Prison to Purpose

Prison to Purpose

By Michele KaneTrue Crime
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Prison to Purpose episodes

  • Partnering for Successful Reentry
    In this episode of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars, we explore how strategic partnerships and expanded career technical education programs are helping create stronger pathways to successful reentry. We sit down with CALCTRA Director Suzie Changus and CALCTRA Deputy Director of Workforce Development Debi Kamakani to hear how CALCTRA is working alongside employers, educational institutions like East Los Angeles College (ELAC), and community partners to connect incarcerated individuals with valuable job training, industry-recognized skills, and meaningful employment opportunities. From expanding Career Technical Education programs, including Audio Video Production, to strengthening partnerships and streamlining the transition from training to employment, these collaborative efforts are helping prepare participants for success beyond incarceration. Reentry begins long before release. By bringing together education, industry, and community resources, CALCTRA is helping build the connections and opportunities individuals need to turn their training into careers and create a foundation for a brighter future.
    Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media.
    Facebook:   / calctra  
    Instagram:   / calctra  
    YouTube:    / @calctra  
    33 min
  • A Foundation for the Future: Vera Marin’s CALCTRA Success Story
    In this episode of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars, we sit down with success story Vera Marin, who graduated from the CALCTRA Pre-Apprentice Carpentry program at the California Institution for Women (CIW). Vera shares her journey through the skills and confidence she gained while participating in CALCTRA’s job training programs, and the impact these opportunities have had on her life. Her story highlights the power of hands-on job training, determination, and access to meaningful career pathways in building a foundation for a brighter future. Join us as Vera reflects on her experience and demonstrates how job training, and second chances can open doors to new possibilities and lasting success.
    Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media.
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA
    25 min
  • From Apprenticeship to Impact: Second Chances with the Carpenters Union

    In this inspiring episode, we

    sit down with Alexander Hampton, a former CALCTRA graduate whose journey from
    incarceration to the North Coast States Carpenters Union is a powerful story of
    second chances.  After graduating from CALCTRA’s Career Technical
    Education Pre-Apprentice Carpentry program at Folsom State Prison, Alexander
    returned to his community in 2008 and immediately began building a new future
    through the Carpenters Union as a first-period apprentice. Alexander shares how
    that prison program provided more than just hands-on job training, it gave him
    a positive foundation to change his life. Hear how he was able to build a
    career, purchase his own home, and provide for his mother. His story is a
    powerful reminder of what can happen when individuals are given the skills,
    opportunity, and support to build a better future.

     

    Watch and listen to new

    episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday
    and follow us on social media.

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA

    25 min
  • Families of Incarcerated: Stories of Hope, Strength, and Love

    In this episode of Prison to Purpose, we shift the

    focus to the families whose lives are deeply impacted by incarceration. Meet
    David and Sharronda, two family members with different journeys but a shared
    commitment to hope, resilience, and unwavering support. Through their personal
    stories, they offer an honest look at the challenges of loving someone who is
    in prison, the emotional toll of separation, and the strength it takes to keep
    moving forward. Their experiences provide encouragement for others walking a
    similar path while highlighting the vital role families play in rehabilitation.
    Whether you have a loved one who is incarcerated or simply want to better
    understand the human side of incarceration, this conversation offers compassion,
    perspective, and hope. Join us as we explore the power of family, the
    importance of connection, and the reminder that no one walks this journey
    alone.

    Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose:

    Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media.

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA

    47 min
  • The Road to Redemption

    In this episode of Prison to Purpose, we sit down with Tommy DeLuna, Employment Specialist for the St. Vincent de Paul's Exodus Project which offers mentoring and extensive resources to people coming out of incarceration and returning home. Hear how Tommy went from being Captain of his high school football team to incarceration. Tommy reflects on his life and shares how a CALCTRA job training program at California State Prison, Corcoran helped him with valuable job skills and self-esteem. Hear how Tommy transformed his life after incarceration and turned his experiences into a mission to improve the lives of others. His powerful story will inspire you, remind you that change is possible, and leave you with a renewed sense of hope.

    Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media.

