WEBVTT 00:10.333 --> 00:12.933 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% There are constants in the human experience. 00:13.000 --> 00:16.166 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% People need enough to eat a safe place to live, 00:16.233 --> 00:19.300 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% and something productive and meaningful to do, 00:19.366 --> 00:22.033 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% to be able to take care of themselves and their 00:22.100 --> 00:24.733 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% families with their heads held high. 00:24.800 --> 00:28.133 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% When these needs are met, citizens are free to live 00:28.200 --> 00:31.900 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% their lives, realize their potential and contribute to 00:31.966 --> 00:33.133 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% their communities. 00:33.200 --> 00:36.433 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% One gateway to meeting these needs is the simple 00:36.500 --> 00:38.533 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% dignity of work. 00:38.600 --> 00:41.900 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% But people coming home from prison often don't get a 00:41.966 --> 00:45.200 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:35% fair chance to get a decent job. 00:45.266 --> 00:48.100 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% That's starting to change. 00:59.700 --> 01:03.566 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% Returning Citizens is made possible by 01:33.533 --> 01:38.233 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% the United Way, fostering the success of those who as 01:38.300 --> 01:40.933 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% they return to our neighborhoods, remain a 01:41.000 --> 01:45.700 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% largely untapped resource, the formerly incarcerated. 01:45.766 --> 01:49.766 align:start position:20% line:10% size:57.5% Waterman II Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation at 01:49.833 --> 01:51.966 align:start position:27.5% line:10% size:45% the recommendation of David Haas, 01:52.033 --> 01:54.600 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% the Independence Foundation. 01:59.933 --> 02:01.733 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% Uh, I was a prosecutor. 02:01.800 --> 02:05.233 align:start position:15% line:10% size:70% I represented the government in criminal court in the 02:05.300 --> 02:08.966 align:start position:15% line:10% size:67.5% District of Columbia, and I used that power to put black 02:09.033 --> 02:10.266 align:start position:32.5% line:10% size:35% men in prison. 02:10.333 --> 02:12.700 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% During the time that I did that work, 02:12.766 --> 02:16.166 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% I learned some things that changed the ways that I felt 02:16.233 --> 02:18.566 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% about my responsibilities as an American, 02:18.633 --> 02:22.166 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% as an African American, and as a person who wants to 02:22.233 --> 02:24.033 align:start position:40% line:79.33% size:15% make a difference in this world. 02:24.100 --> 02:27.600 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% I first met Jeff Brown at Eastern State Penitentiary 02:27.666 --> 02:30.500 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% where we were a guest on a TV program about 02:30.566 --> 02:31.966 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:47.5% mass incarceration. 02:32.633 --> 02:34.966 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% A grocery store owner by trade, 02:35.033 --> 02:38.700 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% Jeff seemed like a CEO on a mission. 02:38.766 --> 02:42.133 align:start position:20% line:10% size:55% So our journey, um, in the criminal justice reform 02:42.200 --> 02:44.233 align:start position:22.5% line:10% size:52.5% really started with a different objective, 02:44.300 --> 02:46.400 align:start position:27.5% line:10% size:42.5% um, 15 years ago. 02:46.466 --> 02:48.966 align:start position:10% line:10% size:77.5% I'm a fourth generation grocer, by the way, 02:49.033 --> 02:51.266 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:30% Meeting with Jeff on his home ground, 02:51.333 --> 02:54.933 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% I heard I was personal journey with Returning Citizens. 02:55.000 --> 02:59.600 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% Started with opening stores in food deserts to help 02:59.666 --> 03:02.833 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% low-income communities gain access to fresh, 03:02.900 --> 03:04.933 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% affordable food. 03:05.700 --> 03:07.833 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% So some people may not have heard the term 03:07.900 --> 03:08.966 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:47.5% food desert before. 03:09.033 --> 03:10.600 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% Can you explain what that means? 03:10.666 --> 03:11.800 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:12.5% Yeah. 03:11.866 --> 03:14.133 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% Um, it seems like, uh, in in this country and around the 03:14.200 --> 03:17.333 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% world, um, some of the most impoverished areas also have 03:17.400 --> 03:20.533 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% an added burden of not having a full service grocery store. 03:20.600 --> 03:23.266 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% So they don't have access to fresh and affordable food 03:23.333 --> 03:25.233 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% like most, most of us do. 03:25.300 --> 03:27.533 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% And, uh, when you don't have fresh food, 03:27.600 --> 03:30.900 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% affordable fresh food, it has an incredible impact 03:30.966 --> 03:31.966 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% on your health. 03:32.033 --> 03:35.133 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% Often, um, shortening someone's life expectancy, 03:35.200 --> 03:37.233 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:47.5% 10, 15 or 20 years. 03:37.300 --> 03:41.133 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% It seemed to me, uh, like so horrible in this country 03:41.200 --> 03:43.900 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% that someone would, a little baby would be born and 03:43.966 --> 03:46.833 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% they're gonna live 15, 20 years less 'cause they 03:46.900 --> 03:48.533 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% lacked a grocery store and it seems like someone should 03:48.600 --> 03:49.766 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% care about that. 03:49.833 --> 03:52.533 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% Um, we started with town hall meetings where 03:52.600 --> 03:54.066 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% we got a lot of feedback from customers. 03:54.133 --> 03:56.600 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% Wait, well, a town hall meeting for a grocery ... 03:56.666 --> 03:57.500 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% [crosstalk] Store. Yeah. 03:57.566 --> 03:58.633 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% Almost like, I'm running for office, 03:58.700 --> 04:00.666 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% but I'm not, I'm running to be your grocer. 04:00.733 --> 04:02.600 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% So there, there was that much excitement in the 04:02.666 --> 04:05.200 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% community about a grocery store that 1,000 people 04:05.266 --> 04:07.033 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% would show up to a town hall meeting. 04:07.100 --> 04:07.933 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% It's incredible. 