BY MELANIE ULLE
In a state known for its optimism and innovation, it’s astounding to learn that one of every two individuals released from prisons in Colorado will return within three years. By comparison, Florida has about half of Colorado’s 50% recidivism rate, a jaw-dropping statistic in this local gal’s opinion.
Several organizations in the state seek to solve this problem, and they have a fantastic partner in the current head of Colorado’s Department of Corrections, Dean Williams. We are fortunate to have his positivity and leadership at the helm of the agency and it’s clear that Williams is a reformer who wants to make a real dent in our recidivism numbers. It’s inspiring to see Dean Williams and our local nonprofit leaders working hard to improve the outcomes of our criminal justice system.
The recently rebranded nonprofit, Breakthrough, is relentlessly committed to this work. This team is transforming the lives of people with criminal histories and changing the community’s perception of incarcerated Coloradans. Breakthrough’s holistic approach includes an in-facility career education program, community engagement, reentry support, a fair hiring program, and criminal justice advocacy initiatives.
Their unique in-facility program develops those often-overlooked soft skills vital to personal and professional growth. They teach job readiness skills and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in partnership with Colorado State University.
I have participated in Breakthrough’s programs and had the opportunity to volunteer with a cohort of emerging business owners. I coached female inmates who had an interest in becoming entrepreneurs, and as a business owner for many years, I found I had a lot of hard-earned advice to share with them.
Upon arrival at La Vista Correctional Facility, I felt anxious and a bit on edge. I had spent time with inmates before but still felt the same familiar agitation as I entered La Vista. Entering prison is just incredibly unnerving. Maybe because prison is everyone’s worst fear, or because it just feels unsafe to walk into a room full of criminals. Whatever the reason, it is an entirely natural reaction. And it subsides quickly.
Spending time with inmates feels normal once you start discussing all the real-life experiences, dreams, beliefs you have in common. It feels like you’re just a bunch of moms talking about your shared fears, telling stories about your kids, or chatting about how we all feel professionally insecure. Alas, a guard comes in and asks each inmate to shout out their inmate identification number. And you’re immediately reminded that this is indeed a correctional facility, and I can leave anytime while they stay behind.
By the time I left, I felt refreshed, like I had spent an afternoon laughing with friends. And I had. I also felt a little sad that they couldn’t walk out the door with me at the end of the day. They are serving time. It is a prison.
Connecting with women at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey was rewarding. It reminded me of how many mistakes I had made as I started my company and how important mentorship was for me. Helping women at La Vista (who will inevitably face a very uphill battle to prove their value) feels infinitely more critical than mentoring women outside the prison walls who are so much more likely to find success without hearing from someone like me.
Breakthrough is led by Stacey Putka, a brilliant and thoughtful leader who never ceases to inspire awe in volunteers and donors alike with her enthusiasm for the program and drive to find new solutions for recidivism.
I highly recommend volunteering your time with this organization and, of course, considering investing in their life-changing work. Please check them out and prepare yourself for the experience of a lifetime. https://timetobreakthrough.org/