01. From Prison to Purpose | Jed Chappell’s Story of Redemption & City Center

In the first episode of Unintended Consequences, hosted by Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, Mike Shelton sits down with Jed Chappell, founder and executive director of City Center in Oklahoma City.Jed shares his powerful story of growing up in Oklahoma City, losing his father at a young age, becoming involved in drugs and armed robbery, being shot by police, and receiving a 47-year prison sentence. But this episode is not just about incarceration. It is about redemption, second chances, mentorship, community transformation, and the power of dignity-driven support systems.Today, Jed leads City Center, an organization serving families, young people, and justice-impacted individuals through mentorship, food access, clothing support, and community care.This conversation explores:• Oklahoma’s incarceration crisis• Prison rehabilitation and lived experience• Mentorship and youth intervention• Trauma, poverty, and systemic barriers• Reentry and second chances• Community leadership and restorative support• Why dignity matters in social services• The unintended consequences of policy decisionsIf you care about criminal justice reform, community impact, faith, redemption stories, or creating better outcomes for Oklahoma families, this episode is for you.Subscribe for more conversations exploring the real-life impact of policy, incarceration, and reform in Oklahoma.Learn more about OCJR:https://www.ocjr.orgLearn more about City Center:https://www.citycenterokc.org