Changing from Correctional Facilities to Educational Facilities
In the vast landscape of social reform, the power of education stands tall. As the co-founder of APDS and an ambassador for the 2nd Chances @ Work campaign, my mission is rooted in the belief that education, bolstered by career readiness, can unlock potential, transform trajectories, and rebuild lives for the estimated 1.77M individuals currently […]
Unseen Assets: The Untapped Talent of Justice-Impacted Individuals
The dynamic labor market holds a vast, untapped resource in justice-impacted individuals. Despite facing societal barriers and stigmas, these folks have proven to be among the hardest workers and committed employees. In fact, 85% of human resources executives and 81% of business leaders report that justice-impacted individuals perform the same as, or better than, […]
From Life without Parole to Strategist with Washington State Office of Public Defense
I am Kimonti Carter, a 2nd Chances at Work Ambassador, Community Activist, and the Founder of Taking Education and Creating History (T.E.A.C.H.), a prisoner self-education program supported by APDS. At the age of 18, I was sentenced to life without parole and spent 25 years and three months of my life in a federal prison. […]
Advocating for Equity and Inclusion in the Workforce
As a Human Resource professional, implementing the best practices in hiring and addressing the skills gap for fair chance employment is of paramount importance. I believe fair chance employment provides opportunities for justice-impacted men and women with a criminal record, giving them a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. I […]
Breaking Down Barriers Through Living-wage Employment
Article by APDS AmbassadorChris WilsonSerial Social Entrepreneur, Storyteller, Artist, Social Justice Advocate, Author Reintegrating into society after incarceration poses a formidable challenge for many individuals. Among the numerous obstacles they encounter, securing stable employment stands out as one of the most crucial, in an environment and around people that support healthy habits. It helps them […]
Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development: A Common Sense Approach to Successful Reentry to Society
I started my professional career as an educator of chemistry and math to middle school children. I was afforded the opportunity to become an Educator in the Carceral system and then as an Administrator for the State of Tennessee’s Department of Labor. I saw first hand that an investment in 2nd Chances affords opportunity. […]
2nd CHANCE Podcast -The Community Voice to Change Corrections for Good!
I am thrilled to announce the launch of the APDS 2nd CHANCE Podcast, a community voice dedicated to changing corrections for good, and a new venture that I will personally host. Through this platform, I will speak with some of the most important change agents in corrections and highlight the critical work to […]
A jail-based program aims to expand career opportunities through cloud-skills training.
Julian Blair knew nothing about cloud computing when he became incarcerated in a Washington, D.C. jail more than two years ago. “I’d never done anything with a computer besides video games, typing papers in college, and downloading music on an iPad,” said Blair. Now, after three months of work with an educational program led by APDS and […]
A Broadway Show About Life After Incarceration Finds Its Most Avid Audience In A New York City Jail
Lynn Nottage’s “Clyde’s” gets a showing at Rikers Island, and detainees have plenty of feedback … Read Article
NYC Corrections Department Expands Inmate Tablet Program
The New York City Department of Correction has increased the use of tablets since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to help offer information and resources to the individuals in custody within its facilities … Read More
