant, Judge Bough shares some staggering statistics children with an incarcerated parent face. As we discuss the power of second chances, sentencing reform, and much more, Judge Bough’s passion, compassion, and wisdom radiates throughout his episode. Judge Bough, we are convinced you are the right person for the bench!
Episode 31 - All Gas, No Breaks: Dustin Moore, Artists Helping the Homeless
Dustin Moore grew up in an idyllic setting in San Diego, California, where he surfed and lived the “country club” lifestyle. He claims his childhood was one of privilege and care, and he gravitated towards any sport he could be involved with. Starting college, that is when his life started to turn course; regarding addiction, Dustin remarks this is something you just “have in you” or you do not. He quickly felt a new, strong gravitational pull towards substances he had always stayed away from. Dustin describes when he identified as an athlete, his life was structured. When he went to college and the structure and his connections went away, he filled those voids and time with drugs, alcohol, and other people focused on “partying.” From there, his life began to spiral out of control with his addiction and a life of crime. Dustin describes his fatal flaw was not understanding the depth of his addiction, and ultimately what it would take to work his way out of. Finally, after breaking through the cycle of addiction, this is where Dustin’s life truly takes off when he learned there is much more to recovery than just abstaining from substances. In finding his purpose, he has been able to build bridges and close gaps in recovery and reentry through Artists Helping the Homeless. Dustin, we admire your passion and dedication to helping others!
Episode 30 - Can You Hear Me Now?: MG and K.Shook
Sheesh! What a wild ride! This past year has “kinda” been one for the books. As MG and K. Shook reflect on previous episodes, guests, new program initiatives, and just downright nonsense, this episode is a lot of fun. With thirty episodes published and going strong, Reentry Reframed continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Second chances are a beautiful thing when a person changes their course, puts in the work, and the community rallies behind them. We are here to celebrate and applaud the individuals who are standing up and giving back to others demonstrating there is a way out, and everyone is deserving of happiness. Reentry Reframed has a ton in store for the next year, so stay tuned and please join us for the ride!
Episode 29 - My Family, You’re Family: LaShanda Daniels, Mirror Inc
As the first face welcoming those seeking sobriety walking through the doors of Topeka Residential Treatment, LaShanda Daniels says, “When you’re here, you’re family.” Emulating the ‘open arms’ approach of Mirror’s beloved director who passed away in 2020, Richard Gilchrist, LaShanda explains how she carries on his legacy every single day. LaShanda is always going the extra mile to help others, and she is the connecting point for lifesaving treatment for countless individuals. Before starting her career with Mirror, she explains how she was part of an extremely close-knit family. As a family, they have been devastated by violence, addiction, and incarceration over the years. LaShanda describes how she loved and supported her brothers during their absence from incarceration and ultimately the impact this had on their family. For her legacy, she wants to be known for always helping others. On behalf of your Mirror Family, LaShanda, thank you and we love you!
Episode 28 - Fathering Like a Voss: Nathan Parent Engagement Coordinator, KCSL
From a young age, Nathan Voss recalls struggling in school. Eventually, he was prescribed medication to help him focus while learning. It did not take long for Nathan to realize his medication was a hot commodity he could trade for other medication, such as opiates, to feed his addiction. While his passion was in music, he spiraled deeper in his addiction as a musician in a band where the fast lifestyle was not conducive to maintaining sobriety. For years, his life went on in a pattern bouncing between active addiction and substance use disorder treatment. Nathan was not the father he wanted to be for his daughter, and this eventually contributed to his first child in state custody. After getting out of prison, he was determined to regain and maintain his sobriety. In 2021, with a new 2-year-old daughter, he opened the first father/child Oxford House in Topeka, Abba House. In 2022, he opened his 2nd Oxford House for fathers with children. Today, his days are filled with joy from both daughters in his life! He parents his youngest daughter in the Oxford House they both call home. Recently, Nathan was hired as a Parent Engagement Coordinator for Kansas Children's Service League. We wish you and your girls nothing but the best.
