The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Making the Most of a Second Chance Apr 26, 2023

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April is Second Chance Month, and what better way to celebrate than by hosting an individual who has experienced the reentry process first-hand. After being incarcerated at SCI Frackville for 24 years, Kurt Danysh is the founder and executive director of Tomorrow’s Neighbors, a non-profit organization that supports reentrants. In this episode of the PA … Continue reading "Making the Most of a Second Chance"

Spotlight on SCI Albion’s NRTU Mar 28, 2023

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With Autism Awareness Month approaching in April, the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast welcomed SCI Albion Unit Manager Steven Soliwoda to discuss the Neurodevelopmental Residential Treatment Unit (NRTU), a unit designed for individuals on the autism spectrum. Soliwoda explains how his unit differs from a normal housing unit, why he’s grateful for his excellent team … Continue reading "Spotlight on SCI Albion’s NRTU"

Opportunities through the Optical Lab Feb 22, 2023

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SCI Cambridge Springs features the Pennsylvania Correctional Industries Optical Lab, a one-of-a-kind program that produces all the eyeglasses in the DOC and for some community partners. In this month’s episode of the podcast, Optical Lab Supervisor Tony Rentz visits to share about his shop, including the certifications and skills his workers earn and the success … Continue reading "Opportunities through the Optical Lab"

Second-Chance Hiring: A Win-Win for Everyone Jan 23, 2023

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As businesses across Pennsylvania struggle to find qualified employees, DOC Workforce Development Specialist Dorenda Hamarlund offers them a solution: hire reentrants. In this episode of our podcast, Hamarlund discusses her role and how she educates employers on the many benefits of second-chance hiring. Visit our Workforce Development page for more information.

Bureau of Community Corrections 101 Dec 28, 2022

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We frequently promote the great volunteer work done by staff and reentrants in our Bureau of Community Corrections, but there is so much more to the BCC. Director Michael Wenerowicz joins the podcast to highlight the work of his staff and how they strive to support reentrants upon release.

Serving Those Who Served: How the DOC Supports Veterans Nov 22, 2022

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DOC Statewide Veterans Coordinator Michael Carrington joins the podcast for a discussion all about veterans in the DOC — including those who work and those who live in our facilities. Michael discusses his role in the agency, how the DOC supports its employee veterans, the many benefits of a Veterans Service Unit and the impact … Continue reading "Serving Those Who Served: How the DOC Supports Veterans"

Vocational Spotlight: SCI Mercer’s Automotive Program Oct 24, 2022

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William Bush is the Automotive Technology Mechanical and State Inspection Instructor at SCI Mercer, where he teaches his students everything they need to know to earn a state inspection license — and so much more. In this month’s episode of the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast, Bush discusses the various skills his students learn, what … Continue reading "Vocational Spotlight: SCI Mercer’s Automotive Program"

Why You Should Join Our Team Sep 27, 2022

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Cpt. Dennis Reichert was recently named supervisor of the DOC’s new Recruitment and Retention Division, which is focused on bringing in the best and brightest new corrections officers, parole agents and monitors. In this episode, Cpt. Reichert discusses his background, his new role, misconceptions about the work and the many benefits of a career in … Continue reading "Why You Should Join Our Team"

School Days at SCI Waymart Aug 29, 2022

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While students head back to school this month, the learning never stopped in the DOC as educational programs continue year-round with students working towards their diplomas, certifications and degrees. SCI Waymart Principal Michelle Lipko shares about the exciting opportunities available to the incarcerated students at her facility, including how her team views their role in … Continue reading "School Days at SCI Waymart"

Villanova University’s Most Unique Branch Campus Jul 25, 2022

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For 50 years, Villanova University has educated incarcerated students at SCI Graterford/SCI Phoenix, where they take the same programs and courses from the same professors as their peers in Philadelphia. Villanova University at SCI Phoenix Director Katherine Meloney joined the podcast to reflect on the recent graduation — which saw administrators and professors from Villanova … Continue reading "Villanova University’s Most Unique Branch Campus"

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