04:08.000 --> 04:09.600 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% But if you don't have a grocery store, 04:09.666 --> 04:11.433 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% that is an incredible burden on your life. 04:11.500 --> 04:13.500 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% And the possibility of getting one and getting one 04:13.566 --> 04:14.800 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:30% that's gonna serve you is a huge. 04:14.866 --> 04:15.600 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Wow. 04:15.666 --> 04:16.766 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% Huge difference in people's lives. 04:16.833 --> 04:18.033 align:start position:42.5% line:79.33% size:12.5% Yeah. Wow. 04:18.100 --> 04:20.100 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% And so we first committed that we would keep the jobs local. 04:20.166 --> 04:21.233 align:start position:40% line:79.33% size:15% Great. And we would train. 04:21.300 --> 04:22.333 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:15% Great. 04:22.400 --> 04:24.466 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% Um, of course, what we quickly learned is there was 04:24.533 --> 04:25.500 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% something different. 04:25.566 --> 04:27.166 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% Different in what sense? 04:27.233 --> 04:29.100 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:35% In a, in a low income community, 04:29.166 --> 04:30.900 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% and I think this is true almost everywhere in the 04:30.966 --> 04:33.300 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% country, there's a disproportionate amount of 04:33.366 --> 04:34.400 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% incarcerated people. 04:34.466 --> 04:35.866 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:30% They've been formally incarcerated. 04:35.933 --> 04:36.933 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:12.5% Yeah. 04:37.000 --> 04:38.333 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% And they're returning, they're returning citizens. 04:38.400 --> 04:40.466 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:35% And, you know, most employers, 04:40.533 --> 04:43.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% whether it's a conscious policy or an unconscious 04:43.200 --> 04:46.633 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% policy or a biased, um, they don't wanna hire people that 04:46.700 --> 04:47.700 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% have been to jail. 04:47.766 --> 04:49.766 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% And, uh, in one of the town hall meetings, 04:49.833 --> 04:53.266 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% we had a customer explained to me like she educated me. 04:53.333 --> 04:54.433 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Yes. 04:54.500 --> 04:56.433 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% Like, she's not mad at me. She wants me to understand. 04:56.500 --> 04:57.633 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% She thinks I'm the kind of person that 04:57.700 --> 04:59.466 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% could understand that. 04:59.533 --> 05:02.366 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% Um, how will this ever be a long-term success if no one 05:02.433 --> 05:03.366 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% could work here? 05:03.433 --> 05:05.166 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% Like, how are they gonna buy your groceries? 05:05.233 --> 05:08.133 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% And, uh, And a lot of people weren't able to get jobs 05:08.200 --> 05:09.933 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% because they have records. Right. 05:10.000 --> 05:13.200 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% And so she said to me that the way you could make this 05:13.266 --> 05:16.933 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% work for us and for you show the world that people that 05:17.000 --> 05:18.833 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% made a mistake can still do a good job. 05:18.900 --> 05:19.800 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Wow. 05:19.866 --> 05:21.033 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% And what did you think when she said that? 05:21.100 --> 05:24.233 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% I, I thought, uh, intellectually she's right on. 05:24.300 --> 05:25.400 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:15% Right. 05:25.466 --> 05:27.233 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% Now, the question is, could I overcome and can my team 05:27.300 --> 05:28.833 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% overcome our fear? Yes. 05:28.900 --> 05:30.166 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% That may be misplaced. 05:30.233 --> 05:32.000 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% And, uh, after she said that, 05:32.066 --> 05:34.466 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% in the opening of a, of a new store, 05:34.533 --> 05:37.100 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% we hired a half a dozen returning citizens. 05:37.166 --> 05:39.066 align:start position:42.5% line:79.33% size:10% Wow. Mostly, uh, young people. 05:39.133 --> 05:42.833 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% And, uh, we were surprised at how good they were. 05:42.900 --> 05:45.900 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% I'm sure there must have been concerns by some of the 05:45.966 --> 05:50.733 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% other employees or customers about what it would mean to 05:50.800 --> 05:53.633 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% have people who've done time now working in their 05:53.700 --> 05:55.200 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% neighborhood grocery store. 05:55.266 --> 05:58.133 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% Uh, look, we all read the paper or listen to the news. 05:58.200 --> 06:00.700 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% And, uh, initially my employees were, 06:00.766 --> 06:02.433 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% they, they were afraid. Were afraid. 06:02.500 --> 06:03.633 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% They were definitely afraid. 06:03.700 --> 06:06.733 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% Like they didn't, like, like people say it's a criminal, 06:06.800 --> 06:07.966 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:25% they think they're gonna kill 'em, 06:08.033 --> 06:10.633 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% or they're, they, they're, they do these horrible things. 06:10.700 --> 06:13.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% But of course, people go to jail for a lot of different reasons. 06:13.533 --> 06:16.733 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% Half the people in jail are, are drug related offenses. 06:16.800 --> 06:19.300 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% They sold the wrong product, an illegal product instead 06:19.366 --> 06:20.200 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% of a legal one. 06:20.266 --> 06:22.366 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% Um, so there's more you need to know. 06:22.433 --> 06:23.300 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Yes. 06:23.366 --> 06:25.666 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% Um, but there, there was an initial fear. 06:25.733 --> 06:28.300 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% And, um And how did you address that fear? 06:28.366 --> 06:30.133 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% Well, we're already a mission-driven company. 06:30.200 --> 06:32.366 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% We have a purpose, uh, to bring joy to the lives of 06:32.433 --> 06:33.500 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% the people we serve. 06:33.566 --> 06:35.633 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% And, um, we, I explained to them, 06:35.700 --> 06:37.066 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% we will not get there. 06:37.133 --> 06:39.800 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% We will not accomplish our mission if we don't give 06:39.866 --> 06:41.166 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% people another chance. 