In episode 8 of the Prosperity after Prison Podcast, we welcome our guest Kelly Alvarado whose powerful story will teach us many valuable lessons about turning your life around as an ex-offender. Kelly tells us about her life, including her drug addiction, convictions, working at the call center, and her life today.

During her time at prison, working in the kitchens and at Underguard significantly improved her self-respect and self-worth. However, only when given the opportunity to work at the call center was she able to significantly improve her prospects. Not only did the call center job help her develop shop skills and gain work experiences but it also gave her a significant income and safety net.

As the call center job is such an invaluable opportunity in prison, the job holds them accountable and to a very high standard. Kyle and Kelly’s insights further emphasize that companies need to consider employing an incarcerated population.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

• Kelly takes us on a journey through her tumultuous childhood, teenage years, and twenties up to the point of her conviction. [00:40]
• How Kelly’s conviction changed the way she viewed herself, improved her self-worth and helped take drugs out of her life. [05:18]
• Kelly explains the differences between working in the kitchen versus working at Underguard. With the latter, she was able to improve her well-being significantly and gain invaluable work experiences. [08:36]
• A life-changing opportunity: after transferring to a different prison, Kelly was given the opportunity to work at Underguard, in a real-life work environment. [11:18]
• Kelly and Kyle explain how a higher salary at the call center gives the incarcerated population a chance to support themselves during and after prison. [15:44]
• Kelly’s journey of sobriety: prison gave her the opportunity, but the call center gave her purpose. [22:06]
• Invaluable experiences, transferable skills, and references for your resume: not only can you support yourself, but your job prospects significantly improve. [23:15]
• How Kelly went from dealing drugs to working at a recovery center where she now shows women what it takes to turn your life around. [25:00]
• Safety and Privacy: Kelly explains that in addition to strict rules and the monitoring of calls, the incentive to work outweighs any reason for behavior infractions. [28:40]

Be inspired and be bold, this is the Prosperity after Prison podcast.

UNDERGUARD TELESERVICES

Website: ugteleservices.com

Facebook: @ugteleservices

LinkedIn: Underguard Teleservices

QUOTES:

“It planted that seed of confidence in me that has taken me so far in life.” - Kelly Alvarado [14:05]

“Now your life purpose has become helping people that were once where you were at.” - Kyle Hannah [27:16]

“I get to give back to the community that for so long, I just took so much from in all my addiction.” - Kelly Alvarado [27:55]

“I get to show women be the living proof every day, that there is a better way.” - Kelly Alvarado [28:10]

“It made me a better person just being held accountable for it.” - Kelly Alvarado [32:40]