SOLUTIONS FROM THE YARD

Episode 28: Inside a Woman pt. 1

Host Dietrich Trent is joined with co-host Charles Hopkins and Michael Dickerson-El, along with their guest Alyce McFarland, as they explore the challenges of reintegration after incarceration. Alyce shares her struggle with addiction while raising her daughter and pursuing education, emphasizing her journey of healing and transformation. She explains breaking cycles of trauma and connecting with her higher power.

Episode 28: Live Show

Join us for an insightful discussion with the participants of 'Unsilencing Their Voices.' Learn from Dietrich Trent, Charles Hopkins, Donnell Felder, and Michael Dickerson-El as they share their powerful stories of reentry and resilience. Former CSOSA Director Nancy Ware facilitates this eye-opening panel. Discover how Voices for a Second Chance (VSC) is a trailblazer in supporting returning citizens and the vital role of community partnerships in this journey. Let's build a more supportive community together.

Episode 27: Roadblocks to Reentry pt. 2

This episode of Solutions from the Yard" addresses reentry challenges after incarceration, including housing, employment, and inadequate prison medical care. Hosts Charles Hopkins, Michael Dickerson-El, and Dietrich Trent share personal experiences on topics of health issues and highlight how discrimination and the parole system complicate reintegration.

Episode 25: Prison Dad pt. 2

Today's episode of "Solutions from the Yard" features Darren Stephenson, Sr., who talks about his father's 50-year incarceration and the crucial role of family support in maintaining hope. Despite the challenges, Darren's unwavering support has kept his father motivated. This conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of maintaining family ties from behind bars and the importance of community support in the reentry process. 

Episode 24: Prison Dad

In the latest episode of "Solutions from the Yard," hosts Charles Hopkins and Michael Dickerson explore the impact of incarceration on fatherhood. Through personal anecdotes and special guest Darren Stephenson, Sr.'s story, they discuss how imprisoned fathers navigate their relationships with their children. This episode sheds light on the emotional complexities and long-term effects on families, offering valuable perspectives for those working in social services, criminal justice reform, and family advocacy. 

Episode 23: City Council - Part 2

In this episode, Michael Dickerson-El, Dietrich Trent, and Charles Hopkins discuss who is responsible for blocking vital penal code reforms and emphasize the need for citizens to hold elected officials accountable. They highlight the importance of understanding political hierarchies and laws to effectively exercise voting rights. The hosts call for increased awarenessand education on political processes to drive meaningful change.

Episode 23: City Council - Part 1

The Senate rejected the DC Crime Bill, which aimed to modernize the century-old criminal code and reduce mass incarceration. Listen to Michael Dickerson-El, Dietrich Trent, and Charles Hopkins discuss the influence of non-local politicians, pandemic law enforcement practices, and prison quotas. Despite strong local support, Congress retains final authority over DC's laws, hindering efforts to implement these reforms. 

Episode 21: Barriers to Reentry pt. 1

In this episode, Charles Hopkins and Michael Dickerson-El are joined by Charles Russell from Washington, D.C., whose sentence was overturned by President Obama in 2016. Together they discuss structural racism in the prison system, Mr. Russell’s accomplishments, and the challenges he faced upon reentry into society. 

Episode 20: Ex Offender Jobs - Part 2

The episode opens with discussing job placement and workforce development programs reducing recidivism. The hosts discuss Title 7’s lack of protection for ex-offenders, how they’re unprepared for reentry, and the challenges presented to them. Discrimination is also discussed, as well as the intentionality of pushing returning citizens out into their communities unprepared as a means to continue the prison pipeline. The hosts end the podcast with their take on solutions for the ex-offender employment disparity.

Episode 19: Ex Offender Jobs - Pt. 1

This episode finds the gentlemen discussing job placement post-incarceration and the “stipend chase.” Michael Dickerson-El leads this conversation while the hosts discuss career training versus job programs that don’t have longevity. The positions generally offered are at or below minimum wage. The hosts discuss how these jobs can cause returning citizens to adopt a "settle for less lifestyle." Dickerson-El discusses law review critiques of Title 7 and how protected classes do not include returning citizens; this opens the reentry community up to discrimination in the workplace with little to no ability to defend themselves.