06:41.233 --> 06:43.300 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% And we just won't happen because this is the 06:43.366 --> 06:45.800 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% neighborhood we're in and this is the problem they have. 06:45.866 --> 06:47.566 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% And we gotta be with them to help them 06:47.633 --> 06:49.100 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% overcome this challenge. 06:49.166 --> 06:51.233 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:30% And, uh, the first six people, 06:51.300 --> 06:53.900 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% they were afraid until they were successful and they 06:53.966 --> 06:55.100 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% were less afraid. 06:55.166 --> 06:57.000 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% And so they learned there wasn't anything to be afraid. 06:57.066 --> 06:58.833 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% It wa, it wasn't this horrible thing. 06:58.900 --> 07:01.100 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:35% These are just people that grew up in, 07:01.166 --> 07:03.166 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% in a place where there weren't a lot of 07:03.233 --> 07:05.766 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% opportunities and ended up doing something they 07:05.833 --> 07:06.733 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% shouldn't have done. 07:06.800 --> 07:08.166 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% And once they have a chance to do it right, 07:08.233 --> 07:09.100 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% they're like everyone else. 07:09.166 --> 07:10.533 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% I just wanna take care of their family. 07:10.600 --> 07:14.633 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% I got the chance to meet and talk with some of Jeff's team. 07:14.700 --> 07:18.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% These are folks who are formerly incarcerated and 07:18.200 --> 07:20.533 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% now gainfully employed. 07:20.600 --> 07:22.900 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% So Alexis, you're here making these beautiful 07:22.966 --> 07:24.500 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% cakes, doing your thing. 07:24.566 --> 07:26.766 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% Everybody's got a story. 07:26.833 --> 07:28.166 align:start position:35% line:10% size:27.5% Uh, I did a little bit of time, 07:28.233 --> 07:31.166 align:start position:25% line:10% size:47.5% maybe just under 12 months, um, in jail. 07:31.233 --> 07:34.133 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% Um, and being there, something, 07:34.200 --> 07:36.933 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% some, something woke me up, something woke me up 07:37.000 --> 07:40.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% and I vowed to never put myself in a position like that. 07:40.600 --> 07:42.000 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% It was my first and my last time. 07:42.066 --> 07:43.633 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% But when you came home, it was hard. 07:43.700 --> 07:45.100 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% Yeah, it was very hard. It was very hard. 07:45.166 --> 07:47.333 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% So, and, and people don't understand. 07:47.400 --> 07:48.966 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% They think, well, you're not in jail anymore, 07:49.033 --> 07:50.033 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% so it's all good. Yeah. 07:50.100 --> 07:51.133 align:start position:42.5% line:79.33% size:12.5% Yeah. But that's not how it works. 07:51.200 --> 07:52.200 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:7.5% No. 07:52.266 --> 07:54.366 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% I think the moment you, you leave prison or jail, 07:54.433 --> 07:56.100 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% that's where, that's where it begins. 07:56.166 --> 07:57.366 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% That's when the toughness begins. 07:57.433 --> 07:58.900 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Why was it tough? Were you working? 07:58.966 --> 08:01.733 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% Um, it was tough because not a lot of people 08:01.800 --> 08:04.533 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% want give someone who have a criminal history a chance. 08:04.600 --> 08:06.100 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% That must have been very discouraging. 08:06.166 --> 08:07.233 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% It was, it was very discouraging. 08:07.300 --> 08:08.333 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:12.5% Yeah. 08:08.400 --> 08:09.433 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% And did you have any work at all during that time? 08:09.500 --> 08:11.600 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% Yeah, a little, little temporary jobs. 08:11.666 --> 08:13.533 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% Um, some of 'em didn't pay enough. 08:13.600 --> 08:15.633 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% Some of 'em was just for a few months. 08:15.700 --> 08:16.866 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:25% You wanted something more than a job. 08:16.933 --> 08:18.000 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:12.5% Yeah. 08:18.066 --> 08:19.633 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% I wanted something that I can see myself at for the 08:19.700 --> 08:20.666 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% rest of my life. 08:20.733 --> 08:23.433 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% I wanted somewhere where I felt appreciated. 08:23.500 --> 08:25.133 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% I wanted somewhere where I can build. 08:25.200 --> 08:27.833 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% I wanted somewhere where I can learn things for myself. 08:27.900 --> 08:31.766 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% I wanted somewhere where I can be an important asset to. 08:31.833 --> 08:33.800 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% And this was, this was perfect. 08:33.866 --> 08:36.266 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% I'm the night crew chief Night crew chief. 08:36.333 --> 08:37.133 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% What's that mean? Yeah. 08:37.200 --> 08:39.166 align:start position:30% line:74% size:37.5% - So we come in at 11 o'clock. - Okay. 08:39.233 --> 08:40.633 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% No, customers are inside. 08:40.700 --> 08:42.566 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% So anything that you see on the shelves that's not 08:42.633 --> 08:44.866 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% including anything that's cold or frozen, 08:44.933 --> 08:46.900 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% we fill it up, make it look nice. 08:46.966 --> 08:48.166 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:27.5% So when the customers come in, 08:48.233 --> 08:49.633 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% everything is ready for them. 08:49.700 --> 08:51.066 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% What do you like best about your job? 08:51.133 --> 08:53.233 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% The potential to grow. 08:53.300 --> 08:55.066 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% There's always potential to grow. 08:55.133 --> 08:58.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% When you put your best foot forward and show up, 08:58.200 --> 08:59.600 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% that's half the battle. 08:59.666 --> 09:01.000 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% I know you come a long way. 09:01.066 --> 09:03.733 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% I was going to school for computer technology. 09:03.800 --> 09:05.700 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% The money wasn't coming in fast enough. 09:05.766 --> 09:08.700 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% So I had a great idea to hustle some narcotics. 09:08.766 --> 09:09.866 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:25% And that's exactly what happened. 