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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 in attendance — and what it means to the graduates and their families. She also takes a look ahead at where she’d like to see the program go next.

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SCI Laurel Highlands Registered Nurse Nick Freedman began his nursing career in his 50’s and his weight-lifting career in his 60’s — yet he’s rocked them both and become a record-breaking power lifter in the process. In this episode, we shine the spotlight on one of the DOC’s most interesting and inspiring employees and learn about Nick’s journey so far, what’s next for him and what advice he has for others.

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SCI Muncy features one of five Veterans Service Units in the DOC, and recently it started a new project: a Victory Garden. In this episode, Unit Manager Celeste Brucklacher joins the podcast to explain what a Victory Garden is, what vegetables they’ve got growing so far, and what they have planned for the future of this unique program — including how veterans on the inside will soon be helping veterans on the outside.

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In honor of Second Chance Month, Flagger Force Vice President of Human Resources Jen Strobel visits the podcast to discuss her organizations efforts in hiring reentrants, what they’ve learned so far and why it is so important to offer that second chance.

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With religious holidays for multiple faiths on the horizon, what better time to meet with DOC Religious Services Administrator Rev. Ulli Klemm. Ulli discusses how chaplaincy staff and volunteers encourage faith in our institutions, how they support individuals of all faith and what he’d like to see change someday. Spoiler alert: it’s a surprising answer coming from a former minister.

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