Orijin?

Hope. Purpose. Opportunity. At Alpena County Jail, the IGNITE program is proving that education behind the walls isn’t just about coursework—it’s about transformation. In just a few months, we’ve already seen a cultural shift. With a total jail capacity of 94 beds, 16 individuals have already graduated, earning certifications, gaining new skills, and building a foundation for success after release. Delivered via Orijin's managed learning platform, IGNITE is providing justice-impacted individuals with access to GED prep, workforce development, vocational training, and personal growth courses. These tools are opening doors to brighter futures and stronger communities. Sergeant Christina Bednarski put it best: "Offenders have an opportunity to choose a path while incarcerated; you can choose to see jail as a punishment or as an opportunity to grow." Sheriff Erik Smith also spoke to the power of education behind the walls: "If given the opportunity to engage in a positive learning environment, and the potential to make real-life changes, they are easier to manage. I would rather have staff congratulating someone for their achievements than disciplining them for poor decisions." With education and skills training at their fingertips, IGNITE participants are gaining confidence, earning credentials, and preparing for life beyond incarceration. One graduate summed it up: "I believe I will be transformed upon my release. I will be a better man for myself, my family, and my community." Read more in this article to learn about this amazing program and impact.

Breaking the Cycle: Giving Justice-Impacted Youth a Second Chance In this episode of 2nd Chances @ Work, host Arti Finn talks with Solomon B., Director of Roca Western Massachusetts, about his journey from Deputy Warden to youth advocate. After 15 years in corrections, he left his career in corrections to help high-risk young people avoid incarceration and build better futures. At Roca, relentless engagement, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and job training are helping reduce recidivism by 98% and contributing to a 40% drop in Springfield’s homicide rate. Solomon shares why trust, education, and second chances are key to lasting change. Click the link below to enjoy this insightful and inspiring podcast. https://lnkd.in/eKgYKyYv

Celebrating a Milestone in Smith County, TN! Eight justice-impacted learners in Smith County have officially graduated as Certified Manufacturing Associates! Through an innovative partnership between Orijin?, Tooling U-SME, Smith County Jail, Tennessee Office of Reentry (TOOR), and local workforce leaders, these graduates completed 25 courses, passed their exams, and are now prepared for careers in manufacturing. This program proves that education, opportunity, and second chances change lives. Companies are eager to welcome these graduates into the workforce, reinforcing the power of skills training in reentry success. Join us in congratulating all of the graduates and partners! Click the link below to learn more about this pilot program. https://lnkd.in/gsvPTe7W Becky Hull Sophia Young

Orijin at COABE 2025! Orijin’s Adam Henderson, MBA will be presenting at the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) Conference in Dallas! He’ll be leading a session on "Toolsets for Data-Informed Career Pathing for Incarcerated Individuals," exploring how data-driven insights can create meaningful learning pathways and career opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. At Orijin?, we believe in education as a catalyst for change, and we’re excited to share strategies that empower learners, improve outcomes, and support reentry success. If you're attending COABE, be sure to join Adam’s session and connect with us! #COABE2025 #AdultEducation #CareerPathing #JusticeReform #SecondChances #Orijinedtech

Impact by the Numbers: Education Saves Millions for Hancock County 150 program graduates from Hancock County Jail have spent a collective 56,101 days out of jail, saving the county over $4.4 million in incarceration costs. Sheriff Brad Burkhart says, "To me, that's what it's all about—transforming lives and creating positive change." We commend Sheriff Brad Burkhart and his team for investing in community and the power of learning. Discover how the county's investment in education and rehabilitation is changing lives and saving taxpayer dollars. Read the full article to learn more. https://lnkd.in/eF6MPyCj

Investing in education inside correctional facilities isn’t just about second chances—it’s about real cost savings for communities. At Hancock County Jail in Greenfield, Indiana, programs supported by Orijin have helped 150 graduates stay out of jail for a total of 56,101 days. With a daily incarceration cost of $79.02, that translates to over $4.4 million in savings for the county. Sheriff Burkhart sees the impact firsthand: safer facilities, lower recidivism, and real opportunities for justice-impacted individuals to build a better future. Read more about how Orijin is driving change. #Orijinedtech #Indiana #Corrections #EdTech

Exciting Progress in Tennessee! Our partnership with Tooling U-SME, Smith County Jail, Workforce Connections, UT Center for Industrial Services, and the Tennessee Office of Reentry (TOOR) is making strides in reentry education and workforce development! In our ToolingU pilot program, all eight learners have completed 25 courses in CNC machining, robotics, and more—ahead of schedule—with an average score above 80%. Now, they’re preparing for their SME Manufacturing Associate certifications—a critical step toward career success post-release. This initiative is bridging workforce gaps and empowering justice-impacted individuals with real skills for real jobs.

Celebrating Innovation in Juvenile Education! A huge congratulations to our partners at Marin County Juvenile Hall, our dedicated Orijin? team, and of course, the incredible learners who are expanding their knowledge and skills through education. Marin County is leading the way with Orijin's managed learning platform, providing incarcerated youth with safe, continuous access to education, skill-building, and career preparation. From financial literacy and resume writing to plumbing courses and ESL certifications, we are opening doors to brighter futures. We look forward to what’s next as these young learners continue to grow and work toward their goals. Read the article to learn more about the impact of this program! #Orijinedtech #JuvenileJustice #EducationForAll #Rehabilitation #Orijin #SecondChances

When we first featured Anthony Barwick II on 2nd Chances @ Work, we heard a truly inspiring story of resilience and transformation. But behind his journey was a father who never stopped believing in him. Anthony Barwick, a military veteran, and business leader, never imagined he’d face the heartbreak of having both of his sons incarcerated at the same time. Yet, through every court hearing, prison visit, and setback, he remained steadfast in his support. His unwavering love and guidance helped his sons turn their lives around, leading to new opportunities—including Anthony II’s successful business, Privileged Paws. Listen to our latest podcast to learn about this powerful story of redemption, resilience, and the impact of never giving up on the people we love. https://lnkd.in/g_69B8Sn

From Prison to Privileged Paws After serving 10 years in prison, Anthony Barwick II found purpose through the PUP Program, training rescue dogs and building skills that changed his life. Now, he's the founder of Privileged Paws, a mobile dog-training business featuring the innovative "Pup Bus"—bringing top-tier training and grooming straight to pet owners. We were honored to hear his inspiring journey at our Orijin staff retreat, and now you can too! ?? Listen now: https://lnkd.in/g_69B8Sn And stay tuned—next week, we’ll have the honor of featuring his father, Anthony Barwick Sr., who will share his journey, perspective as a father, and the vital role of a strong support system.