The Power of Arts, Purpose & Perseverance: Divine G Whitfield’s Story
In honor of Second Chance Awareness Month, this special episode of 2nd Chances @ Work features the remarkable John “Divine G” Whitfield — the justice-impacted changemaker whose real-life story inspired the critically acclaimed film Sing Sing, starring Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo. Divine G’s journey from wrongful incarceration to founding Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) inside New York’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility […]
Why Motivation and Engagement Are Essential in Correctional Education
By Dr. Amy Lopez Education is a proven pathway to opportunity, but for justice-impacted learners, staying motivated and engaged presents unique challenges. In traditional classrooms, students have a variety of support systems, from teachers and peers to family encouragement. In correctional settings, however, the learning environment is vastly different. Disruptions, restrictions, and a lack of […]
Orijin and Interplay Learning Expand Partnership to Offer 15 Learning Pathways to Support Pre-Apprenticeships and Additional Skilled Trades Training in Correctional Facilities
AUSTIN, TX and NEW YORK, NY – March 26, 2025 – Orijin, a technology leader in evidence-based learning and workforce development programming for correctional jurisdictions, and Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive skilled trades training, have expanded their partnership to provide greater access to workforce development opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. This expansion introduces pre-apprenticeship […]
How Roca’s Relentless Engagement is Changing Young Lives
In this episode of 2nd Chances @ Work, host Arti Finn sits down with Solomon Baymon, Director of Roca Western Massachusetts, to explore how relentless engagement, education, and tailored reentry pathways are transforming the lives of high-risk young people. A Springfield native, Baymon spent over 15 years in corrections, rising to Deputy Warden, before taking […]
Hancock County Jail Expands Orijin-powered EdTech, Saving Millions and Transforming Lives
Read the full article here: Educational options: Tablet program continues to grow at county jail Greenfield, IN — Hancock County Jail in Greenfield, Indiana, is expanding its Orijin-powered educational programs to provide more incarcerated individuals with access to transformative learning and rehabilitation opportunities. Currently, the jail has around 285 Orijin tablets, with 225 actively licensed […]
The Power of Love and Support: Anthony Barwick Sr.’s Journey
When we first featured Anthony Barwick II on 2nd Chances @ Work, we heard a powerful story of resilience and transformation. But behind his journey was a father who never stopped believing in him. In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Barwick Sr. to hear his perspective on the challenges of having both of his […]
Tennessee Pilot Program Changing Lives and Filling Workforce Gaps
By Jaime Crespo A new partnership between Orijin, ToolingU-SME, Smith County Jail, the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board, The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS), and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Tennessee Office of Reentry, is transforming reentry by harnessing the power of education and workforce development. Together, we […]
How Anthony Barwick II Turned Incarceration into a Thriving Business
In our latest podcast episode, we explore the incredible journey of Anthony Barwick II, who transformed his life after serving a ten-year prison sentence by founding Privileged Paws, a mobile dog-training and care business. Barwick II reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his path, from joining a dog-training program during incarceration to discovering a […]
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 […]
