The Inside Job - Life After Prison

For more than three decades, Cleveland Bell III, has served as Executive Director for Riverside House, a non-profit, faith-based organization committed to guiding people offenders into becoming productive citizens. Once a jailed criminal himself, the story of Cleve’s turnaround is an inspiration to many prisoners and community organizations today.

He is an admired figure known for his community activism and advocacy. Cleve is nationally recognized as a leader and expert on offenders community reentry programs. He has appeared on numerous TV, radio shows, and in newspapers on the topics of giving people second chances and advocating for prevention and reentry services for ex-offenders.

Since 1977 Cleve’s leadership at Riverside House has propelled the organization’s annual budget from $20,000 to more than a $2 million and expanded the facility from a 12-bed to a 120-bed capacity. In March 2024, Riverside House launched an Emergency Shelter Program specifically for homeless men. The program, developed in partnership with The Homeless Trust, provides 30 beds and aims to help participants secure permanent housing or access other supportive programs, such as short-term residential treatment or specialized transitional housing, that support long-term housing stability. In the first six months of operation, the shelter has already served 70 homeless individuals, offering shelter and resources to help them regain stability.

His commitment to serving vulnerable communities extends beyond his work with Riverside House. He is also a founding member of Kairos Prison Ministry International, a member of the strategic planning task force for the International Community Correctional Association (ICCA), where he helped draft the language for the Second Chance Act bill of 2007, and an original and current committee member of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust.

Welcome to Inside Job, a podcast for offenders by offenders.  I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today by Alan Oria.  This is the first part of our two-part series interview with married couple, Alan and Marlen Oria.  We're excited to hear about their story of redemption and restoration, as they share their journey through childhood trauma and life challenges that led to addictions, and the impact that Celebrate Recovery has made in their lives.  

Alan is a Celebrate Recovery Ministry Leader and Florida State Representative for Celebrate Recovery. He is also the point of contact for Broken Chains JC, a group of Bikers and bike enthusiasts who have found healing in Jesus Christ through the process of Christ centered recovery, and helping others to realize that change is possible.

Welcome to Inside Job, a podcast for offenders by offenders.  I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today by Marlen Oria.  This is the second part of our two-part series interview with married couple, Alan and Marlen Oria.  We're excited to continue exploring their journey and insights with you today.

Marlen is the CEO of her own consulting company, MarOria Consulting, LLC. She assists customers in optimizing construction project timelinles with South Florida Utilities.  She is also a member of Al Anon, a mutual support program for people whose lives have been impacted/affected by someone else's drinking, and a member and leader of the Miami Chapter, Debtors Anonymous. D.A. is for people whose use of unsecured debt causes problems and suffering. 

Welcome to Inside Job, a podcast for offenders by offenders.  I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today by Alan Oria.  This is the first part of our two-part series interview with married couple, Alan and Marlen Oria.  We're excited to hear about their story of redemption and restoration, as they share their journey through childhood trauma and life challenges that led to addictions, and the impact that Celebrate Recovery has made in their lives.  

Alan is a Celebrate Recovery Ministry Leader and Florida State Representative for Celebrate Recovery. He is also the point of contact for Broken Chains JC, a group of Bikers and bike enthusiasts who have found healing in Jesus Christ through the process of Christ centered recovery, and helping others to realize that change is possible.

Welcome to Inside Job, a podcast for offenders by offenders.  I am Cleve Bell and today's special episode is hosted by Carmen Bell, Riverside House's Community and Donor Relations Coordinator. In this episode, Carmen interviews one of Riverside House's Emergency Shelter Program Residents, Robin Mitchell, to discuss his journey of homelessness, and his full circle comeback. 

Robin is a student at Miami Dade College.  He is currently obtaining an AA degree in Business Administration, and plans to obtain his Bachelor's degree in the same field this fall. He is employed with a restaurant, Sushi Saki. With his bachelor's degree in Business Administration, his goal is to one day own and operate his own plantain field.

*You may experience some background noise during this Podcast episode as the interview was conducted onsite at the emergency shelter location.

Greg is originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and has been in full-time church-based ministry since 1996 as a small group pastor, most recently at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. He has been involved with SGN from the early days of its launch, and currently serves as the Southeast Regional Representative for the Small Group Network. Greg is currently on staff with The Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Palm Beach County Florida.

