As I celebrated my 78th trip around the sun, I found myself in an unexpected place – Donovan State Correctional Institute. Instead of the usual cake and candles, I was serenaded by 60 incarcerated men, most serving life sentences. It was a birthday I’ll never forget, and one that opened my eyes to the power of second chances and human potential. The Defy Ventures Program: Unlocking Human Potential My daughter Felicia has become involved with Defy Ventures, an organization that’s changing lives behind bars and beyond. She made sure that her sister Shelby ,and herfriend Yassi also had this experience. Life sadlyn often puts us into some kind of prison, limiting our expectations and beliefs. Now imagine what it’s like for those who have served their time as they re-enter society, facing prejudiced perceptions that are isolating and dehumanizing. The statistics are sobering. With a return-to-prison rate of over 30%, the odds are stacked against the 7 million Americans in our prisons, on probation, or on parole. You can’t start a new life when you’re locked in your old one. Yet Defy Ventures is proving that change is possible. Their innovative programs have helped reduce recidivism to less than 10% […]
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