Hotlines

On this episode of Hotlines, Jeff Wise joins Seth Ready and Darren Smith in the studio to talk about Remerg… Past, present, and future! Jeff talks about how his lived expertise has guided his role with Remerg.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Remerg – www.remerg.com

On this episode of Hotlines, meet the new Director of Programs at Remerg, Allen Browning. Allen joins Remerg Director, Darren Smith and CRJs, Seth Ready in the studio to explain what exactly brought him into this work, and what the future looks like for Remerg.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Remerg – www.remerg.com

Meet Darren Smith, the incoming Executive Director of Remerg. Listen along as Ryan Conarro and Seth Ready from Colorado Radio for Justice invite Darren to share a bit of his own story, as well as his vision for the future of Remerg, Colorado's reentry resource hub. Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Remerg – www.remerg.com

BONUS — Join Seth and Carol for the extended cut of this week's Hotlines.In this bittersweet episode, Carol Peeples joins Seth Ready and Ryan Conarro in the CRJ studio to look back on the journey of Hotlines thus far. As Carol takes her next step into retirement, the team reminisces on the development of Remerg, the growth of reentry resources in the Colorado area, and how the production of Hotlines came to be. Tune in to hear about what's next for Remerg, and join us in celebrating Carol's retirement!Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Remerg – www.remerg.com

In this bittersweet episode, Carol Peeples joins Seth Ready and Ryan Conarro in the CRJ studio to look back on the journey of Hotlines thus far. As Carol takes her next step into retirement, the team reminisces on the development of Remerg, the growth of reentry resources in the Colorado area, and how the production of Hotlines came to be. Tune in to hear about what's next for Remerg, and join us in celebrating Carol's retirement!Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Remerg – www.remerg.com

Experience freedom at LiveDifferent Recovery in a Recovery Community. LiveDifferent Recovery is an all pathways recovery program that provides a safe space for healing, connection, and self-discovery. Recovery Groups are held Friday evenings at CrossPurpose from 6:15pm - 8:15pm. In this episode, Jazmyn Gray, CrossPurpose graduate turned staff, explains the ins and outs of LiveDifferent Recovery.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Cross Purpose – https://www.crosspurpose.org/spiritual-development/Remerg – www.remerg.com

In this episode of Hotlines, hosted by Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples and CRJ's Ryan Conarro, we meet Heather Beck and Christian Nesbitt from The Gathering Place (TGP) in Denver. TGP provides low-barrier, trauma-informed care to women, gender-diverse people, and children facing homelessness and instability. They address root causes of poverty, marginalization, and oppression, offering comprehensive services that guide members from crisis to stability. Beck and Nesbitt offer vivid glimpses of how TGP's space looks and feels; they articulate visions for long-term solutions to homelessness; and they share powerful glimpses of the "why" behind their work.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:The Gathering Place – https://tgpdenver.org/ Remerg – www.remerg.com

Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) offers individuals returning home from incarceration the ongoing support necessary to build career capital and financial stability. They believe that everyone, regardless of their past, deserves the chance to work toward a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their communities. As the largest reentry employment provider in the country, CEO is using their scale, experience, and data – backed by participants’ feedback on what works – to change the way government invests in criminal justice and workforce development.Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Center for Employment Opportunities – https://www.ceoworks.org/Remerg – www.remerg.com

This week Stephanie Hewitt, Director of Community Partners and Engagement from CrossPurpose, joins Seth Ready and Carol Peeples in the CRJ studio. CrossPurpose is a Denver-based non-profit organization working to abolish relational, economic, and spiritual poverty through career and community development.Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:CrossPurpose – https://www.crosspurpose.org/Remerg – www.remerg.com

Stacy Putka and Jason Hogan from Breakthrough join CRJ in studio to share how they empower individuals in the criminal legal system to achieve their highest potential through in-prison education, community reintegration, and professional development, breaking barriers and building skills for lifelong transformation.Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Breakthrough Denver – https://www.breakthroughdenver.org/Remerg – www.remerg.com

Dry Bones Directors Matt Wallace and Robbie Goldman join us this week in the CRJ studio. Dry Bones is a long-standing community of support among Denver’s unhoused teens and young adults. They have the simple but radical belief that companionship itself can be profoundly transformative. So alongside helping to meet emotional, spiritual, and physical needs, their true work is practicing the way of Jesus through building ongoing relationships that remind the invisible among us of their immeasurable worth.Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Dry Bones – https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/DrybonesdenverRemerg – www.remerg.com