09:09.933 --> 09:12.233 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% The money was coming in, but then my lifestyle changed. 09:12.300 --> 09:15.466 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% And how long were you in? 09:15.533 --> 09:17.466 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% I was gone for approximately seven years. 09:17.533 --> 09:18.733 align:start position:45% line:79.33% size:10% Yes. Wow. 09:18.800 --> 09:19.700 align:start position:35% line:84.67% size:30% Seven years. 09:19.766 --> 09:23.100 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% So I can't imagine what it's like coming home. 09:23.166 --> 09:23.833 align:start position:40% line:84.67% size:17.5% Mm-Hmm. 09:23.900 --> 09:25.700 align:start position:40% line:79.33% size:20% You're a convicted drug dealer. 09:25.766 --> 09:27.333 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% You've done seven years. 09:27.400 --> 09:31.433 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:30% That day you leave, what do you do? 09:31.966 --> 09:33.366 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% Oh, what I did, I had a plan. 09:33.433 --> 09:34.566 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% I wrote everything down. 09:34.633 --> 09:36.166 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% Wanted to give myself a chance. 09:36.233 --> 09:37.500 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:25% And that's exactly what I did. 09:37.566 --> 09:38.600 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:47.5% I followed my plan. 09:38.666 --> 09:39.800 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:27.5% I said, I'm gonna get two jobs. 09:39.866 --> 09:40.866 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% I'm gonna work the two jobs. 09:40.933 --> 09:42.833 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% You're gonna get two jobs. Yes, yes, yes. 09:42.900 --> 09:44.533 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% 'cause I, I have things I need to do, 09:44.600 --> 09:46.533 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% you know, I wanted to get a home and take care of myself. 09:46.600 --> 09:49.266 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% 'cause I was behind 'em in my forties and I did it. 09:49.333 --> 09:50.466 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% And I had a slip up. 09:50.533 --> 09:53.200 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% I had a, a parole officer that sat me down. 09:53.266 --> 09:56.266 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% So he sat me down in a halfway house for 60 days. 09:56.333 --> 09:58.966 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% So when I came back home, he knew I didn't have a job. 09:59.033 --> 10:02.166 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% So he had a piece of paper for uplift solutions and 10:02.233 --> 10:03.066 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:27.5% brown shot. Right. 10:03.133 --> 10:04.000 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% And he gave it to me. 10:04.066 --> 10:05.200 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% And that's how I ended up here. 10:05.266 --> 10:07.166 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:35% So it actually worked good in my behalf. 10:07.233 --> 10:07.966 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Wow. 10:08.033 --> 10:09.300 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% Something negative became positive. 10:09.366 --> 10:10.000 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:12.5% Yeah. 10:10.400 --> 10:12.466 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Lashawna, I heard you're the boss. 10:12.533 --> 10:14.700 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:47.5% Oh, What do you do? 10:15.166 --> 10:16.866 align:start position:32.5% line:10% size:30% Anybody that comes through this, 10:16.933 --> 10:18.800 align:start position:22.5% line:10% size:55% these doors, I want to give 'em a great 10:18.866 --> 10:20.666 align:start position:22.5% line:10% size:55% experience being here. 10:20.733 --> 10:22.266 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% Tell, tell us about your journey. 10:22.333 --> 10:25.100 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% I had did four years for selling drugs, 10:25.166 --> 10:27.366 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:25% but I sold drugs for 25 years. 10:27.433 --> 10:29.400 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% You sold drugs for 25 years? 10:29.466 --> 10:30.866 align:start position:35% line:84.67% size:27.5% Yes, I did. 10:30.933 --> 10:34.866 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% And my objective when I came here was to get rid 10:34.933 --> 10:35.666 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:32.5% of that life. 10:35.733 --> 10:37.766 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% What happened to make, you know, 10:37.833 --> 10:39.666 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% you needed to turn your life around? 10:39.733 --> 10:45.400 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% Well, one, my daughter was in school to be a nurse and 10:45.466 --> 10:47.933 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% she had a meltdown from me being away. 10:48.000 --> 10:50.533 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% And my family is getting older, 10:50.600 --> 10:54.300 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% and I was raised by two good people that gave me good 10:54.366 --> 10:57.400 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% morals and ethics and I'm educated. 10:57.466 --> 11:01.233 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% So, you know, the, the beauty of working for these 11:01.300 --> 11:03.333 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% people, and when I mean these people, 11:03.400 --> 11:07.333 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% I mean the Browns, oh, you sold drugs for 25 years. 11:07.400 --> 11:09.366 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% So you've been in the customer service business 11:09.433 --> 11:10.433 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:32.5% for 25 years. 11:10.500 --> 11:13.800 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% They wanted to develop me to run their store. 11:13.866 --> 11:16.900 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% So it sounds strange, but there were actually skills 11:16.966 --> 11:21.566 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% that you learned when you were committing crimes that 11:21.633 --> 11:24.866 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% have actually helped you in this area. 11:24.933 --> 11:26.033 align:start position:37.5% line:84.67% size:22.5% For sure. 11:26.100 --> 11:29.100 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% I just redirected them to something legal and positive 11:29.166 --> 11:30.200 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% this time around. 11:30.266 --> 11:31.200 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:12.5% Yeah. 11:31.266 --> 11:32.600 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% And what does your daughter think of you now? 11:32.666 --> 11:36.200 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% Oh, she sleeps good at night and she's proud of me 11:36.666 --> 11:39.766 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% At nearby Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. 11:39.833 --> 11:43.900 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% Just hiring of a handful of returning citizens has 11:43.966 --> 11:47.466 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% evolved into a job and training non-profit 11:47.533 --> 11:52.066 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% organization called Uplift Workforce Solutions. 11:52.133 --> 11:55.166 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% So, so workforce solutions, we really wanna look at the 11:55.233 --> 11:58.800 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% root cause of incarceration and recidivism. 11:58.866 --> 12:00.833 align:start position:25% line:10% size:50% First driver is lack of access to money. 12:00.900 --> 12:02.800 align:start position:22.5% line:10% size:55% So when I come home, I don't have any money, 12:02.866 --> 12:03.633 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% but guess what? 12:03.700 --> 12:04.766 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% I have a skillset. 