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Once overlooked by the labor market, education and specialized training is helping those leaving prison become the perfect job candidate as employers nationwide struggle to find and keep willing workers. The state of North Carolina has taken notice as they recently signed a historic Executive Order to improve reentry for the formerly incarcerated population within the state as part of the growing Reentry 2030 initiative.

Our Chief Social Impact Officer, Tony Lowden, and Project Manager, Antonio Sadler, spoke with ABC Raleigh about how ViaPath’s technology in North Carolina aids second chances by offering online educational and vocational training to prisons and youth facilities.

To view the segment, click here.

About ViaPath Technologies

ViaPath provides advanced communications, technology and management solutions that facilitate meaningful connections, provide educational opportunities, and enable successful reintegration for both current and formerly incarcerated individuals. ViaPath is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with an employee presence throughout North America. To learn more, please visit viapath.com.

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By Tony Lowden

America has one of the highest recidivism rates in the world with 44% of incarcerated individuals returning to prison within one year of release. We must come together as a nation to support returning citizens by giving them the resources and education they need to successfully break the incarceration cycle and reintegrate into society.

I was recently in Franklin, Ohio visiting a transitional facility that focuses on jobs and reintegration. I met with two cohorts of short timers during my visit and shared my 4 Ps: You have to change your playground, playthings, and playmates in order to find your purpose.

Change your playground

Getting a fresh start in a new environment can cut negative influences or triggers for criminal behavior. Studies show that returning citizens who relocate are less likely to recidivate than those who do not, with one study finding that relocation halved recidivism rates. Here at ViaPath Technologies, we offer housing resources for incarcerated individuals so that they can better prepare themselves for post-release life by positioning themselves in environments that support healthy reintegration. We understand that building a new community is key to cultivating the stability that breaks the cycle of incarceration.

Change your playmates

Building healthy relationships is essential to successful reintegration. Simply returning to old friend groups can lock you into the same influences and patterns that led to previous criminal behavior. Corrections facilities often provide a variety of programs designed to promote healthy lifestyles which returning citizens can – and should – continue using after release. Intentionally transitioning into new circles with friends who support and exemplify better lifestyles can offer a sense of belonging outside the criminal world, which reduces the chances of returning to criminal activities.

Change your playthings

Changing your activities incorporates both employment opportunities and leisure time. Research has shown that stable employment is a key factor in reducing recidivism. Change can begin before release, with many correctional facilities providing opportunities to enhance hireability through programs with tangible results such as earning GEDs, enhancing literacy or receiving vocational training. Taking advantage of these programs offers returning citizens the opportunity to gain financial independence, which reduces the economic incentives for criminal activities and provides purpose. Intentionally engaging in constructive leisure activities helps reduce exposure to old influences while cultivating positive interactions with society.

Find your purpose

Discovering your purpose is the most important part of successfully reintegrating into society. Incarceration shouldn’t be wasted time – it’s a unique and valuable opportunity to break old habits and learn new skills. Partnering with organizations such as ViaPath and our staffing agency 2C Workforce Solutions to make the most of a fresh start can be the key to finding the purpose that breaks the cycle of incarceration.

Tony Lowden
Chief Social Impact Officer of ViaPath Technologies

About ViaPath Technologies

ViaPath provides advanced communications, technology and management solutions that facilitate meaningful connections, provide educational opportunities, and enable successful reintegration for both current and formerly incarcerated individuals. ViaPath is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with an employee presence throughout North America. To learn more, please visit viapath.com.

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Every day, more than 1,600 incarcerated people on average will be released from federal and state prisons across the nation. Many of these individuals will face immeasurable hardship as they attempt to reintegrate into a society that unfortunately has long forgotten about them. Between the struggle to find stable employment and housing, the stigma associated with their criminal records, and the constant risk of poverty and recidivism, it is crucial that those who are impacted most by the criminal justice system are afforded a second chance and pathways to become thriving members of our society. 

