Ex convictos continúan siendo estigmatizados por su historial criminal, en particular al intentar buscar un trabajo legítimo. Sin embargo, los empresarios están enfrentando una creciente presión a nivel nacional para cambiar sus pólizas de no ofrecer empleo a ex convictos. Una vez que un preso se reintegra a la sociedad, encontrar y mantener un empleo se convierte en el principal factor que determina sí un preso tiene éxito o regresar a la prisión. El movimiento “Ban the box” buscar revocar las pregunta de “si” o “no” a cerca de felonías … [Read more...] about Reintegraciόn dificil para Ex-Convictos
Pregnant prisoners shackled
Pregnant female prisoners – even those in the midst of labor – must suffer the indignity and discomfort of mandatorily being shackled and handcuffed by San Diego County Sheriffs, according to a recent Voice of San Diego news article. A 2013 legislative bill implemented specific law to prohibit such restraints. The SD Sheriff’s Department, however, chooses to interpret the phrase, “…unless deemed necessary for the safety and security of the inmate, the staff, or the public,” as effectively meaning at all times, according to a recent Voice of … [Read more...] about Pregnant prisoners shackled
Florida’s prison commissary prices a “highway robbery without a gun”
Outside advocacy groups joined with Florida’s prisoners in a protest called Operation PUSH to bring attention to the state’s long history of overcharging for basic canteen items, while simultaneously underpaying its inmate workforce, reported a PolitiFact Florida article. “One case of soup on the street costs $4,” PUSH said in an anonymous website statement. “It costs us $17 on the inside. This is highway robbery without a gun.” In January, protesters rallied and picketed outside the Department of Corrections in Tallahassee to demand … [Read more...] about Florida’s prison commissary prices a “highway robbery without a gun”
Former inmate develops “prison instagram”
Marcus Bullock discovered a wealth of entrepreneurial insights during his time behind bars. His prison experiences inspired him to create Flikshop—an innovative app that helps incarcerated people remain close to their loved ones. Flikshop takes any image sent from a cellphone and turns it into a postcard that the inmate will receive through regular mail. “We are called the Instagram of prison,” Bullock recently told San Quentin News. “We keep families connected.” “We want to ensure a person in every cell receives mail every day,” he said. … [Read more...] about Former inmate develops “prison instagram”
Repairing a guitar leads to repairing chairs for the community
At the public library in Benicia, children and parents value the craftsmanship of San Quentin inmates. SQ’s Furniture Shop recently volunteered its services for the restoration of more than 40 children’s chairs badly in need of repair. “The care and effort which was put into the chairs and the quality of the work was great,” Helaine Bowles, Library Administrative Assistant, recently told the Vallejo Times-Herald. Lacking funds to repair or replace the chairs, the Benicia Public Library heard about SQ’s Wood and Upholstery Shops and contacted … [Read more...] about Repairing a guitar leads to repairing chairs for the community
New employment policies to help hire formerly incarcerated
Music superstar John Legend is using his celebrity status to gather national support for Unlocked Futures, a new foundation aimed at helping formerly incarcerated persons develop into successful entrepreneurs. Legend is already committed to criminal justice reform through his FreeAmerica initiative. He joined forces with other philanthropists to coordinate a $500,000 grant from Bank of America. They used it to launch eight startup ideas from former prisoners and persons impacted by incarceration, according to a Nation Swell … [Read more...] about New employment policies to help hire formerly incarcerated
SQ parolee serves up more than just coffee in Antioch
Coffee entrepreneur John Krause can relate to the slim employment prospects most ex-cons face upon parole. As a former San Quentin inmate himself, Krause spent over a decade in and out of prison before opening Big House Beans (BHB). Based in Antioch, BHB’s production facility now roasts thousands of pounds of premium gourmet coffee beans per month—supplying restaurants, coffee shops, and tech companies throughout California. But Krause’s business plan goes far beyond simply turning a profit. “I really want to embrace the community to create … [Read more...] about SQ parolee serves up more than just coffee in Antioch
Parolees’ hard transition from stigmatized past
Convicted felons continue to be stigmatized by their criminal past, particularly when they search for legitimate work. But employers are facing a growing, nationwide pressure to change their anti-felon hiring policies. Upon reentry, finding and maintaining employment becomes the main factor that determines an inmate’s success or recidivism. The “ban the box” movement seeks to abolish the yes or no question about felony conviction on standard job applications, according to a recent article. “Any sentence for criminal activity will, for many, … [Read more...] about Parolees’ hard transition from stigmatized past
Police continue to shoot about 1,000 people a year
987 people were fatally shot by police officers in 2017 Police across the country shot and killed approximately the same number of people in 2017 as they did in each of the previous two years. Because there is no official nationwide tally of fatal police shootings, The Washington Post took charge and has compiled the most accurate accounting of these incidents – 2,945 shooting deaths in all since 2015, with roughly 1,000 each year. According to the Post’s report, 987 people were fatally shot by police officers in 2017. “The numbers indicate … [Read more...] about Police continue to shoot about 1,000 people a year
Two NBA players assist Kaepernick in donating
Colin Kaepernick’s political activism continues to generate momentum and controversy. This January, Steph Curry teamed up with the embattled NFL star to help complete his year-long pledge to contribute $1 million to various charities, including violence prevention organization United Playaz, reported KTVU news. Kaepernick faced fierce criticism in December for visiting prisoners at New York’s Rikers Island facility, according to articles in The Washington Times and New York Daily News. “At a time when jail violence is soaring and assaults … [Read more...] about Two NBA players assist Kaepernick in donating