Stopping the Cycle of Incarceration
- #careers
🔥 Join Crewvie & The Last Mile for a Game-Changing Live Talk! 🔥
📅 Tuesday, May 20 ⏰ 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET
Since the 1970s, the U.S. prison population has skyrocketed 700%, but change is happening. The Last Mile is proving that incarceration doesn’t have to be the end— it can be the beginning of something greater.
Through cutting-edge technical training, incarcerated individuals become highly skilled professionals, ready to re-enter the workforce with motivation, expertise, and unstoppable drive. The results?
✔ Radically reduced recidivism
✔ TLM alumni thriving in careers
✔ A growing network of industry partners investing in real change
This isn’t just education — it’s transformation. Backed by Corrections Departments, Government Agencies, and Corporations nationwide, The Last Mile is changing lives and proving what’s possible.
🌟 Be part of the conversation. See how skills + opportunity = real change.
Visit https://thelastmile.org to learn more about The Last Mile.
🚀 RSVP now & help shape the future. You won’t want to miss this.
In the latest episode of Chatmosa, hosts Chad ZenMaster Zorro and Cody engaged in a compelling discussion with Caroline Shamiya and Shamiya Anderson, two dynamic members of the Last Mile (TLM) team. With their focus on reducing recidivism and improving reentry outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals, the conversation highlighted the transformative power of education and community support within the criminal justice system.
Key Insights:
The Last Mile is dedicated to increasing access to education for incarcerated individuals, preparing them for successful integration back into their communities. Caroline Shamiya, the Director of Partnerships and Innovation, elaborated on how TLM’s programs focus on teaching technology skills, such as web development and audio-visual production, to empower individuals with the tools they need for meaningful employment. “We really don’t stop our work once people leave prison,” Caroline stated, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to ongoing support.
Cody also highlighted the unique collaborative relationship between TLM and CrewV, a platform connecting entertainment professionals. This partnership aims to create pathways for alumni to enter the film and television industry, showcasing their skills.
Volunteer Opportunities:
A standout moment in the session was the call to action for volunteers to engage with TLM’s programs. Shamiya shared, “Volunteers can help facilitate learning experiences and make a difference in the lives of those in our classrooms.” The experience of connecting with incarcerated individuals—seeing their potential and resilience firsthand—was echoed by Chad and Cody, who recently volunteered at a TLM classroom.
Success Stories:
During the conversation, Caroline and Shamiya shared inspiring success stories of TLM alumni who have transitioned back into society. With a remarkable recidivism rate of less than 5% for program graduates, it’s evident that the combination of structured education and robust support plays a pivotal role. “When you actually see what students are producing, it's a really incredible thing to experience,” Shamiya noted, highlighting how project-based learning fosters both creativity and confidence.
Vision for the Future:
Looking ahead, the Last Mile aims to expand its curricula to include pathways in entrepreneurship and project management in addition to technology. Caroline expressed her aspiration to see TLM in all 50 states, ensuring that every individual has access to equitable education opportunities. “We want people to understand how much potential is behind prison walls,” she emphasized, underlining the moral imperative to reconnect these individuals with their communities.
Engagement and Support:
Listeners interested in supporting TLM’s mission are encouraged to reach out via email to [email protected], to learn more about volunteer opportunities, partnerships, and ways to engage with the transformative work being done at TLM.
In conclusion, this Chatmosa session not only shed light on the critical issues surrounding incarceration and reentry but also ignited hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with the right support and education, individuals can break the cycle of incarceration and reclaim their futures. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on our podcast series as we continue to explore innovative solutions to systemic challenges.