April is Second Chance Month, a time to reaffirm our commitment to giving individuals who are justice-impacted a chance to rebuild their lives and create a better future for themselves and their families. America has always been a land of opportunity, where anyone can become the best version of themselves regardless of background or circumstance. Offering a second chance to the formerly incarcerated is not just an American value but will also help create safer and more prosperous communities across our nation. 

At ViaPath Technologies, we believe that a second chance can come in the way of technology and digital solutions, which can help millions of people at every touchpoint in the criminal justice system acquire the education and training they need for successful reintegration. ViaPath’s integrated correctional technology solutions currently serve approximately 2,100 facilities and 1.6 million inmates in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Moreover, our products and services have been deployed in 32 state Department of Corrections agencies and many of the nation’s largest city and county facilities. 

One of the most effective ways to provide second chances is through education and job training. Access to education and training can open doors to new career paths and help individuals develop skills that are in demand in today’s job market. ViaPath is committed to providing these opportunities through a number of reintegration services and robust partnerships with organizations in the education and training space. 

Last year, ViaPath launched two new partnerships with CypherWorx and Honest Jobs, organizations dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals attain the skills and knowledge they need to reenter the workforce. CypherWorx provides online training courses that cover a wide range of topics from computer skills to healthcare, while Honest Jobs connects job seekers with employers who are willing to give individuals with criminal records fair-chance employment.  

Through partnerships and resources, ViaPath has helped individuals in the criminal justice system access nearly 5 million eLearning hours on our Inspire tablets. This access to education and training is already making a significant difference in the lives of individuals seeking a successful reintegration following incarceration. 

This month, as we celebrate the strides we have made in creating a positive impact for millions of people, ViaPath Technologies reaffirms our commitment to continue providing opportunities for those individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.  And to the hundreds of thousands of hardworking Americans who are released from incarceration each year: ViaPath Technologies stands with you, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping you build a better life on the other side. 

About ViaPath Technologies

ViaPath provides advanced communications, technology and management solutions that facilitate meaningful connections, provide educational opportunities, and enable successful reintegration for both current and formerly incarcerated individuals. ViaPath is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with an employee presence throughout North America. To learn more, please visit viapath.com.

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The month of March gives us all an opportunity to celebrate Women’s History Month, honoring all women everywhere – from women who live out their dream job every day, to admired celebrities and changemakers throughout the world.  

In 1908, a bold group of change makers united and marched for better labor laws, working conditions, and the right to vote, a push for equality that continues today. In March of 1972, Title IX was passed, specifically created to protect women from gender discrimination and in 1975, the United Nations officially began recognizing March 8 as International Women’s Day. Finally, in 1987, Congress declared March as Women’s History Month. 

Since then, each year, the National Women’s History Alliance assigns Women’s History Month a theme and for 2023, the theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” This theme recognizes women throughout history who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling – including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news, and social media.   

As we continue to recognize Women’s History Month, at ViaPath Technologies we celebrate all the contributions made by women whether it be at home, in our communities, or in the workplace. 

For more information and insight on Women’s History Month, check out the resources below: 

Women’s History Month 2023 – What’s the Theme for This Year? | YouMap 

Women’s History Month: The 2023 theme, why we celebrate and everything else you need to know (yahoo.com) 

36 Activities To Celebrate Women’s History Month (2023) (goodgoodgood.co) 

https://www.wgbh.org/news/news/2023/03/02/womens-history-month-grew-out-of-a-weeklong-commemoration-by-jimmy-carter-in-1980

The information in this post is intended for your general knowledge only. ViaPath Technologies does not control or take responsibility for the content or information on any external website not managed by ViaPath.  

About ViaPath Technologies

ViaPath provides advanced communications, technology and management solutions that facilitate meaningful connections, provide educational opportunities, and enable successful reintegration for both current and formerly incarcerated individuals. ViaPath is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with an employee presence throughout North America. To learn more, please visit viapath.com.

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Creating a More Inclusive, Cohesive Work Environment – ViaPath Technologies Named a Top Workplace for Third Consecutive Year

ViaPath Technologies is a people-focused company that continuously strives to create an inclusive environment that employees can thrive in. With a commitment to creating a cohesive work environment, every program implemented internally is done with our employees top of mind. As a result of our commitment to creating a healthy company culture, we have been recognized as a 2023 Top Workplaces USA Award winner, receiving this award for the third consecutive year.

