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The Citizens Project

Jill Harkins

July 23, 2018 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New Haven, Connecticut

In New Haven, a two-decades long experiment in giving community to and promoting empowerment for people who have been in the criminal justice system or mental health treatment services has shown a decrease in drug use and an increase in general quality of life. The idea - that people who have isolated/alienated by a system need to be empowered as citizens to successfully re-integrate - is taking hold in other cities, including Philadelphia.

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A View of Tomorrow

Nicole Lewis

July 18, 2018 |

The Marshall Project |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

More states eye virtual reality to help inmates, jailed since they were teenagers, adapt to a very different world. Since a Supreme Court decision mandated the release of nearly 2,000 inmates sentenced as juveniles to life without parole, states have grappled with how to prepare them, and Pennsylvania turned to VR. Colorado followed suit and others are interested in the potential, but critics warn much more is needed to help juvenile lifers navigate the world as adults.

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You've Served Your Time. Now You're Told You Can't Cut Hair.

Ashley Nerbovig

July 10, 2018 |

The Marshall Project |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Pennsylvania

A number of states have passed reforms aimed at helping people coming out of incarceration get licenses that are key to well-paying jobs, which in turn help people stay out of prison. But there are still numerous hurdles in other states around criminal histories and background checks that keep people with felony records from entering those professions. Those requirements have cost the economy nearly three million jobs according to one report, and disproportionately affect people of color.

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Community in Unity: Recovery Behind Bars

Anne Hillman

July 03, 2018 |

Alaska Public Media |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Wasilla, Alaska

Prisons can reduce recidivism if they provide people who are incarcerated with drug and alcohol treatment, as it helps inmates address underlying issues. People who have been in and out of prison tell their stories about the success of these treatments at a public event organized and recorded by Alaska Public Media. Many participants said more solutions will happen when the question “What's wrong with you?” is replaced with “What happened to you?”

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An Ohio Startup Rebuilds Lives One Piece of Fried Chicken at a Time

Lisa Rab

June 28, 2018 |

Politico |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Columbus, Ohio

Joe DeLoss's startup, Hot Chicken Takeover, does more than just sell fried chicken in Columbus, Ohio -- the startup hires former prisoners, using "fair chance" standards and providing benefits and services to give those employees the best shot at success. The restaurant experiences less turnover than is standard and hopes to expand their models as they open new locations.

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Training the Brain to Stay out of Jail

Eli Hager

June 26, 2018 |

The Marshall Project |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Charleston, South Carolina

A nonprofit in Charleston, South Carolina, uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help formerly incarcerated men shift their mindsets in order to meet the hefty challenges they face re-entering society. Turning Leaf Project actually pays students to take at least 150 hours of CBT and connects them to entry-level jobs in the city and county. So far participants have stayed out of prison, but keeping students in the program is challenging.

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Landing On Your Feet

Jill Harkins

June 20, 2018 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

PAR-Recycle Works has a twofold mission: reduce recidivism and help the planet. By teaching employees to break down electronics, the program has a sustainable source of funding through the sale of scrap metal. So far, the program has employed 33 formerly incarcerated individuals, and it is successfully helping them reintegrate into society.

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In Italy, how one cooperative is trying to counter the Mafia's influence

Sara Manisera

June 20, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Italy, Sessa Aurunca

A cooperative in Italy has repurposed land once owned by the Mafia to produce pasta and organic vegetables, and its employees are using this land to reclaim their lives. Beyond the Dreams’ provides meaningful work for former prisoners, mental patients, and addicts, who cultivate these agricultural products. The revitalization of the ruined land and employment opportunities deliver symbolic blows to organized crime.

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Would you give a job to this gangster?

Anna-Catherine Brigida

June 08, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: El Salvador, San Salvador

In El Salvador a nonprofit partners with employers to find jobs for gang members who want a way out of that life. It's a key component to helping people escape gang violence, although companies must work with churches and community groups to get the former gang members job training and to negotiate their separation with the gang leaders. They must also convince their fellow companies this is a viable solution, as well as their own employees, who will work with the former gang members.

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They're Out of Prison. Can They Stay Out of the Hospital?

Patricia Leigh Brown

May 29, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

The Transitions Clinic Network is providing healthcare to men and women coming out of prison. The organization, which has treated over 5,000 patients, hires community health workers to connect former inmates to health services. Since this population often leaves prison without access to proper healthcare, these services are keeping people out of emergency rooms and aiding in their transition to life after prison.

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