Chainless Change: Florida's First Recovery Community Organization Catering to Justice Involved People [Part 1]

Research shows that although 90% of those incarcerated are eventually released, most people will have little to no access to rehabilitative and reentry services.People with arrest records often return to their communities without the resources and support needed to successfully reintegrate into society. Additionally, in the United States, those with behavioral health conditions are 10 times more likely to end up imprisoned than in the care of a mental health services provider.The result?Ongoing cycles of re-arrest and an unprecedented number of people in jails and prisons who are not receiving the care they need to address addiction and mental health conditions. Today, Harriet chats with Marq Mitchell and Miko Atkinson to learn more about Chainless Change and how they're offering resources to returning citizens.Marq Mitchell was incarcerated for 7 years as a juvenile and an adult. After his release, he began working with his Ft. Lauderdale community to support returning citizens coming home after spending time in prison where he connected people with job opportunities and apartments to rent. He realized more avenues of support were needed so in 2019, he founded "Chainless Change" aided by a grant from ACLU of Florida. The nonprofit offers resources to help those with a history of addiction, mental health conditions or trauma recover from contact with the criminallegal system.Miko Atkinson: Two years in federal prison changed my life forever. Taken away from my family and sent to Texas, I endured one of the most challenging chapters of my life. However, it was not the end of my story; it was a turning point.After regaining my freedom, I discovered my true purpose and built a new family with my loving wife and our three amazing children. The second chance I received through Chainless Change provided me with the tools and opportunities to transform my life. It ignited a spark within me, empowering me to reclaim my power and live with purpose. Today, I am living proof that redemption and resilience can lead to a brighter future.To learn more about Chainless Change, visist https://ccifl.org/This podcast is proudly sponsored by the Innocence Project of Florida. Visit www.floridainnocence.org for more information.