Episode 27- Faith in your Future: Frederick Morrisette, Working Men of Christ
As a youth, Fred spent a great deal of time moving around due to being the youngest child in a military family. Following the separation of his parents, Fred and his mother settled in El Paso, Texas where his home life would feel anything but safe. As his mother's addiction spiraled out of control, Fred sought refuge in the streets. Having a strong sense of responsibility to keep his mother safe, even as a teenager, he felt a strong pull back to her. In an effort to regain her sobriety, the family moved to Kansas where they had extended family. By then, Fred had changed his people and places, not the things. He was struggling with his addiction and quickly became involved in the justice system by the age of 21-years-old. For 15/20 years, Fred describes what it was like as he "prisoned" through life. In segregation, a key in the form of a pamphlet made its way into his hands for Working Men of Christ Ministries. From there, you will need to hear for yourself how Fred has transformed his life through his faith and service to others. Now, as the Internal Operation Director for Working Men of Christ Ministry, Fred is back in the prison system throughout Kansas mentoring and providing a way out to others. As he leaves his past in the rearview with his incredible outlook, we cannot wait to see what his future holds!
Episode 26- The Calmed Chameleon: Olivia Penman
Olivia Penman, newly Mrs. Olivia Herrman is someone you can find just about anywhere you look in the recovery community celebrating and supporting others. Olivia exudes kindness and love everywhere she goes. When asked what she was like as a youth, Oliva reflected she was not quite sure who she was because it would really depend on who she was around; she was a chameleon of sorts. As she worked to find her own identity, one thing she was certain of early on was she did not want to be an addict. She watched her older brother struggle with addiction, and she was determined to go down a different path. No one dreams of a life filled with turmoil for themselves, and yet, as we discussed breaking down the stigmas associated with substance use disorder, Olivia's life eventually went down a path she never intended to be on. Now, Olivia sponsors other women as they find their way back to who they want to be. As she reinforces in her interview, "You did those things, but it is not who you are." We could not agree more, Olivia, and we wish you and your family a blessed life!
Episode 25 - Disrupt and Dismantle: Seth Dewey, Health Educator of Reno County
This incredible episode features Seth Dewey, a man who is working hard to ‘disrupt and dismantle’ the systems surrounding Substance Use Disorder to better serve individuals. Prior to being the Health Educator for Reno County, Seth remarks he qualified for his current position by turning his record into his resume. With his perspective, passion, and understanding of the world of recovery, there is no one better suited for this position. Coming from an incredibly strict and restricted background raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, his childhood was shattered when the establishment did anything but protect him. Seeking a way to cope with his pain, Seth’s life spiraled down a road of addiction and incarceration. Now, he seeks to improve accessibility, break the stigmas surrounding addiction and recovery, and ultimately turn things around in the very best way possible. Seth, you have 100% of our votes, too!
Episode 24- Flip the Scrip(t): Adam Cobuluis and Nick Casarona
In this episode, Adam Cobuluis and Nick Casarona ‘flip the script’ on Shook and MG. Earlier this summer, Nick and Adam reached out with a request to do a podcast “takeover” to get to know the ladies of Reentry Reframed better. Well, they quickly found out Melissa wears her heart on her sleeve- it did not take long to get the tears flowing. Instead of making Kristen edit out all parts of vulnerability, the realization hit this is exactly what we ask of our guests, and they have been courageous enough to share their lives with us in over two dozen recorded episodes. Pulling together passion and purpose, the two ladies pour out their hearts. Kristen shares what drives her to do such work and her vision for community collaboration. Her goal is to continue to empower others to use their voice and take positive action- listen to the very end for a surprise that will leave you 'shook.'
Words fail to express our gratitude for the continued support. We love our community so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you, and stay tuned!
