From Prison to Empowerment: Hassan Latif’s Journey
Transformation is never easy for justice-impacted individuals, but with the right support system, it becomes possible. After serving 18 years in prison, Hassan Latif emerged as a leader, founding the Second Chance Center in Denver, Colorado. Today, the center provides critical support services—including mentorship, job readiness programs, addiction counseling, and housing—for justice-impacted individuals reentering society. […]
Massachusetts Department of Correction
The Massachusetts Department of Correction (MADOC) has set a national benchmark for correctional education and rehabilitation, achieving one of the lowest recidivism rates in the country. By partnering with Orijin, MADOC expanded access to learning through Orijin’s managed platform, offering over 40 self-directed courses, vocational training in high-demand trades, and certifications like OSHA-10. This initiative […]
Shelena Lowrie
Length of Time in Corrections: 15+ years Location: DC Central Detention Center, Washington DC Shelena Lowrie’s career in corrections began on the front lines as a correctional officer, and over 15 years later, she’s now the educational tablet coordinator at the DC Department of Corrections. In her current role, Lowrie is the driving force behind […]
Expanding Education and Reducing Recidivism at Tennessee’s Blount County Jail
MARYVILLE, TN — Blount County Jail’s recent expansion of Orijin’s managed learning platform, delivered via safe and secure tablets, is transforming reentry, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts. Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Ellis highlighted the profound impact of Orijin’s nearly 200 tablets, which provide access to over 60 hours of educational content, equipping justice-impacted individuals with essential skills […]
Meet Orijin’s Hope Dealer
By Jaime Crespo At Orijin, we believe in the power of second chances and the remarkable potential that lies within every individual. Antonio Arnett, one of our most inspiring team members, is a living testament to this belief. Known at Orijin as the “Swiss Army Knife,” for his myriad skills, Arnett’s journey from incarceration to […]
Hancock County Jail: Sowing Seeds of Hope
In this episode of 2nd Chances @ Work, we sit down with Sheriff Brad and Crystal Petty from Hancock County to explore their collaborative approach to improving jail operations and creating opportunities for learners to turn their lives around. Sheriff Brad shares his insights on leadership and the importance of rehabilitation programs, while Petty discusses […]
Nichole Stark
Title: Assistant Jail Commander Length of Time in Corrections: 8+ years Location: Hancock County Jail, Greenfield, Indiana Nichole Stark, the Assistant Jail Commander at Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, has dedicated over eight years to her role. In that time, she has seen firsthand how innovative programs like Orijin are transforming the inmate experience and creating lasting […]
Crystal Petty
Title: Jail Navigator Length of Time in Corrections: Since 2022 Location: Hancock County Jail, Greenfield, Indiana Crystal Petty, Jail Navigator at Hancock County Jail, has spent the last two years transforming lives within the correctional system. Driven by a passion for rehabilitation, Petty believes that education, rehabilitation, and skills development are keys to breaking the […]
Sheriff Brad Burkhart
Length of Time in Law Enforcement and Corrections: 35+ years Location: Hancock County Jail, Greenfield, Indiana Under Sheriff Brad Burkhart’s leadership, Hancock County Jail in Greenfield Indiana, has transformed into a place where justice-impacted individuals can rebuild their lives through education and opportunity. Drawing from his upbringing on a farm, Sheriff Burkhart’s philosophy is grounded […]
Ronnell’s Journey
Location: Washington DC Jail Orijin Training: Successfully completed multiple Interplay vocational certificate programs and is utilizing Orijin as part of his higher education journey at Ashland University. Career Goal: To own a restaurant in his local community. From Tech Enthusiast to Aspiring Entrepreneur From an early age, Ronnell knew he was destined for a […]
