The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast

SCI Cambridge Springs features the Pennsylvania Correctional Industries Optical Lab, a one-of-a-kind program that produces all the eyeglasses in the DOC and for some community partners. In this month’s episode of the podcast, Optical Lab Supervisor Tony Rentz visits to share about his shop, including the certifications and skills his workers earn and the success … Continue reading "Opportunities through the Optical Lab"

As businesses across Pennsylvania struggle to find qualified employees, DOC Workforce Development Specialist Dorenda Hamarlund offers them a solution: hire reentrants. In this episode of our podcast, Hamarlund discusses her role and how she educates employers on the many benefits of second-chance hiring. Visit our Workforce Development page for more information.

We frequently promote the great volunteer work done by staff and reentrants in our Bureau of Community Corrections, but there is so much more to the BCC. Director Michael Wenerowicz joins the podcast to highlight the work of his staff and how they strive to support reentrants upon release.

DOC Statewide Veterans Coordinator Michael Carrington joins the podcast for a discussion all about veterans in the DOC — including those who work and those who live in our facilities. Michael discusses his role in the agency, how the DOC supports its employee veterans, the many benefits of a Veterans Service Unit and the impact … Continue reading "Serving Those Who Served: How the DOC Supports Veterans"

William Bush is the Automotive Technology Mechanical and State Inspection Instructor at SCI Mercer, where he teaches his students everything they need to know to earn a state inspection license — and so much more. In this month’s episode of the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast, Bush discusses the various skills his students learn, what … Continue reading "Vocational Spotlight: SCI Mercer’s Automotive Program"

Cpt. Dennis Reichert was recently named supervisor of the DOC’s new Recruitment and Retention Division, which is focused on bringing in the best and brightest new corrections officers, parole agents and monitors. In this episode, Cpt. Reichert discusses his background, his new role, misconceptions about the work and the many benefits of a career in … Continue reading "Why You Should Join Our Team"

While students head back to school this month, the learning never stopped in the DOC as educational programs continue year-round with students working towards their diplomas, certifications and degrees. SCI Waymart Principal Michelle Lipko shares about the exciting opportunities available to the incarcerated students at her facility, including how her team views their role in … Continue reading "School Days at SCI Waymart"

For 50 years, Villanova University has educated incarcerated students at SCI Graterford/SCI Phoenix, where they take the same programs and courses from the same professors as their peers in Philadelphia. Villanova University at SCI Phoenix Director Katherine Meloney joined the podcast to reflect on the recent graduation — which saw administrators and professors from Villanova … Continue reading "Villanova University’s Most Unique Branch Campus"

SCI Laurel Highlands Registered Nurse Nick Freedman began his nursing career in his 50’s and his weight-lifting career in his 60’s — yet he’s rocked them both and become a record-breaking power lifter in the process. In this episode, we shine the spotlight on one of the DOC’s most interesting and inspiring employees and learn … Continue reading "Employee Spotlight: RN Nick Freedman"

SCI Muncy features one of five Veterans Service Units in the DOC, and recently it started a new project: a Victory Garden. In this episode, Unit Manager Celeste Brucklacher joins the podcast to explain what a Victory Garden is, what vegetables they’ve got growing so far, and what they have planned for the future of … Continue reading "Gardening with the SCI Muncy VSU"

In honor of Second Chance Month, Flagger Force Vice President of Human Resources Jen Strobel visits the podcast to discuss her organizations efforts in hiring reentrants, what they’ve learned so far and why it is so important to offer that second chance.

With religious holidays for multiple faiths on the horizon, what better time to meet with DOC Religious Services Administrator Rev. Ulli Klemm. Ulli discusses how chaplaincy staff and volunteers encourage faith in our institutions, how they support individuals of all faith and what he’d like to see change someday. Spoiler alert: it’s a surprising answer … Continue reading "Fostering Faith in our Facilities"

On this month’s episode, Parole Manager Penny Sines explains how parole agents help reentrants find success and overcome the various barriers they face upon reentry. Spoiler alert: It’s not like what you’ve seen in the movies. Penny also discusses the new program with local community partners — STRIVE — and shares a memorable reentrant success … Continue reading "How Parole Supervision Really Works"

Welcome to the debut episode of the Pennsylvania Prisons and Parole Podcast! On our first episode, we check in with Tim McKinney, general industries supervisor at the PA Correctional Industries Vehicle Restoration Plant at SCI Forest, and learn about his facility and workers. The Vehicle Restoration Plant held its grand opening on Jan. 26, 2020, … Continue reading "Checking In with the Vehicle Restoration Plant at SCI Forest"

Nestled in the heart of Montgomery County, SCI Phoenix was situated in the heart of the COVID-19 outbreak in Pennsylvania. Yet despite staff living in and travelling from some of the hardest hit areas, Phoenix was able to keep its positive cases among staff and inmates low, especially considering its location. In this episode of … Continue reading "SCI Phoenix and the Pandemic: How The Facility Fought the First Wave"