The Last Mile

The Indiana Pacers Sports & Entertainment owner Steve Simon recognized the untapped talent in prison and in The Last Mile classrooms. The Pacers are setting an example for other National Basketball Association (NBA) teams to follow. What Billie Edison’s story is an amazing example of fair chance hiring. Billie was incarcerated and stayed in prison an additional year to complete The Last Mile’s Web Development Program for a chance at a new career pathway. Her unlikely journey, from behind bars to center court, is an inspiration for all those who deserve a fair chance. During Second Chance Month, it’s more important than ever to share these stories. Fair chance hiring is not the future, it is now. Brought to you by Tilt23 Studios in collaboration with The Last Mile and Indiana Department of Correction

Our Executive Director Kevin McCracken sat down with Indio Myles on the Impact Boom podcast to talk about discusses the cyclical and systemic nature of recidivism in society, and how more businesses can support justice-impacted individuals through fair chance hiring practices. Check out the episode and drop any questions in the comments below! https://lnkd.in/dE2tz66R

Life after prison is a battle against an unforgiving system. Re-entering society after incarceration is fraught with challenges that many former inmates are unprepared for. Shaka Senghor's experience reveals the harsh reality of life after prison: Despite serving their time, former inmates face numerous barriers to re-entry, from finding employment to securing stable housing. 🎧 Visit www.thelastmileradio.org for the full interview with Shaka Senghor. #LifeAfterPrison #CriminalJusticeReform #Incarceration

Incarceration often strips away an individual's humanity. Prisons are meant to rehabilitate, yet they frequently deepen the detachment from society and self. For many, like Anthony Villalba, incarceration becomes a descent into further chaos and disconnection. Arrested at 16 and sentenced to life for murder, Anthony's time in prison only fueled his involvement in gang activities and further distanced him from his humanity. His story highlights the urgent need for reform in how we treat and rehabilitate incarcerated individuals, focusing on restoring their humanity rather than stripping it away. 🎧 Tune in to this episode of The Last Mile Radio, dropping this Saturday, July 20. #TheLastMile #TheLastMileRadio #CriminalJusticeReform #Incarceration #PrisonReform

The cycle of childhood trauma leading to incarceration is a systemic failure. Children who face neglect and instability often turn to gangs for the sense of belonging and protection they lack at home. This path frequently leads to crime and incarceration, highlighting a critical flaw in our societal structure. Anthony Villalba's story is a testament to this harsh reality. Taken from his parents by Child Protective Services and raised by his grandmother, he felt lost and inadequate. Seeking worth, he joined a gang and, at 16, was sentenced to life in prison for murder. His experience underscores the urgent need for criminal justice reform and support systems that address the root causes of youth crime. 🎧 Tune in to this episode of The Last Mile Radio, dropping this Saturday, July 20. #TheLastMile #TheLastMileRadio #CriminalJusticeReform #YouthIncarceration #ChildhoodTrauma

The mind can be a different kind of prison, especially when your environment is harmful for your mental well-being. Breaking free from the cycle of incarceration requires more than just physical release; it demands a complete mental transformation. Shaka Senghor's journey highlights the power of reprogramming one's thoughts to escape the prison of the mind. During his time in prison, Senghor challenged himself to envision a different reality, drawing inspiration from books like "As a Man Thinketh." He realized that his negative thought patterns had contributed to his downfall, but by taking personal accountability and exercising personal agency, he began to reprogram his mindset for a positive future. Senghor's story is a testament to the profound impact of mental resilience and the importance of addressing both personal and systemic factors in criminal justice reform. 🎧 Visit www.thelastmileradio.org for the full interview with Shaka Senghor. #MentalResilience #CriminalJusticeReform #Incarceration #SocialJustice #PersonalAccountability

Faith can provide strength and hope even in the darkest moments of life. During times of extreme uncertainty and fear, faith can be a lifeline. Molly Rowe-Kelly's experience with her husband, Kevin Kelly, who was unresponsive and on the brink of death, underscores the power of belief. As Kevin lay in a hospital bed, his life hanging by a thread, Molly relied on her faith to carry her through. Her story is a testament to the resilience that faith can inspire in the face of life’s most harrowing challenges. Visit www.thelastmileradio.org for the full interview. #FaithInAdversity #PowerOfBelief #OvercomingFear #TheLastMile

Community support is essential for overcoming guilt and shame that can stem from past traumas and lead to destructive behaviors. Many individuals who end up in prisons like San Quentin are burdened by feelings of guilt and shame from their past. These emotions often start in childhood and can drive people to seek solace in harmful habits, like drinking. Kevin Kelly's story is a testament to this cycle. He shares how a social drink spiraled into self-hatred and destructive behavior, reinforcing negative self-beliefs. Breaking free from this cycle alone is incredibly difficult - That's why communities, whether in churches or support groups, are vital. They provide the understanding and support needed to help individuals reclaim control over their lives. 🎧 Tune in to this incredible episode of The Last Mile Radio with Kevin and Molly Rowe-Kelly, dropping this Saturday, July 13. #CommunitySupport #OvercomingShame #MentalHealth #SupportSystems #TheLastMile

Childhood violence creates lifelong scars. Growing up in an environment of violence and trauma can set the stage for a lifetime of struggle and pain. Shaka Senghor's experience highlights the devastating impact of childhood violence. By the age of 14, he was already caught in the dangerous world of the crack cocaine trade, experiencing physical abuse, witnessing murder, and facing life-threatening violence himself. His story shows how these traumatic events can lead to a cycle of violence, where survival becomes the primary focus. Despite his resilience, Senghor's journey reflects a systemic failure to provide support and healing for children affected by violence. 🎧 Visit www.thelastmileradio.org for the full interview with Shaka Senghor. #ChildhoodTrauma #Violence #CriminalJusticeReform #Incarceration #SocialJustice

The fragility of life is starkly highlighted when emergency strikes without warning. In next week's episode of The Last Mile Radio, we will hear about Kevin Kelly and Molly Rowe-Kelly's harrowing experience when Kevin narrowly escaped unexpected death. This is a story of redemption in every way, and the resillience that Kevin and Molly displayed and continue to bring to our team is incredible. 🎧 Tune in to this episode of The Last Mile Radio, dropping this Saturday, July 13. #EmergencyPreparedness #CPRSavesLives #HealthCrisis #SuddenEmergency #TheLastMile