R&R Head Labs is a purpose-driven barbershop employing justice-impacted expert barbers who are uniquely skilled in cutting all hair types and textures.Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:R&R Head Labs – https://www.rrheadlabs.com/Remerg – www.remerg.com

The Empowerment Program is a licensed mental health and drug treatment program providing trauma-informed and gender-responsive outpatient services. They believe that participants benefit most from a holistic approach, where many types of treatments are available to meet individual needs. They meet people where they’re at, and encourage realistic options for reducing harm. Some of the harm reduction strategies used include HIV/HCV/STI testing, PrEP Navigation, sexual wellness, sharps disposal, Narcan for the community, and safer drug usage kits that reduce blood-borne pathogen transmission. Tune in to hear about this spirited work!Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:The Empowerment Program - https://www.empowermentprogram.org/Remerg - www.remerg.com

This episode of Hotlines features Chris Meeks, the Founder of Hope Homes. Chris talks about his lived experience, and how that propelled him into the work that he now does up and down the Front Range.Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Hope Homes - https://remerg.com/resources/hope-homes/Remerg - www.remerg.com

This episode of Hotlines has virtual guests DeeDee Clement, Executive Director, and Jen Sawyer, WAGEES Director, from Loaves & Fishes of Canon City. They share the vast amount of services they offer to residents of Canon City and the surrounding area. They expand on how they have been a successful nonprofit in the region for over 40 years!Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Loaves & Fishes - https://lfministries.org/Remerg - www.remerg.com

Emerging from the Attica Prison riots in the 1970’s, The Alternatives To Violence Project now has an International reach. Hear how ATV is working for residents in 2 of Colorado's prisons, and beyond.Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Alternatives to Violence Project - https://avpusa.org/Remerg - www.remerg.com

Longtime Reentry supporter, Marcia Hannah, of A Future and A Hope, Joins Seth Ready and Carol Peeples in the CRJ studio to talk about her housing opportunity for the previously incarcerated. Marcia highlights the success of her program, and how she helps residents transition back into the community. Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:A Future and A Hope - https://remerg.com/resources/a-future-and-a-hope/Remerg - www.remerg.com

Tune in this week as previously incarcerated JoyBelle Phelan talks about going back into prisons across Colorado, and creating writing centers through the work of Unbound Authors. These centers allow inmates the opportunity to grow their writing skills and have their content shared with volunteers from the outside for feedback. Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Unbound Authors - www.unboundauthors.orgRemerg - www.remerg.com

This week, Laurie Lazar of The Realness Project joins CRJ's Seth Ready and Remerg Director Carol Peeples to talk about the work her team is doing inside some of Colorado's prisons. She explains the A.R.T. of communication and how it helps people connect.Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:The Realness Project - www.realnessproject.orgRemerg - www.remerg.com

This week, enjoy a special episode of Hotlines! CRJ’s Herbert Alexander attended the 16th annual Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition’s “Voices For Justice” Fundraiser and Award Ceremony. Listen in, as Herb Lex talks with attendees of the event, including CCJRC staffers, some previously incarcerated friends, award winner Jamie Ray, and much more!Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition - www.ccjrc.org Remerg - www.remerg.com

“Turning Bars Into Ladders”...That’s the motto at REshape Minds. Listen in as Founder Jamie Williams discusses the work that REshape is doing to combat recidivism in Colorado. She explains to CRJs Seth Ready and Remerg Director Carol Peeples how poetry has helped guide her journey. And make sure you listen to the episode in its entirety, as there just may be a bonus track!!Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:REshape Minds - www.reshapeminds.orgRemerg - www.remerg.com

The Reentry Initiative Executive Director Emily Kleeman, alongside Deputy Director Anita Lewis, talk about the work they are doing in the City of Longmont. Hear about Founder Deborah Simmons’ vision for TRI, and how they are continuing this work since Debs' unfortunate passing last year.Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:The Reentry Initiative - www.reentryinitiative.orgRemerg - www.remerg.com

Eddie and Bob Woolford, of the Community Outreach Service Center, talk about their over 30 years of experience in the Colorado Re-entry world. Listen in to hear where they started, and where they are now!Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Community Outreach Service Center - www.coscdenver.orgRemerg - www.remerg.com