Along with beginning a recovery ministry at his church in South Carolina, He also has served as the National Training Coach for Celebrate Recovery in 2002, southeast regional director in 2003, and eventually became the first National Director for Celebrate Recovery in 2004.

Welcome to Inside Job, a show by offenders for offenders, I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today by Freddie. Chief Freddie spent 32 years with Miami Fire Rescue. He held every civil service rank, spending his last five years as the Deputy Fire Chief. Chief Freddie’s extensive teaching experience includes training firefighters, police officers and corrections officers. He holds A.S. degrees from Miami Dade College in EMS and Fire Science.

Since 1999, Chief Freddie has specialized in test preparation courses for entry and promotional level public-safety candidates. He’s facilitated, prepared and assessed hundreds of examinations, conducting seminars and private training sessions for all ranks. Students have been promoted 3 times because of his training.

Welcome to Inside Job, a show by offenders for offenders, I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today by Reconcile, who is a husband and a fellow living in Miami, where he is committed to renewal, social justice, and youth mentory. Reconcile has a strong connection to Miami Youth for Christ Organization that offers outreach programs for youth and their families.

In today’s episode, Reconcile is sharing about his mission and his music.

Key Takeaways:

[2:56] Reconcile talks about his youth and upbringing.

[6:53] Reconcile shares about his first incarceration.

[9:16] Reconcile remembers the moment where he was led to Christ.

[10:40] Reconcile talks about the point at which he started dedicating his life to God.

[12:49] What did Reconcile do when he began to make a change in his life?

[16:39] How did Reconcile go from where he was to Rice University?

[17:31] Cleve shares how he got to go to college.

[18:51] Reconcile shares how his father encouraged him to live differently than he had.

[23:47] Reconcile chose to play football at Rice University.

[27:55] Reconcile talks about the amazing relationship he had with his grandparents and all he learned from them.

[32:08] Reconcile also built a beautiful relationship with his father.

[34:01] Reconcile shares how he got involved in music.

[38:22] Reconcile talks about his role now working directly with the Department of Justice.

[39:27] Reconcile advocates through music to promote social justice.

Learn More About Riverside House:

Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens.

At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery.

We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit, attuned to the moral and material needs we all share.

“… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

To learn more visit riversidehouse.org

Reach out to Riverside House:

Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job?

We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.

Welcome to Inside job, a show by offenders for offenders. I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today by Jackie Rose Rodriguez.  In this episode, Jackie shares her story of survival and resilience, which began in a short and turbulent childhood, and progressed into a magnificent story of transformation, healing, and a life dedicated to serving others.

Key Takeaways:

[1:30] Jackie shares about her childhood and upbringing.

[3:30] How was school for Jackie?

[5:58] What was the turning point for Jackie?

[8:04] How are you supposed to learn without role models?

[8:55] Jackie talks about the most valuable lessons she has learned.

[13:15] Jackie shares how therapy was helpful for her and her daughter.

[17:41] What would Jackie say to herself if she showed up in the group she now leads?

[18:08] What does Jackie think about the Steps and the Biblical principles in her journey?

[19:35] How valuable does Jackie find sponsors?

[21:21] What does “the process” mean to Jackie?

[24:42] As humans we tend to focus on what is wrong and forget that we have small victories throughout the day.

[28:08] Let God love you.

[29:45] How did Jackie come to the Faith?

[34.11] God is giving, loving, and more present than ever.

Learn More About Riverside House:

Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens.

At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery.

We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit, attuned to the moral and material needs we all share.

"… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

To learn more visit riversidehouse.org

Email Jackie Rose Rodriguez at [email protected]

Reach out to Riverside House:

Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job?

We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.

Welcome to Inside Job, a podcast by offenders for offenders. I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today by Chris Wilson, author of the book The Masterplan: My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose. In this episode, Chris shares about his childhood, the 10 years he was incarcerated, the importance of staying true to his purpose and goals, how he took advantage of every opportunity to transform his life, and how now he dedicates his time to help others to also rediscover their lives and achieve their dreams.

Chris lives in Baltimore, Maryland, where he spends most of his time working for criminal justice reform and creating job opportunities for offenders. He is the owner and founder of the Barclay Investment Corporation, a multi-service social enterprise, specializing in residential and commercial contracting work. Barclay works closely with the local workforce and social service providers to connect unemployed Baltimore City residents with clients who are in need of a number of services. His other business ventures include The House of DaVinci, a high-end furniture restoration and design company, and Master Plan Productions, a social impact content development company.