These awards, presented by Energage – a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces – are based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey.

Deb Alderson, President & CEO of ViaPath Technologies, has served as a catalyst for change in the corrections industry and the overall culture of ViaPath since she joined the company in 2018. With her leadership and commitment to cultivating a healthy work environment, ViaPath’s corporate culture continues to evolve in positive ways.   

“We are honored to be recognized for this award for a third year in a row and see this as  evidence that ViaPath is making the necessary moves to provide value to our employees, customers, and the community,” said Alderson. “Our engaged employees are the key to us fulfilling our mission of breaking the cycle of incarceration through transformative technology.”

About ViaPath Technologies

ViaPath provides advanced communications, technology and management solutions that facilitate meaningful connections, provide educational opportunities, and enable successful reintegration for both current and formerly incarcerated individuals. ViaPath is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with an employee presence throughout North America. To learn more, please visit viapath.com.

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4-Part Podcast Series

ViaPath Technologies recently teamed up with Right Thinking with Steve Coplon podcast to produce an exclusive 4-part series highlighting the importance of supporting returning citizens, their families, and communities as a whole.  

In this series, Steve Coplon, founder of the Right Thinking Foundation, interviews four ViaPath employees that share their stories of faith, change, and redemption. Listen in to hear their perspectives on incarceration and reintegration, and their tips to others who may share a similar journey.  

“Better Days” – Episode #292 with Tony Lowden 
In part one of the series, ViaPath Technologies’ Vice President of Reintegration and Community Engagement, Tony Lowden, shares insights on the importance of reducing recidivism and  ViaPath’s vision to provide the incarcerated population with resources that will help them gain access to the tools and experience needed to successfully return back to society.  

“I Understand” – Episode #293 with Antonio Sadler 
In the second episode of the series, Coplon interviews Antonio Sadler who shares his story of redemption. Hear how Antonio’s changed mindset led him to take advantage of the resources, tools, and programs available to him. One program gave him the opportunity to completely rebuild his life after incarceration. Antonio is now an Associate Product Manager at ViaPath Technologies.  

“Take Advantage of the Opportunities” – Episode #294 with Chris Washington  
In the third part of the series, Christopher Washington shares how he found his way into the Georgetown University Pivot Program after being incarcerated at a federal prison. He speaks about how through the program he was able to obtain a college education and have an opportunity to gain the job skills and training needed to become an asset professionally – eventually landing a full-time position at ViaPath Technologies. 

“Giving Back in a Very Special Way” – Episode #295 with Seth Sundberg 
To close out the four-part “Pathway to Success” podcast series, Coplon interviews Seth Sundberg, Product Manager at ViaPath Technologies. Seth shares lessons he learned from his own journey going from the NBA to being incarcerated to becoming a world-class entrepreneur. Ultimately, his story captures his passion for wanting to help create opportunities for other formerly incarcerated individuals.  

The Right Thinking with Steve Coplon podcast covers a multitude of topics in hopes of encouraging anyone who is facing, or has faced, adversity. While the podcast features heartfelt and relatable stories, as the host of the show, Coplon weighs in offering helpful strategies on how to cultivate a better, fuller life.   

In addition, Coplon has been providing financial and business training, mentorship, and resources to incarcerated individuals since 2014. He understands personal finance is a crucial part of survival after being incarcerated and is one of the keys to successful reintegration. Which is why ViaPath is proud to have Coplon as an exclusive partner and offer his two-part financial literacy program on ViaPath Inspire Tablets to help incarcerated individuals better prepare for life after release. 

To listen to the entire four-part podcast series, visit:

Right Thinking With Steve Coplon

About ViaPath Technologies

ViaPath provides advanced communications, technology and management solutions that facilitate meaningful connections, provide educational opportunities, and enable successful reintegration for both current and formerly incarcerated individuals. ViaPath is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with an employee presence throughout North America. To learn more, please visit viapath.com.

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