Cheryl Polan is the founder of The Rock Found, a faith-based reentry organization that helps justice involved individuals seeking restoration and purpose. The Rock Found assists with job skills training, employment, transportation, and housing through individualized case management, and they work in partnership with The Latino Coalition for Community Leadership. Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:The Rock Found - https://www.therockfound.org/Remerg - www.remerg.com

My Father’s House Founder and CEO Jim Blum, alongside Director Ken Kavanaugh, shares the mission of My Father’s House: to provide transitional housing, job placement assistance, life-skills training, and a supportive community for men getting out of prison. Hotlines is hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg Executive Director Carol Peeples, and is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:My Father's House - https://myfathershousedenver.org/Remerg - www.remerg.com

The Reciprocity Collective serves unhoused people in Colorado, including those impacted by the criminal-legal system. Staffer Mary Putman articulates how the Collective metaphorically wraps their arms around people in need, and supports them in finding the support they need.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:The Reciprocity Collective - https://www.thereciprocitycollective.org/Remerg - www.remerg.com

Dr. Stephen Hartnett, Director of the University of Colorado-Denver Prison Education Program (PEP), joins CRJ's Seth Ready and Remerg's Carol Peeples in the CRJ studio, along with Sean Mueller, a previously incarcerated student of PEP. They discuss how PEP is creating a culture shift in Colorado prisons, and they articulate how their fight to end mass incarceration begins with the mindset that knowledge is power.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:University of Colorado-Denver Prison Education Program - https://clas.ucdenver.edu/communication/cu-denver-prison-education-programRemerg - www.remerg.com

The Other Side Academy (TOSA) is the featured guest on this week’s Hotlines, hosted by CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg’s Carol Peeples. Lola Strong walks us through the free, 30-month workforce development program that TOSA offers people in transition and recovery throughout Colorado. Keith Spencer from the TOSA team shares glimpses of his own journey, from homelessness and drug addiction, through changing his course through TOSA programs. Lola and Keith also highlight TOSA’s social enterprise businesses, The Other Side Movers and The Other Side Furniture Boutique in Denver.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:The Other Side Academy - https://www.theothersideacademy.com/Remerg - www.remerg.com

The founder of Mobarez Solutions, Roohallah Mobarez, and his Director of Operations, Michael Poompan, join CRJ's Seth Ready and Remerg's Carol Peeples in the CRJ studio to share about the sober living environments they oversee, providing housing and job support for people with sex offenses. They discuss some of the unique obstacles faced by people with these types of convictions, and how Mobarez Solutions is working to provide spaces of inclusion and growth.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Mobarez Solutions - https://www.mobarezsolutions.org/Remerg - www.remerg.com

Dan Ordaz, Executive Director of Jobs of Hope, joins CRJ's Seth Ready and Carol Peeples of Remerg to talk about the 9-month reentry support program that ne and his team lead in Greeley, Colorado, as well as to illuminate their work supporting job seekers throughout Weld County.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Jobs of Hope - https://www.jobsofhope.org/ Remerg - www.remerg.com

This week, hosts Seth Ready from CRJ and Carol Peeples from Remerg interview team members from the national organization FreeWorld: Jeff Lee and Bob Eisenman. Lee, who joins from Kansas City, and Eisenman, from Denver, explain how FreeWorld supports people with criminal histories as they build successful careers in the trucking industry both in Colorado and beyond, as well as providing assistance in obtaining important documents.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:FreeWorld - https://freeworld.org/ Remerg - www.remerg.com

This week, Program Coordinator Angela Martinez from Thrive joins CRJ’s Seth Ready and Remerg’s Carol Peeples in the studio. Angela explains how Thrive helps people get prepared for employment through training and coaching, especially those facing barriers.Thrive is a no-cost opportunity for low-income individuals, or for those in re-entry or recovery.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Thrive - https://thrivecolorado.org/Remerg - www.remerg.com

Harris Rollinger of KeHE Distributors discusses fair chance employment, and how people impacted by the criminal-legal system can find and keep jobs here in Colorado and beyond. Rollinger is joined in conversation with CRJ's Seth Ready and Remerg's Carol Peeples.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:KeHE Distributors - https://www.kehe.com/ Remerg - www.remerg.com

Geno Shvedov, founder of Hazelbrook Recovery & Sober Living, and John Klinghammer, Community Impact Director, explain how Hazelbrook builds community by offering safe and sober housing for the previously incarcerated, in a conversation with CRJ's Seth Ready and Remerg's Carol Peeples.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Hazelbrook Community Center - https://hazelbrookcommunity.org/ Remerg - www.remerg.com