12:04.833 --> 12:06.733 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% They're probably landed me in prison the first time, 12:06.800 --> 12:08.833 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% and so I'm gonna use my skillset to get money. 12:08.900 --> 12:09.933 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% So we take that off the table, 12:10.000 --> 12:12.600 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% we provide them a weekly stipend so that way they 12:12.666 --> 12:14.900 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% have money in their pocket while they go through the program. 12:14.966 --> 12:17.266 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% When you say skillset that landed them in prison, 12:17.333 --> 12:18.233 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% say more about that. 12:18.300 --> 12:19.700 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% Yeah, so I mean, you, you think about it, 12:19.766 --> 12:20.966 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% you think about the communities where 12:21.033 --> 12:23.433 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% individuals come from and, and one of my pet peeves is 12:23.500 --> 12:25.433 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:30% actually the term second chance, 12:25.500 --> 12:27.366 align:start position:40% line:79.33% size:17.5% because unfortunately, I think, 12:27.433 --> 12:30.766 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% um, a number of individuals that are incarcerated didn't 12:30.833 --> 12:31.733 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% have a first chance. 12:31.800 --> 12:33.333 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% So for, a lot of the people you serve, 12:33.400 --> 12:35.433 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% this is the first break they've ever gotten. 12:35.500 --> 12:36.733 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% That's absolutely right. 12:36.800 --> 12:38.533 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% And even if they've been out and they've been back 12:38.600 --> 12:39.833 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% and they've come out and you and, 12:39.900 --> 12:41.200 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% um, went into programs before. 12:41.266 --> 12:43.833 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% Again, this program is unlike any other program 12:43.900 --> 12:45.700 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% where we do offer a weekly stipend. 12:45.766 --> 12:47.166 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% We offer a trans pass. 12:47.233 --> 12:49.000 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% We also offer lunch every day. 12:49.066 --> 12:50.766 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% And lunch, it sounds good, right? 12:50.833 --> 12:52.700 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% It's food and people have something to eat. 12:52.766 --> 12:54.066 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% But it goes beyond that. 12:54.133 --> 12:56.566 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% We actually use that because one of the other major 12:56.633 --> 12:59.166 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:25% drivers of recidivism is, uh, 12:59.233 --> 13:01.766 align:start position:42.5% line:79.33% size:15% social socialization and isolation, 13:01.833 --> 13:02.566 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% isolation, right? 13:02.633 --> 13:04.033 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% So I don't have a support system. 13:04.100 --> 13:05.833 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% I don't know how to engage. 13:05.900 --> 13:07.200 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% So that leads to trouble. 13:07.266 --> 13:08.133 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:30% I don't have anyone to support me. 13:08.200 --> 13:09.433 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% I don't know how to engage with someone. 13:09.500 --> 13:12.466 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% And so we actually teach them by using lunch on how 13:12.533 --> 13:14.166 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% to relate to one another. 13:14.233 --> 13:15.033 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% And how do you do that? 13:15.100 --> 13:16.133 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:25% How do you teach those skills? 13:16.200 --> 13:18.766 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% So the participants are actually required to serve 13:18.833 --> 13:19.633 align:start position:35% line:84.67% size:30% one another. 13:19.700 --> 13:21.200 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% So they take turns actually serving. 13:21.266 --> 13:23.733 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% Also, there's social graces and, 13:23.800 --> 13:26.100 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% and social norms that are built into it. 13:26.166 --> 13:29.266 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% Um, they build a contract where women go first. 13:29.333 --> 13:30.400 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% And so women go first. 13:30.466 --> 13:33.266 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% Uh, they all sit together in groups and it's men and 13:33.333 --> 13:36.966 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% women and they converse at the table while they're eating. 13:37.033 --> 13:38.800 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:30% So now we're actually able to, 13:38.866 --> 13:41.566 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% with our instructors, work with them on how do I relate 13:41.633 --> 13:42.700 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% in these environments? 13:42.766 --> 13:44.666 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% Our program is actually steeped in cognitive 13:44.733 --> 13:45.800 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:47.5% behavioral therapy. 13:45.866 --> 13:48.900 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% Um, we work to eliminate social deficits such as 13:48.966 --> 13:52.400 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% housing, childcare, um, health insurance. 13:52.466 --> 13:53.800 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% We've worked to remove all of that. 13:53.866 --> 13:55.966 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% So when, when the employee actually gets to an employer, 13:56.033 --> 13:57.500 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:30% the employer doesn't have to worry 13:57.566 --> 13:58.766 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:27.5% about those issues anymore. 13:58.833 --> 14:02.066 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% Whitney M. Young said that it's better to be prepared for 14:02.133 --> 14:04.466 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% opportunity and not have it than have opportunity and 14:04.533 --> 14:05.433 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% not be prepared for it. 14:05.500 --> 14:06.833 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% And that's what we look to do here. 14:06.900 --> 14:09.366 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% We, we look to prepare individuals for opportunity 14:09.433 --> 14:11.433 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% at the same time working to create it. 14:11.500 --> 14:14.933 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% So if some of you wouldn't mind sharing some of what 14:15.000 --> 14:18.000 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% you've been through. 14:18.066 --> 14:21.200 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% A lot of us grew up rough, attitudes, 14:21.266 --> 14:25.200 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% anger, I mean frustration, and we always took it out of 14:25.266 --> 14:26.733 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:30% violence and stuff like that. 14:26.800 --> 14:28.900 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:35% I myself still with anger too, 14:28.966 --> 14:35.166 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% and I just feel as though it's not worth it no more. 14:35.233 --> 14:37.066 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% - I want [crosstalk] - The anger's not worth it. 14:37.133 --> 14:39.133 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% I wanna live a better life. 14:39.200 --> 14:40.833 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% I like, I like to feel happy. 