Why Giving Incarcerated Individuals a Second Chance Benefits Us All

Experiencing incarceration firsthand, I can attest to the transformative power of second chances. It's not just about me; it's about everyone involved – the people I’ve hurt, my loved ones, my community, and society as a whole. Someone once told me that the best way to apologize is to make the changes necessary to avoid repeating it.

When I first entered the correctional system, remorse weighed heavily on me. But simply feeling sorry wasn't enough; I needed the opportunity to demonstrate that remorse through action. That's where programs like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), educational courses, vocational training, and reentry programs became invaluable.

Through Purposeful Living Units Serve (P.L.U.S.), a CBT program, I learned to understand and manage my thoughts and behaviors constructively. Education and vocational training provided me with knowledge and skills that I never had the chance to acquire before. Programs like The Last Mile (TLM) not only equipped me with marketable skills as a web developer but also instilled in me a sense of confidence and purpose.

Even while incarcerated, I've been fortunate to gain employment with Televerde, a company that believes in second chances and a business model that provides opportunities for individuals like me to thrive during and after incarceration. As a website specialist, I continue to utilize and build the skills I gained through education and vocational training, serving as a living testament to the potential for positive change that second chances offer. Additionally, I feel blessed to be going through the Televerde Foundation’s PATHS reentry program, which not only helps prepare individuals for release but also provides support upon reentry.

The numbers don’t lie – these programs are effective and making a difference. The recidivism rate for those who go through the PLUS (CBT) program is less than 5%. For participants in The Last Mile programs, the recidivism rate is less than 4%. At Televerde, the recidivism rate is less than 6%, 91% lower than the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ national rate among females released from prison. And the Televerde Foundation's PATHS program boasts a remarkable 0% recidivism rate. These numbers are stark contrasts to the national average of recidivism, which stands at 44% of released offenders to return before the first year out of prison.

Moreover, here in Indiana, where I'm from, the recidivism rate is 38.2%, the lowest it has been in 6 years. Could it be that thanks to programs like these, the rate is declining? Is it possible that if we had more programs across the states that offered technical skills and enabled offenders to start before they are released, like Televerde erde does, and reentry programs like the Televerde Foundation offers (PATHS), these rates would go down everywhere?

Because of these programs, I know that when released, I will be successful and thrive, becoming a positive member and contributor to my community and someone my son and family can be proud of. Reflecting on my past, I can confidently say that I am not the person I once was. I share my story not only because I believe in the power of second chances but also because I've witnessed firsthand the impact of these programs on individuals, their families, and communities. It's time to recognize the value of investing in rehabilitation and reintegration, not just for the individuals involved but for our entire society. Second chances benefit us all.

I urge you to join in advocating for greater investment in rehabilitation and reintegration programs. Together, we can ensure that individuals leaving the correctional system have the support and resources they need to succeed. Whether it's through volunteering, supporting legislation, spreading awareness, or working with a business model like Televerde’s every action counts. Let's work towards a future where second chances are not just a possibility but a fundamental right for all individuals seeking redemption and a chance to contribute positively to society. Together, we can make a difference.