The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast

Latest Episodes:

SCI Spotlight: Cambridge Springs and Smithfield Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

We dive deep into the history of SCI Cambridge Springs with lawyer David Matejcyzk, who shares all about the Alliance College that used to inhabit the grounds of the current prison. Matejcyzk has strong family ties to the school and shares about why the school was formed, what famous alumni and visitors have ties to … Continue reading "SCI Spotlight: Cambridge Springs and Smithfield"

SCI Spotlight: Benner Township and Somerset Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

Superintendent’s Assistants Christie Schenk of SCI Somerset and Holly Quist of SCI Benner Township join the show to share about their respective facilities and what makes them unique, including the programs, the people — and the massive amount of laundry they both process. Christie also discusses their dog training program, as Somerset is the only … Continue reading "SCI Spotlight: Benner Township and Somerset"

SCI Spotlight: Albion and Waymart Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

Throughout 2024, the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast will spotlight our state correctional institutions to highlight the history, culture and programs each has to offer. First up: SCI Waymart and SCI Albion. Deputy Superintendent for Facilities Management Joseph Grillo of Waymart shares about the history of the facility — which was originally Farview State Hospital … Continue reading "SCI Spotlight: Albion and Waymart"

Keeping Inmates Engaged with Positive Activities Dec 26, 2023

Show notes

The best way to keep incarcerated individuals out of trouble? Keep them busy with positive activities. Each facility features an activities department that oversees a variety of functions, including organizing leisure activities, managing the charitable events, supporting the mural programs and overseeing inmate organizations. As we close out 2023, Corrections Treatment Services Program Administrator Jennifer … Continue reading "Keeping Inmates Engaged with Positive Activities"

Kicking Off a Magical Reentry in Wernersville Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

Mike Cioppa is a professional magician who now resides at Wernersville CCC. Although he had never heard of Wernersville before, Mike has grown to appreciate the small town and has been making the most of his second chance. Mike joined the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast to talk about his reentry journey so far, including … Continue reading "Kicking Off a Magical Reentry in Wernersville"

Helping Reentrants Find Housing Oct 24, 2023

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A big challenge for many reentrants after incarceration is finding stable housing — and that’s where Director of Reentry Services Luis Resto and his team come in. In this month’s episode, Resto shares how his team connects reentrants with safe, stable and affordable housing in the community.

Unlocking Creative Writing Skills in the DOC Sep 26, 2023

Show notes

In the spring, Andrea Zittlau of Universität Rostock and Jayne Thompson of Widener University brought a Creative Writing Workshop into six DOC facilities to spur creativity and a love for writing in incarcerated individuals. The spring sessions were such a success, the duo are set to hit the road again in October to bring their … Continue reading "Unlocking Creative Writing Skills in the DOC"

Class is in Session Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

Whether finishing a GED or earning a trade certification, the education of incarcerated individuals is critical as they prepare for a successful reentry. As the new school year begins for students throughout Pennsylvania, SCI Pine Grove Principal Allan Berkhimer discusses the educational programs available in the DOC, as well as some exciting developments and future … Continue reading "Class is in Session"

Striving For Success through Partnerships and Simulations Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

It’s been more than a year since the STRIVE initiative kicked off in the Scranton area, which brought public and private partners together to streamline providing resources for reentry. Parole Manager Penny Sines and Community Reentry Parole Agent Mary Brotzman discuss what they’ve learned since STRIVE began, share some success stories and explain how the … Continue reading "Striving For Success through Partnerships and Simulations"

Educating Inmates on Financial Literacy May 30, 2023

Show notes

Becky MacDicken is an outreach specialist for the PA Department of Banking and Securities who spends many of her days inside our state prisons as she educates incarcerated individuals on the importance of finances. She teaches inmates about a variety of financial topics, including credit, banking, scams, budgeting, investing and so much more, and she … Continue reading "Educating Inmates on Financial Literacy"