Letters of Change Event Recap
On Thursday, September 18, Phoenix Odyssey hosted its first ever art-centered event, titled “Letters of Change.” This event brought together artists, Phoenix graduates, legislators, business-owners, and other community members for a celebration of our diverse histories and journeys. During the six-month Phoenix Project program in the prison, participants write letters to their 12-year-old selves, and […]
Thank you House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi!
We express our appreciation to House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi for his generous donation to Phoenix Odyssey!
Thank you Congressman Amo!
Thank you to Congressman Gabe Amo for sponsoring the Phoenix Odyssey Letters of Change Art Fundraiser on September 18. We are so grateful for his ongoing support!
Victor Perez: Peer Recovery Specialist!
Congratulations to our Phoenix graduate Victor Perez on obtaining his dual certification as a peer recovery specialist and community health worker! We are so proud and excited for him!
How It Started And How It’s Going: April Event Recap
On April 10, 2025, Phoenix Odyssey hosted its second annual consortium at the Pawtucket Country Club. More than 70 stakeholders including representatives from the ACI, legislation, community provider agencies, Probation and Parole, and Phoenix graduates came together for discussions to strategize and collaborate to enhance successful reentry. We discussed our unique roles in facilitating successful […]
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!