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA

    41 min
  • The Story Behind the Killer Bread: Dave Dahl’s Journey

    In this powerful episode of Prison to Purpose, Dave Dahl, co-founder of Dave's Killer Bread, shares his remarkable journey from incarceration to building a multimillion-dollar company. You have most likely seen Dave's Killer Bread on store shelves without knowing the incredible story behind the man and the brand.

    Dave reflects on how the skills he developed through a job training program while incarcerated helped shape his future and ultimately played a role in his entrepreneurial success. He shares about his struggles with mental illness, the lessons he learned along the way, and the importance of resilience, second chances, and hope.

    Dave's story is an inspiring reminder that your past does not have to define your future. Hear how he and his family built a successful business, how he is giving back, and how he continues to help transform lives.

    This is a powerful story of redemption, perseverance, and purpose—and a reminder that with the right opportunity, support, and determination, lives can change.

    Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media.

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA

    33 min
  • The Story Behind the Killer Bread: Dave Dahl's Journey

    In this powerful episode of Prison to Purpose, Dave Dahl, co-founder of Dave's Killer Bread, shares his remarkable journey from incarceration to building a multimillion-dollar company. You have most likely seen Dave's Killer Bread on store shelves without knowing the incredible story behind the man and the brand.

    Dave reflects on how the skills he developed through a job training program while incarcerated helped shape his future and ultimately played a role in his entrepreneurial success. He shares about his struggles with mental illness, the lessons he learned along the way, and the importance of resilience, second chances, and hope.

    Dave's story is an inspiring reminder that your past does not have to define your future. Hear how he and his family built a successful business, how he is giving back, and how he continues to help transform lives.

    This is a powerful story of redemption, perseverance, and purpose—and a reminder that with the right opportunity, support, and determination, lives can change.

    Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media.

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA

    33 min
  • Built Through Opportunity – Louis Frazier Success Story

    In this episode of Prison to Purpose, we sit down with Louis Frazier, a CALCTRA success story whose journey highlights the power of education, training, and opportunity. After graduating from CALCTRA's Metal Fabrication and Computer-Aided Design (Auto-CAD) program at Folsom State Prison, Louis used the skills he developed to build a successful career after incarceration. Through hands on training, Louis gained real world skills and experience needed to pursue a career in the industry. Since returning to his community in 2022, he has applied that knowledge to roles with leading companies in manufacturing and transportation. Louis shares how CALCTRA programs prepared him for success and how opportunity can create a new path forward. His story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible.

    Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media.

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA

    25 min
  • Translating Hope - Inside Folsom State Prison Part 2

    In this episode of Prison to Purpose, we go inside the walls of CALCTRA's Braille Program. Hear directly from incarcerated individuals who are mastering this specialized skill and are giving back to the community. Participants work together to produce textbooks, educational materials, and other essential resources for students and adults who are blind or visually impaired. Through teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to serving others, these individuals describe how the program has challenged them and given them a renewed sense of purpose. The Braille program at Folsom State Prison has demonstrated exceptional long-term outcomes, with nearly all graduates remaining out of prison after release. This episode offers an honest look at the impact of meaningful work behind prison walls, showing how the opportunity to contribute to something larger than themselves is transforming lives, one page at a time. Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA

    33 min
  • Translating Hope: How the Braille Program is Changing Lives

    What if your work could transform someone's life—without ever meeting them? In this episode of Prison to Purpose, we take an inside look at CALCTRA's Braille Transcription Program, where incarcerated individuals are learning highly specialized skills while producing educational materials for students and adults who are blind or visually impaired. Discover how participants master the complex art of Braille transcription, develop valuable career skills, and gain a renewed sense of purpose through meaningful work that directly impacts communities across California. Hear how this unique program is creating opportunities for personal growth, building confidence, and preparing participants for successful reentry—all while expanding access to education for those who rely on Braille every day. Join us as we explore the powerful connection between second chances, workforce development, and service to others, proving that meaningful work has the power to change lives on both sides of the prison walls. Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA

    26 min

About Prison to Purpose

From the publisher's feed

Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars is a podcast presented by the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) that explores the transformative power of job training and rehabilitation within California's state prisons.