Speaking at Brown University
On Monday, November 11, we went to Brown University to speak to a public health class of 40 students about the impact of stigma on reentry and health. Stigma following incarceration is extensive and affects individuals’ abilities to find jobs, housing, health care, social acceptance, and many other basic needs and services. Kathy spoke about […]
Interview: Tyson Ferrara On “Getting Out of the Mud”
by Nina Zhao “It takes a community.” Tyson has a lot to pass on to future generations who have been through what he’s been through. In my interview with him, Tyson Ferrara reflected on his upbringing, his experiences, and where he is now. Early Days: Cycling in and out of Prison Tyson got involved in […]
Interview: Franklin Diaz of New Man Cuts Barbershop
by Nina Zhao Franklin Diaz, now 35 years old, first discovered hair-cutting about 20 years ago, when he fell in love with the craft and saw the opportunities it could bring him. Franklin went to prison in July of 2018, shortly after he opened his barber shop in May of 2018. He was released in […]
Interview: Jose Tapia of TSP Cache Hair & Barber Salon
by Nina Zhao After serving 27 years at the Rhode Island ACI, Jose Tapia was released in March 2020 to a completely different life. He is now the founder, owner, and operator of TSP Cache Hair & Barber Salon. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jose to learn more about his story. TURNING […]
Speaking at Roger Williams University Law School
Phoenix Odyssey’s Speakers’ Bureau visited Roger Williams University on April 10, 2024 to speak to students at the law school. Thank you to Morgan Alger and Professor Horwitz. Very interesting questions posed by the law students!
Fair Chance Hiring Business Consortium
On March 14th, 2024, Phoenix Odyssey hosted its first business consortium at the Pawtucket Country Club. More than 65 employers, legislative representatives, and Phoenix graduates attended and learned about fair chance hiring, the Phoenix Project prison reentry program, and how our pre-and post-release programs at the ACI demonstrate what successful reentry can do for Rhode […]
Phoenix Project NASW MA Presentation
Dr. Carty and Stacey Wildenhain presented for the Massachusetts National Association of Social Work on June 27, 2022. We discussed the development, implementation, and preliminary evaluation of the Phoenix Project. The Phoenix Project is the 6 month, institutionally based re-entry program at the ACI. The virtual audience were receptive to recognizing that people who have […]