In this episode, Cassidy sits down with Stacey Putka, executive director of Breakthrough, an organization that deals with tackling mass incarceration in Colorado.
We discuss:

• The realities of the systems ex-prisoners have to deal with once they exit the prison system.
• Stacey shares why her organization rebranded to become Breakthrough. While they do help those who are formerly incarcerated,  the new mission of Breakthrough is to reform society's response to incarceration, build connections across communities, equip participants for successful reintegration, and advocate for awareness of our shared humanity.
• Stacey explains why community advocacy is such an Integral tool focus success and to get employers to be part of the solution 
• How does public policy and new curriculum reforms work in the prison system? Stacey explains what the different approaches have been in corrections systems in Colorado. 
• Stacey explains the work she does with the people who have left the prison system and why it is important to implement person-first language and not label these individuals and prisoners or ex-convicts 
• What does it mean to “breakthrough”? Stacey discusses her perspective on this and what the in-prison program “Challenge” does to prepare individuals who will soon leave prison and enter the community again. She explains how entrepreneurship teaches people life goals and life skills
• Stacey shares what the last 2 years have been like especially as an executive director and female entrepreneur in the middle of the pandemic 
• Stacey shares why having a routine is so important to her, and how she manages to do such emotional work yet still remain as present-minded and level-headed as possible. Cassidy and Stacey talk about how they handle stress and maintain authenticity  
• How can you help people who are trying to reintegrate into the community? 

Connect with Stacey:

https://timetobreakthrough.org/

[email protected]

Connect with Cassidy:

cassidyeats.com 
www.instagram.com/cassidyeats