16. Constructing Our Future, Free from the Stigmas of Incarceration

Struggle is relative, but no matter how deep, can lead to the discovery of your purpose. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Michelle Daniel, founding member and chair of the board of Constructing Our Future. She is interested in the collateral consequences of criminal convictions for people and families directly impacted by mass incarceration. Through her own experience with incarceration and her journey to re-entry, Michelle developed an incredible passion for helping other incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women survive and thrive. Her work with Constructing Our Future is committed to removing the stigma of incarceration so that people that re-enter society and find both support and success.   Michelle’s favorite quote is “To whom much is given, much is required.”  Big Takeaways:   (24:50) Constructing Our Future is a transitional safe, welcoming home for formerly incarcerated women. When they are living in our home, they have two options on the educational track or construction track so that they can either finish a credential that they started in prison or before, and didn't get done, or they can go the vocational track.  (29:55) There are over 45,000 collateral consequences of criminal convictions that are legal barriers to formerly incarcerated people reentering society. But legal derives from the social and the social collateral consequences of criminal convictions literally apply a taint of criminality upon formerly incarcerated people that follow them throughout their entire life.  (34:00) I would say "To whom much is given much is required." And if you look about your life and you see that you have, you are required to give. You haven't been given just for your own personal enjoyment--much is required of you beyond yourself. And when you find what that thing is that you're supposed to be doing for others, you will have a warmer heart, you will sleep better and your life will be far more rewarding."  Constructingourfut