Staff from the Mile High Workshop share with CRJ's Seth Ready and Remerg's Carol Peeples about their service as an employment and job training program for those facing barriers to work. The Mile High Workshop assembles and manufactures products in order to create work opportunities. Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:The Mile High Workshop - https://www.milehighworkshop.org/Remerg - www.remerg.com

Listen in as Corinthiah Brown, founder of The Don’t Look Back Center, talks with CRJ's Seth Ready and Remerg's Carol Peeples about her work with women, including trans women, in the reentry and addiction recovery. And there's more: The Don’t Look Back Center also provides services for men. Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:The Don't Look Back Center - https://thedontlookbackcenter.org/Remerg - www.remerg.com

Thomas Hernandez from Tribe Recovery Homes shares the work of Tribe, as well as a glimpse of his personal journey, with CRJ's Seth Ready and Remerg's Carol Peeples. Tribe provides substance recovery services, employment support, and more, in Denver, Boulder, and Las Vegas.Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Tribe Recovery Homes - https://www.triberecoveryhomes.com/ Remerg - www.remerg.com

Meet Chris Mays, director of Doing His Time, an organization that provides ministry in Colorado prisons as well as reentry support for those getting out. Doing His Time is a faith-based organization; however, all participants are welcome, no matter their faith perspective. In a conversation with CRJ's Seth Ready and Remerg's Carol Peeples, Chris shares his own journey of 31 years of incarceration, as well as details about the 72 Hour Fund, a critical program offering of Doing His Time. Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Doing His Time - www.doinghistime.org72 Hour Fund Colorado - www.doinghistime.org/72-hour-fundRemerg - www.remerg.com

Seth Ready from Colorado Radio for Justice and Carol Peeples from Remerg talk reentry with Michelle Sykes and James Thomas, whose organization is called The Road Called STRATE. Both Sykes and Thomas are previously incarcerated in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Thomas shares how vision for The Road called STRATE took shape, and how he and Sykes turned that dream into a reality. Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:The Road Called STRATE - https://www.theroadcalledstrate.org/Remerg - www.remerg.com

This week, Cathy Lachman and Karen Rodriguez sit down with CRJ host and producer Seth Ready and collaborator Carol Peeples, Director of Remerg, to share about The Gateway Program at Red Rocks Community College. Gateway is a support program for system-impacted students and others, to receive a 2-year college degree. Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Gateway at Red Rocks Community College - https://www.rrcc.edu/gatewayRemerg - www.remerg.com

This week, Teri Marquantte and Cathy Blair sit down with CRJ host and producer Seth Ready and collaborator Carol Peeples, Director of Remerg. Teri and Cathy are part of Keyheart Training; they provide education and advocacy for people seeking housing in Colorado. This episode is a crash course from some of Colorado's experts in best practices for applying for, and getting accepted for, supportive housing options. Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Ananeo - https://keyhearttraining.com/Remerg - www.remerg.com

Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). In this week's Hotlines, CRJ host and producer Seth Ready and collaborator Carol Peeples, Director of Remerg, are joined in the studio by Luke Gregory from Ananeo, an organization that offers supportive housing options and recovery case management across Colorado. www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Ananeo - https://www.ananeo.org/Remerg - www.remerg.com

Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). In this week's Hotlines, CRJ host and producer Seth Ready and collaborator Carol Peeples, Director of Remerg, invite Cordelia Randall into the studio from Esquared, Denver's Center for the Development of Economic Equity. www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Esquared - https://esquaredworks.comRemerg - www.remerg.com

Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). In this week's Hotlines, CRJ host and producer Seth Ready invites Carol Peeples, Executive Director of Remerg, into the studio, and she gives the scoop on transitional housing opportunities and processes in Colorado. www.radioforjustice.orgSites & resources mentioned in this episode include:Remerg - www.remerg.com Oxford House Colorado - www.oxfordhouseco.orgOxford Vacancies - www.oxfordvacancies.com

Hotlines is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). In episode 1 of Hotlines, CRJ host and producer Seth Ready sits down with Carol Peeples, Executive Director of Remerg, Colorado's reentry resource hub. Seth and Carol take a look at what's in store for listeners who follow Hotlines, a weekly audio bulletin board for reentry resources and support. www.radioforjustice.org