14:40.900 --> 14:42.266 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% I like to help people. 14:42.333 --> 14:44.533 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% I like to do things that's gonna inspire others. 14:44.600 --> 14:46.333 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% You know? Uh, at first I was only here, 14:46.400 --> 14:48.766 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% just, you know, come in, finish it out, 14:48.833 --> 14:50.000 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% just do what I have to do. 14:50.066 --> 14:52.366 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% But, you know, uh, even [crosstalk] So you're just 14:52.433 --> 14:54.066 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% in it to, to do the time to get the job. 14:54.133 --> 14:55.133 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% Just to get the job. 14:55.200 --> 14:55.966 align:start position:42.5% line:79.33% size:12.5% Yeah. You know? 14:56.033 --> 14:57.466 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:30% And now even being in the program, 14:57.533 --> 14:59.366 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% it, it has opened my eyes a little more, 14:59.433 --> 15:01.633 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% you know, it's even brought some of the guys that are in 15:01.700 --> 15:04.466 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% the same facility with me closer as a family. 15:04.533 --> 15:05.966 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% How are your families? 15:06.033 --> 15:09.033 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% Well, with you being here, My mom would always tell me, 15:09.100 --> 15:10.000 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% well, since she came outta jail, 15:10.066 --> 15:11.400 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% you're always gonna be going back. 15:11.466 --> 15:14.333 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% Because I don't know what made her think like that, 15:14.400 --> 15:18.166 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% but I have been making a lot of changes throughout my life. 15:19.200 --> 15:20.200 align:start position:37.5% line:84.67% size:22.5% Yes, sir. 15:20.266 --> 15:22.500 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% A lot of people will tell you for be to be here, 15:23.400 --> 15:25.633 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% it gotta be something, you know what what I'm saying? 15:25.700 --> 15:27.233 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% Because every other program that they have, 15:27.300 --> 15:28.666 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:35% they teach you the job skills, 15:28.733 --> 15:29.900 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% but then they don't give you the job. 15:29.966 --> 15:32.100 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% You go out here for the job and it's still your 15:32.166 --> 15:33.766 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% background still coming in front of you. 15:33.833 --> 15:34.966 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% They, you know, they set you up. 15:35.033 --> 15:36.366 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% And once your background come back, 15:36.433 --> 15:39.100 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% it's just like you, you feel like there's no hope. 15:39.700 --> 15:43.533 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% At the end of the day, it's not about, 15:43.600 --> 15:46.800 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% it's not about the past, it's about your future. 15:46.866 --> 15:50.633 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% That's all about showing instead of telling you get 15:50.700 --> 15:51.433 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% what I'm saying? 15:51.500 --> 15:52.400 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% So you want to show them. 15:52.466 --> 15:53.566 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:12.5% Yeah. 15:53.633 --> 15:55.966 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% And right now, like I'm in a position where I don't get 15:56.033 --> 15:59.266 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% to see my two children, but at the same time I'm trying 15:59.333 --> 16:00.833 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% to pave the way for them. Yeah. 16:00.900 --> 16:03.233 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% So when you see your two children, 16:03.300 --> 16:05.800 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% what, what do you want them to see in you? 16:06.766 --> 16:08.433 align:start position:35% line:84.67% size:27.5% Upstanding. 16:08.500 --> 16:09.766 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% Upstanding man. 16:09.833 --> 16:11.566 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:22.5% Everybody on the outside, 16:11.633 --> 16:15.066 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% um, looks at us a little bit differently, 16:15.133 --> 16:18.633 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% but when, when we're talking to guests among ourselves 16:18.700 --> 16:20.600 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% and stuff like that, it's easier for me to relate to 16:20.666 --> 16:22.533 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% somebody that's been through the situations. 16:22.600 --> 16:24.033 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% Everybody has a different talent. 16:24.100 --> 16:25.966 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% Everybody has a different skillset. 16:26.033 --> 16:30.400 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% Not everybody is the same, but your skillset makes you, you. 16:30.466 --> 16:34.566 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% Misconceptions could be that all of us are, 16:34.633 --> 16:40.166 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% uh, dangerous individuals and that's not always the case. 16:40.233 --> 16:50.233 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% For me, I had, I have 25 years in recovery and I've 16:55.200 --> 16:56.333 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% For me, I had, I have 25 years in recovery and I've 16:56.400 --> 16:58.533 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% always walked around and I'm telling you I've worked my 16:58.600 --> 17:00.366 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:20% way into management positions, 17:00.433 --> 17:03.666 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% but I've always had that thing on me that if they 17:03.733 --> 17:08.133 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% really knew who I was or if they found out about where 17:08.200 --> 17:11.433 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% I come from and my background, you know, 17:11.500 --> 17:15.266 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% um, just let me just simply say something about me 17:15.333 --> 17:17.733 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% simply just cries out for failure. 17:17.800 --> 17:20.300 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% But what I listen to you, I hear strength. 17:20.366 --> 17:22.300 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Where, where does that strength come from? 17:22.366 --> 17:26.333 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% It comes from me knowing that, 17:26.400 --> 17:30.133 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% that like, I deserve better and I am better. 17:30.200 --> 17:32.766 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% And, and if I did it before, I can do it again. 