Justice-involved community members navigate new careers, life

Nearly 60 percent of formerly incarcerated people remain unemployed a year after release, according to numbers from the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

This week’s episode explores how some are using their skills learned while incarcerated to start businesses, become counselors, and rewrite the narrative around second chances for justice-involved people in Colorado.

Some advocates say the term “justice-involved”-- should replace other terms some find dehumanizing like “criminal” or “felon.” It can be used to describe anyone who has been directly or indirectly impacted by the criminal justice system.

From struggling to find employment to overcoming stigma, guests share personal stories of transformation and advocacy. Ken Harris, youth director of Denver-based nonprofit Nxt Chapter, discusses efforts to support re-entry through job readiness and mentorship. Durrell Bumphus, a certified peer recovery coach, reflects on the vocational training he received in prison and how lived experience drives his work helping others.

Longtime activist Candice Bailey, who fought to change laws that barred formerly incarcerated individuals from running for public office and founder and CEO of Lighthouse Consultants Colorado, also joins the conversation.