Episode 23- Hero to Someone: Rodney Harmon, Black MentoUrs
With more than 30 years of experience as a U.S. Department of Justice Federal Law Enforcement Officer, 26 of the 30 years behind federal prison walls, Rodney Harmon shares his incredible perspective on this episode. As a Corrections Officer, Rodney would remind the men, “You are a hero to someone.” During thousands of discussions with men who were incarcerated, Rodney always explored ways to inspire and instill hope. Extending beyond his career, Rodney has spent decades volunteering his time for local organizations within communities in which he has lived and worked. Rodney is also a husband of 34 years, father of 3, and grandfather of 7. In 2018, he created his podcast, Black MentoUrs, an “affirmation of self-image.” The podcast is an empowering content platform where he Asks, Listens, Learns and INvests (ALL IN) in the knowledge and truths of black males from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Rodney advocates for positive images and narratives of black males in all forms of media. In this episode on Reentry Reframed, Rodney’s passion and dedication to helping others, especially our youth, is astounding! We are so honored to have you as our guest, Rodney! https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rodney-harmon
Episode 22- The Mother at the Well: Ashley and Sean Grippando
From using together to losing together, Ashley and Sean share their story on this episode with openness and raw honesty in hopes of reaching others. Ashley describes her struggle and ultimate despair stemming from her substance use while pregnant and as a new mother. Ashley and Sean also share their experience navigating the foster care and court system while regaining their sobriety in an effort to be reunited with their young children. For a mother who was filled with tremendous pain, trauma, and loss, not knowing where to turn, Ashley’s path eventually led her back to church. The first service she attended was The Woman at the Well, and aligned so divinely with her own life, she believed this was no coincidence; she was where she was supposed to be. Ashley and Sean, through it all, love each other for better or worse. Today, their happy ending is one you will need to hear for yourselves. For the Grippando Family, we cannot wait to see the joy your future holds!
Episode 21- Mindin' My Biz: Tre'Jor Hopkins
On this episode, Tre’Jor Hopkins, savvy business owner, shares the ins and outs of starting his own business. His food truck, Flavor Wagon 785, is a treasure in Topeka for those who are looking for a healthy, fresh, delicious meal on the go. What makes Tre’Jor’s food truck even more incredible is the road that led to his now successful venture. Arriving for his podcast interview carrying his 7-month-old daughter in her car seat, the doting father commented, “She goes where I go.” Learning more about Tre’Jor’s history with his own father made her presence there even more beautiful. To celebrate Second Chance Month in April, Tre’Jor, who successfully completed the reentry center in 2018, will head back to dish up some great food and HOPE for current residents. When Tre’Jor redirected his brilliance and ambition, the result is one you will need to try for yourself! While just the start of what I imagine will be an incredibly bright future, we wish you and your family nothing but the best. To learn more about Tre’Jor’s business and where you can ‘catch the flavors’ of Flavor Wagon 785 in Topeka, check out his page: https://www.facebook.com/flavorwagon785/.
Episode 20 - Back 2 My Boys: Your Dad, Adam Cobuluis
Facing nearly 20 years in prison, Adam received news his two young boys would be in state custody under the supervision of KVC. Instead of losing hope, Adam knew he would one day be reunited with his boys. With steadfast determination, Adam began the process of reunification from foster care with his children after the case was dismissed. Fresh out of jail, Adam credits the Oxford House, the foster mother of his children, his employment, and local resource networks for supporting him along the way. In this episode, Adam describes the process of navigating the foster care system all while trying to hit the ground running with his own reentry journey. When asked what makes a “good dad,” Adam pulls much of how he parents based on the what he missed during his own childhood, and instead, “putting his children first.” Recently, Adam was our guest speaker at the Mirror Work for Success graduation for class #55. Reflecting on his own time going through the Work for Success program, the graduating class listened with the utmost respect for this man who faced insurmountable odds to get back to his boys. Adam’s story is one of determination, love, and the power of second chances. We wish you and your boys all the happiness this world has to offer!
Episode 19 - From the Pitt of Despair: Marcus, Oxford House World Council
From a quite normal childhood, being involved in numerous school activities and doing well in the classroom, Marcus Pitts' life slowly faded into one of despair, and a life he despised. He created a persona that drew others in, finding himself to be a “people pleaser.” Continuing into the lifestyle of popular activities, such as becoming a member of a fraternity and partying, his drinking problem eventually turned into one giant pit of addiction he had to dig himself out of. Facing 27.5 years in prison, Pitts turned his life around after being introduced to Oxford House and the grace of God. Today, Marcus is a steward to his community and has assisted in opening, restructuring, and relocating numerous sober living houses. Speaking to his leadership and investment in the Oxford Community, he has a spot on the Oxford House World Council. Best wishes to you, world traveler!