17:32.833 --> 17:36.500 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% My 25th year anniversary from drugs and alcohol, 17:36.566 --> 17:43.200 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% I spent at Alderson Federal Prison Camp feeling like, 17:43.266 --> 17:45.366 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% oh my God, how did I end up here? 17:45.433 --> 17:49.500 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% So the strength comes from knowing that if I can 17:49.566 --> 17:54.100 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% survive, that I can survive this too. 17:54.166 --> 17:57.966 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% And even me just sharing that about my 25 years is a 17:58.033 --> 18:01.633 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% step of for openness and full disclosure for me. 18:01.700 --> 18:05.900 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% How about I'm tired, I am who I am and I'm tired and 18:05.966 --> 18:09.166 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% I don't wanna have to go back fearing that if they found 18:09.233 --> 18:12.533 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% out who I really am, this is who I really am. 18:12.600 --> 18:16.766 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% I am a whole bunch of other things other than being a felon. 18:16.833 --> 18:26.133 align:start position:35% line:84.67% size:30% [indistinct] 18:26.200 --> 18:30.933 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% I guess the last thing is, so what, what's next? 18:31.000 --> 18:34.500 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% Work, work, work, work, work, work. 18:34.566 --> 18:38.533 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% After class we went to the nearby sanctuary of the 18:38.600 --> 18:41.866 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% church where I spoke about hope and change to folks 18:41.933 --> 18:46.000 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% across the coalition and the church's pastor. 18:46.800 --> 18:48.800 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:27.5% How did the church get involved? 18:48.866 --> 18:54.100 align:start position:20% line:10% size:55% We believe that people can change and if we really 18:54.166 --> 18:55.900 align:start position:30% line:10% size:40% believe in that, people can change. 18:55.966 --> 18:58.100 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% If you really believe in restorative justice, 18:58.166 --> 19:01.633 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% then you've gotta put your money and your resources 19:01.700 --> 19:02.866 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% where your mouth is. 19:02.933 --> 19:05.633 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% How did you end up in that criminal lifestyle? 19:05.700 --> 19:08.866 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% Uh, so in 2013, I was in a car accident and I was 19:08.933 --> 19:11.200 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% paralyzed and spent 18 months in a rehabilitation 19:11.266 --> 19:14.200 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% hospital and got addicted to opiate painkillers. 19:14.266 --> 19:16.466 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% And then I started selling drugs just to, 19:16.533 --> 19:19.633 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% um, make money because I wasn't able to work. 19:19.700 --> 19:22.333 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% And I ended up going to prison for, 19:22.400 --> 19:24.800 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% uh, drug trafficking and did two years. 19:24.866 --> 19:27.466 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% And that is hopefully my first and last time. 19:27.533 --> 19:31.033 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% You're a small business person and you also are 19:31.100 --> 19:34.300 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% involved in hiring people who are coming home. 19:34.366 --> 19:35.533 align:start position:35% line:84.67% size:27.5% Absolutely. 19:35.600 --> 19:39.200 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% Does it feel risky in some sense to hire returning citizens? 19:39.266 --> 19:41.533 align:start position:20% line:10% size:57.5% Everyone has potential. 19:41.600 --> 19:44.666 align:start position:20% line:10% size:55% Everyone has something to offer to the world and 19:44.733 --> 19:47.000 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% pushing those citizens to be better, 19:47.066 --> 19:49.266 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% you, you don't know what you'll get out of it. 19:49.333 --> 19:52.600 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:70% You might get that rose that will open up into full bloom. 19:52.666 --> 19:55.633 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% So what are you the commissioner of? 19:55.700 --> 19:58.000 align:start position:15% line:10% size:70% I am the commissioner of the Philadelphia Department 19:58.066 --> 19:59.166 align:start position:35% line:10% size:27.5% of Prisons. 19:59.233 --> 20:02.966 align:start position:17.5% line:10% size:62.5% So you run the prison and jail system in Philadelphia? 20:03.033 --> 20:04.366 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% Yeah, that's correct. 20:04.433 --> 20:07.000 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% You hear that when they say corrections, 20:07.066 --> 20:09.133 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% that's not what happens. 20:09.200 --> 20:14.233 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% Um, corrections is for a purpose and regardless of if 20:14.300 --> 20:17.600 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% the person is convicted or accused, 20:17.666 --> 20:19.766 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% it's really meeting the person where they are, 20:19.833 --> 20:22.000 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% looking at them as a human being, 20:22.066 --> 20:25.700 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% not as a number and looking at the totality of how they 20:25.766 --> 20:27.866 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:30% arrived in a correctional environment. 20:27.933 --> 20:30.866 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:30% And once you are incarcerated, 20:30.933 --> 20:32.766 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% many people lose their families. 20:32.833 --> 20:34.066 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% They lose their house. 20:34.133 --> 20:35.233 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% You lose your job. 20:35.300 --> 20:37.033 align:start position:32.5% line:10% size:35% You lose, lose your self worth, 20:37.100 --> 20:41.166 align:start position:17.5% line:10% size:62.5% your dignity, your pride, and you need to be able to 20:41.233 --> 20:42.300 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:47.5% build that back up. 20:42.366 --> 20:45.033 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% And a lot of times doors will shut on you. 20:45.100 --> 20:48.366 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% And the day you left prison, what was that day like? 20:48.433 --> 20:49.500 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% Were you happy? Were you scared? 20:49.566 --> 20:51.500 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% Uh, it was very overwhelming. 20:51.566 --> 20:53.600 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% Um, it's like a breath of fresh air, 20:53.666 --> 20:56.333 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% but you've got like, uh, we're in a perfect place to 20:56.400 --> 20:57.566 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% talk about this, this is church, 20:57.633 --> 21:00.800 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% you know, so you have God and the devil like right in 21:00.866 --> 21:02.800 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% your face and it's like one saying, go with me. 21:02.866 --> 21:03.933 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:22.5% The other saying, go with me. 21:04.000 --> 21:07.533 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% And it's very overwhelming When folks transition from 21:07.600 --> 21:09.033 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:47.5% being incarcerated. 21:09.100 --> 21:12.033 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% They deserve to live their lives and move forward. 21:12.100 --> 21:14.333 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:30% People might think, okay, well, 21:14.400 --> 21:18.200 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% you know, you learn how to operate a a a a cashier station. 21:18.266 --> 21:19.266 align:start position:40% line:84.67% size:17.5% Mm-Hmm. 21:19.333 --> 21:21.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% But you say they helped you get to know yourself. 