From Incarceration to Inspiration: Wayne "Jamaal" Garrett's Journey

Opening Doors

In this episode of the Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Dalinka sits down with Wayne "Jamaal" Garrett, a community engagement and reentry coordinator for Uplift Solutions and president of the Uplift Alumni Association. Wayne shares his compelling journey from incarceration to becoming a leader in workforce development for justice-impacted individuals. He discusses the systemic challenges faced by formerly incarcerated people, the transformative power of support systems, and the importance of empathy and understanding in reentry programs. Wayne’s story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the potential for positive change even in the most challenging circumstances.

Episode Takeaways:

• Wayne Garrett’s Journey: From a troubled youth in Southwest Philadelphia to incarceration and finally finding purpose and leadership in community engagement.

• Challenges of Reentry: Insight into the difficulties faced by formerly incarcerated individuals, including finding employment and the social stigma that persists.

• Importance of Support Systems: How crucial family and community support are for successful reentry and preventing recidivism.

• Need for Systemic Change: Discussion on the flaws in the current justice and prison systems, including mandatory sentencing and lack of rehabilitative support.

• Personal Growth and Transformation: Wayne's personal growth through his experiences and his drive to help others avoid the pitfalls he encountered.

Resources and Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Uplift Solutions: An organization focused on workforce development and support for justice-impacted individuals. https://upliftsolutions.org/

• "Warrant for Blood" by J. Legacy Fambrough: A book written by Wayne detailing his life experiences. https://a.co/d/fxpF4lW

• The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander: A book mentioned in the discussion about systemic issues in the justice system. https://a.co/d/8CDQFzU

Books:

• What Happened To You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing – Oprah and Dr. Bruce Perry
• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma – Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

Support Groups-Resources:

• Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families: https://adultchildren.org/meeting-search/
• Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA) - https://coda.org/
• Children of Incarcerated Parents: CAP4Kids -Philadelphia: https://cap4kids.org/philadelphia/parent-handouts/parenting-foster-care-adoption/incarceration-resources/
• Rainbows for All Children: https://rainbows.org/

Support for Children dealing with Grief from many traumas, including incarcerated parents

• We Got Us Now: https://www.wegotusnow.org
• National Resource Center on Children & Families of the Incarcerated – Rutgers Camden: https://nrccfi.camden.rutgers.edu/resources/directory/national-programs/
• Children of Incarcerated Parents: https://youth.gov - https://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents/tools-guides-resources
• Sesame workshop: https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/incarceration/

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the Opening Doors Podcast and share it with others who might benefit from these stories. Please visit https://openingdoorspodcast.com/ for resources and to subscribe to the newsletter. Remember, healing is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Let’s open those doors together.

Music by John Abella