Episode 18 - Home(less) is Where the Heart is: Misty Bosch-Hastings, Topeka Rescue Mission
Growing up in small-town Kansas, Misty endured a traumatic childhood. Being surrounded by the drug-induced chaos of her parents, she struggled to feel supported. With the effects of her childhood lingering into adulthood, she found herself repeating the cycle of domestic violence and addiction which spiraled even further out of control following the loss of her father. One day, she came to a realization she wanted to break the generational cycle of trauma. Her past life was burnt to the ground following a house fire where she lost everything. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, she rebuilt her life from the ground up by the grace of God, a supportive community, and an empowering mentor. Misty honors her father in the work she does today; she pours her heart out with her sleeves rolled up serving and housing the homeless population.
Episode 17 - Silver Spoon to the Slammer: John Cantrell
Growing up, John Cantrell’s life was filled with limitless opportunities for the future. As a teenager, Cantrell quickly learned he was never ready for the party to stop like it did for others. This fast-paced lifestyle caught up with him in college as he constantly searched for ways to fill a void within himself. By the age of 22, Cantrell was facing a 60-month sentence in federal prison for distribution. Instead of letting these mistakes define his life, Cantrell claims prison saved his life. Cantrell attributes his transformation to giving his life completely over to God. Whereas he constantly searched for more when he had it all, Cantrell counts himself today more blessed than ever before. With a loving wife and a son who is a walking miracle, Cantrell’s story is filled with hope and inspiration he shares with others.
Episode 16 - Lost Wolfe: Jennifer's Tale
Jennifer Wolfe started her life off living the “American Dream.” Following a traumatic event, her reality was completely altered at the age of 7. Unable to process the drastic change in a healthy way, Jennifer began to act out as a child. Becoming enveloped in a lifestyle fueled with rage, she spent her adolescent years in juvenile detention. At the age of 21, Jennifer was released and began her adult journey; she secured a successful union job, a husband, and children. On the outside, her life looked to be picture perfect; however, years of unresolved trauma lingered on… After another traumatic experience, her path spiraled into one of addiction, life on the streets, and ultimately feeling completely lost. Following multiple attempts to seek help, the Lost Wolfe finally had the chance to rewrite her Tale.
Episode 15 - Forgive Me, Love Mom: Your Daughter, Kasey Kern
Born in a small town in Illinois to teenage parents, Kasey Kern describes her life as tumultuous and filled with chaos. Kasey’s outlook and attitude is nothing short of beautiful grace as the love she has for her family radiates throughout her story. She describes how generational trauma altered not just her life but reflects on her family tree of decades of untreated mental health concerns, substance use disorder, and abuse. While her mother was in and out of treatment and incarceration, mother and daughter remained connected through their letters and poems back and forth to one another. As Kasey reads beloved poems and letters, her mother’s signature on each one is: Forgive me, mom.
Episode 14 - Bled in, Blessed Out: Luis Leyva
Born in Los Angeles, Luis Leyva’s life had a rocky start. At the age of 15, Luis was initiated into his neighborhood gang following a traumatic experience that stewed up a hatred for the opposing neighborhoods. Through this lifestyle, he became involved in the juvenile justice system which continued throughout his adult life. Ultimately, becoming a father and finding love led him towards his story of redemption. Luis found his passion for tattooing while incarcerated in prison and has been able to create a career in his “happy place.” As a tattoo artist, he feels he can help others by being there for them and giving words of encouragement. Luis looks forward to impacting others as opportunities arise to make a difference in young lives who may be facing a similar road as he once did. One of Luis’ most prominent and impactful memories is a speaker who attended his juvenile detention stay, so giving back to youth who are justice-involved is something he feels passionate about. We know you will continue to be a source of inspiration, Luis!
Episode 13 - How YOU doin’?: Trish from Yonkers
Pointing out one memento from a friend, she said, “He calls me CAPY: Catholic Alcoholic Patricia from Yonkers.” As Trish walked me around her apartment, her excitement was palpable! As she explained, this is the first time she has lived on her own this century. At nearly 70-years-old, Trish’s life has been full of twists and turns, highs and lows, to be where she is at today. Deep in her addiction, many of her picture albums were lost in the early 2000s. With the pictures she has been able to collect in the past decade, it is clear Trish’s heart belongs to the ocean and to her family. There are shells and ocean treasures in every nook and cranny in her home she has worked incredibly hard for. With more than a decade of sobriety, Trish is now able to relish in the moment from the simple joys in life. We wish you nothing but the best, Trish!