21:21.200 --> 21:23.733 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% 'Cause when you changing, so you changing from 21:23.800 --> 21:25.400 align:start position:22.5% line:10% size:55% one person to another. 21:25.466 --> 21:28.266 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% And sometimes for a lot of people, 21:28.333 --> 21:30.000 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% um, change is not good. 21:30.066 --> 21:32.500 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% And then you don't, you can't adjust the feelings 21:32.566 --> 21:35.700 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% and different things and they teach you how to cope with that. 21:35.766 --> 21:41.333 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% And, um, and you learn how to deal with yourself step by step. 21:41.400 --> 21:46.433 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Most people don't want to be criminals. 21:46.500 --> 21:52.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% Most people don't want to live reckless lives. 21:52.200 --> 21:54.200 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% People do want to get better. 21:54.266 --> 21:55.933 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% When you know better, you do better. 21:56.000 --> 21:59.000 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% It gave me an opportunity to relearn myself, 21:59.066 --> 22:03.133 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% um, how to be Veronica again. 22:03.200 --> 22:06.833 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% Uh, you're focused on Returning Citizens. 22:06.900 --> 22:09.333 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% Why that group specifically? 22:09.400 --> 22:12.466 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% Because they're probably the group that's left behind. 22:12.533 --> 22:15.366 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% I, I am an ex-offender. 22:15.433 --> 22:18.666 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% I am a criminal, I am, you know, a felon. 22:18.733 --> 22:22.166 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% I, I am all of those things, but I'm also somebody who is 22:22.233 --> 22:24.933 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% reliable, dependable, honest, hardworking. 22:25.000 --> 22:29.100 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% And I believe in myself and I believe that other people 22:29.166 --> 22:32.666 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% believe in me and I don't have to be labeled as that. 22:32.733 --> 22:36.300 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% People can if given the opportunity can change. 22:36.366 --> 22:39.000 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% And then now I work for a universal company, 22:39.066 --> 22:40.933 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% charter schools. I'm a PCA there. 22:41.000 --> 22:42.100 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% Um, what's a PCA? 22:42.166 --> 22:45.166 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% PCA is uh, is a climate one-on-one. 22:45.233 --> 22:47.800 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% I work one-on-one with challenge behavior children. 22:47.866 --> 22:48.900 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% And I I love it. 22:48.966 --> 22:51.300 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% What, what's your work now? What do you do now? 22:51.366 --> 22:53.666 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% Um, I'm a case manager at Prevention Point 22:53.733 --> 22:55.433 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% working with the opiate crisis. 22:55.500 --> 22:58.833 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% It's a program to prevent people from going to jail. 22:58.900 --> 23:00.433 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% So you're giving back? Yes. 23:00.500 --> 23:03.300 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% If you, if you have an ability and if you have a 23:03.366 --> 23:07.000 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% vision of what you can do or be, that's hope. 23:07.066 --> 23:11.533 align:start position:22.5% line:10% size:55% The number one thing I believe about all of us is 23:11.600 --> 23:17.833 align:start position:15% line:10% size:67.5% people returning help us to acknowledge that we too 23:17.900 --> 23:19.133 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% are not perfect. 23:19.200 --> 23:21.633 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% We are all human beings. 23:21.700 --> 23:26.466 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% We are all better than the worst things we have done. 23:26.533 --> 23:32.033 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% And we all are not as perfect as the way we can appear. 23:32.100 --> 23:35.666 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% So there's good in the worst of us and there's bad in the 23:35.733 --> 23:36.833 align:start position:35% line:84.67% size:27.5% best of us. 23:36.900 --> 23:39.600 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% And it's our common humanity that really, 23:39.666 --> 23:42.900 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% uh, binds us as one human family. 23:42.966 --> 23:48.900 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% And I think the more we can get close up to those people 23:48.966 --> 23:52.866 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% who have been incarcerated, the more we can learn that 23:52.933 --> 23:56.900 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% they have so many gifts and so much to share with us. 23:56.966 --> 23:59.500 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% It's not just what we can do for them, 23:59.566 --> 24:03.966 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% it's what they are also ready and able to do for us. 24:04.033 --> 24:06.600 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% Sometimes when you hear the statistics, 24:06.666 --> 24:07.733 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% you get depressed. 24:07.800 --> 24:10.066 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% They're sad and familiar. 24:10.133 --> 24:15.433 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% The US has 5% of the world's population and 25% of the 24:15.500 --> 24:16.200 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% world's prisoners. 24:16.266 --> 24:19.266 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% It's easy to feel hopeless. 24:19.333 --> 24:23.633 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% Today, we have heard the stories of women and men who 24:23.700 --> 24:27.933 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% have up close and personal knowledge of the system and 24:28.000 --> 24:29.933 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:30% they haven't thrown up their hands. 24:30.000 --> 24:32.400 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% They've rode up their sleeves. 24:32.466 --> 24:36.533 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% The people who I have been most inspired by are the 24:36.600 --> 24:41.966 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% brave women and men who have been through some stuff 24:42.033 --> 24:46.900 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% and are determined to turn their lives around. 24:46.966 --> 24:51.766 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% Nobody should ever be judged by the worst thing they did. 24:51.833 --> 24:55.566 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% Not where you start, it's where you end up. 25:36.100 --> 25:40.033 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% Returning citizens is made possible by 26:10.033 --> 26:14.800 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% the United Way, fostering the success of those who, 26:14.866 --> 26:17.300 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% as they return to our neighborhoods, 26:17.366 --> 26:19.933 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% remain a largely untapped resource, 26:20.000 --> 26:22.400 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% the formerly incarcerated. 26:22.466 --> 26:26.766 align:start position:20% line:10% size:57.5% Waterman II Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation at 26:26.833 --> 26:28.900 align:start position:27.5% line:10% size:45% the recommendation of David Haas, 26:28.966 --> 26:31.733 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% the Independence Foundation.