Episode 12 - Here’s to a Dozen More: MG & K2 Thank you!
As we reflect on our 12th episode posting, we are so incredibly grateful for your support! As we near 1,000 downloads, we wanted to jump on and share some updates with you all! This episode has some behind the scenes and the “why” behind what we do. In this episode, there is a hidden gem contained within you will need to hear for yourself on how we plan to celebrate. We have some great ideas and goals for the next dozen episodes, so please stay tuned! Our dream is to break the stigma surrounding reentry for justice-involved individuals reentering our community. After all, if we break the cycles of incarceration, we all succeed.
Episode 11 - Pure Gold(smith): Assistant Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer
Melissa Goldsmith has 26 years of experience working in the criminal justice field, with 23 being with U.S. Probation in the District of Kansas. She is the Assistant Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer and oversees the program initiatives. Recognizing the importance of reentry services, she assisted in developing the Pretrial Orientation Program, Bureau of Prisons Program, and the Moral Reconation Therapy Program in the District of Kansas. Known for her enthusiasm, kindness, and passion for helping others, Melissa’s episode is pure gold.
Episode 10 - Suit & Tie, All a Lie: The Real Nick Casarona
Nick Casarona, a talented athlete with a bright future ahead, graduated high school with his “ticket out” of Topeka. After accepting a scholarship in Florida to compete on a diving team, Nick eagerly awaited his opportunity to shine and make others proud. Unfortunately, a devastating twist of fate ended his dreams of being a collegiate athlete. From there, Nick pivoted in an entirely different direction deciding he would go to school where he obtained a masters degree in Banking and Finance from U of Colorado. Because he is incredibly intelligent and driven, he excelled in business. Throughout his illustrious career, Nick describes an inner turmoil as he struggled daily with addiction. While his road went further off course as he ventured into some of his darkest days, Nick dreamed of a better life. A life where he could be accepted for him, free of addiction- he longed to be a husband and father. This is a story of devastation and addiction; however, to hear where Nick is today will bring tears to your eyes. When he started seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as hope, not a train coming at him, he started over with a life full of redemption by helping others.
Episode 9 - Fitting In, Standing Out: My Transpective, Shawn
Social butterfly, Shawn, enjoyed the glamorized nightlife scene until it led to a path of addiction. Ultimately, Shawn was sentenced to federal prison for two separate convictions totaling the better part of a decade. Shawn, a transgender individual who identifies as a woman, shares her journey through the justice system. In this episode, she breaks down the levels of ‘status’ within jails, low and medium security penitentiaries, while explaining how being a “she” in a “he” prison brought feelings of loneliness and depression. Finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, Shawn gained hope as she began the process of reentry. With the acceptance, support, and encouragement of a residential reentry center, a fresh outlook on life was the catalyst to her current success story.
Episode 8 - Unbreak My Road: I Was Her, Jodi Whitt
Starting at the tender age of 13, Jodi’s life tumbled down a broken road as her 20-year addiction to methamphetamine began. Learning the pain she was trying to numb by using drugs was actually amplifying her trauma, Jodi offers tremendous wisdom and guidance for others facing addiction. She describes wanting to be there for her children, and for other women, as being the driving force behind her years of sobriety. She takes ownership of her past as she candidly shares, “You cannot keep doing bad things to people and expect to be living a fulfilled life.” Now, Jodi radiates joy as she embraces her passion for helping other women overcome addiction, understand their worth, and share resources available in the community. Who better to reach women along their own broken road than someone who has traveled the same path? After all, she sat where they are as she says, “I was her.”
Episode 7 - From the Inside Out: Kori Thiessen, Reentry Affairs Coordinator
With 22 years of experience working inside a federal penitentiary, Thiessen shares a treasure trove of knowledge in this episode. After decades of working in the field of corrections, her passion for helping others has only grown. As she thinks outside of the box to create innovative programs at the prison, she exudes enthusiasm for finding impactful ways to prepare individuals for a new life on the “outside.”
Episode 6 - Walk of Faith, a Clemency Case: Emmanuel Herron
By the age of 19, Emmanuel "Manny" Herron entered the federal prison system. Still a teenager, he faced a sentence of 180 months (15 years) in prison. Manny describes his life prior to prison being one of poverty, grief, and anger; a life where he felt lost.
Upon entering the federal system, Herron was dyslexic and had not learned to read. Finding his faith while incarcerated was the catalyst for his life to truly change course. Herron's petition for clemency was granted in 2016 by President Obama. Exiting the prison system, Herron was a man filled with knowledge, faith, and a fire within his heart to give back to the community he "poisoned" in his prior lifestyle. Although Herron has found tremendous success in the Topeka community, his greatest has been finding his wife and family. Herron's story is one you must hear for yourself, because only his own words do it justice.
Episode 5 - Reentry: Just What the Dr. (Denney) Ordered
Dr. Donald Denney, Vice President of General Services for Mirror, Inc., joins Melissa Goodman on this episode of Reentry Reframed. Dr. Denney holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. During the first part of his career, Dr. Denney spent 17 years working as a Psychologist at the United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth, KS. He then transitioned to Regional Drug Abuse Coordinator and then Psychology Administrator for the North Central Region of the Bureau of Prisons for roughly 10 years. During his final 3 years of BOP service, Dr. Denney served as the Central Sector Administrator for Residential Reentry Management Branch of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. This position provided oversight to more than 40 residential reentry centers from Ohio to Colorado, Kansas to North Dakota. He and his staff were responsible for the daily reentry efforts for more than 1,900 federal inmates. His tenure in this position was widely recognized for his communication, fostering the Risk/Need/Responsivity framework, and support of local initiatives to foster reentry. Dr. Denney believes in 'Prescribing the Cure' by gaining an understanding of the barriers justice-involved individuals face, and then providing the solution to those high-needs areas. With more than three decades dedicated to the field, Dr. Denney offers invaluable insight on this episode.
Episode 4 - Clarity From Madness: A Veteran's Story, John Zollicoffer
John Zollicoffer, a U.S. Veteran and former police officer, lived a life of turmoil and crime stemming from his addiction to crack. His parents originally hoped the military would help them to escape the deep south, Jim Crow era. Although he had good role models, early trauma brought him to a life of “madness” in his own words. John walks us through his story of being lost but never losing hope. As a lifelong criminal incarcerated for a cumulative of more than 20 years in 27 different jails and prisons, Zollicoffer coins himself as “America's Dumbest Criminal-the laughingstock of CCA” for his last robbery involving his hand in his pocket, finger outstretched like a gun barrel.
The humor of his story kept him sane and gave him clarity of the life he no longer wanted to live. Releasing in his early 60's, Zollicoffer began a new life. He has continued to persevere and now lives a life of faith and redemption. As an author of his own memoir he hopes to publish one day, he strives to inspire others, and ultimately steer them away from this life of incarceration.
Zollicoffer refers to his past life as, “The body of a lunatic… Someone who was lost in the rush of a cocaine hit.
Episode 3 - Social Work Chooses You: Kendra Howard, Case Manager
Social work is one of the most important career paths, especially in the world of reentry. As corrections and reentry services move forward, criminal justice and social work backgrounds have intersected and overlapped to better serve this population. To build rapport with individuals and guide them through one of the most important transitions in life is something Kendra Howard has found to be incredibly rewarding. Drawing inspiration from her mother’s legacy, Howard shares how social work “chose” her.
Episode 2 - From Serving Time to Serving Others: A Story of Success, Gordon Smith
By the age of 17, Gordon Smith struggled with substance use disorder and undiagnosed mental health concerns. Stemming from his addiction, the decisions he made led him to serve nearly a decade in prison. Taking us through his journey of recovery and reentry, he is now pursuing his dreams and helping reduce recidivism from the other side of the bars. Smith describes how key mentors, counseling, and his mindset shift began to open up opportunities he never could have imagined.
Episode 1 - Reentry Reframed: Changing Societal Views on Reentry
The process of reentering society after incarceration is shrouded in mystery. In this episode, Melissa Goodman, Vice President of Correctional Services, provides insight on how a federal halfway house (Residential Reentry Center) operates. Goodman describes the services provided while also bringing attention to the importance of our community coming together to support justice-involved individuals. By providing a glimpse into some of the barriers those returning from jail and/or prison may face upon their release, our hope is to inform and advocate for better solutions.