It’s a warm summer day in Arizona, and there’s excitement as people gather in an uncommon place – Perryville Prison. As the guests arrived, an unmistakable sense of anticipation and celebration was in the air. Among the attendees were Chief Executive Officers, Arizona government officials, and a group that stood out in this unlikely mix – inmates coming together to commemorate a significant milestone.

The occasion is the Career PATHS program, a transformative initiative sponsored by The Televerde Foundation. This nonprofit organization, nestled within the walls of the Perryville Prison complex, is dedicated to empowering incarcerated women through a life-changing program focused on work-based learning and soft skills development. The program’s goal is clear: to equip participants with the tools they need to secure employment post-release, earn better wages, and build sustainable careers. What’s particularly fascinating is the way the program refers to its participants as “cohorts.”

Many of these women start their journey feeling isolated and misunderstood, but as they advance through the program, they gradually experience a sense of hope and solidarity. Uncovering their latent potential becomes a key part of their experience, and the program’s motto – “I struggle, you struggle, we struggle together…” – serves as a unifying force, fostering connection and support among the cohorts.

Over six months, these women undergo profound personal growth, akin to the transformation of a lotus flower. They draw inspiration from the lotus, whose roots lay in the darkness at the bottom, yet steadily rise through the waters of doubt, ultimately blooming on the surface as a symbol of opportunity and change. Their individual journeys have been arduous, but this day celebrates their remarkable capacity to evolve, transform, and embrace their true potential.

Accomplishments like this hold monumental significance within the confines of a prison. They embody the profound transformations that can occur despite the prevailing biases associated with incarceration.

What struck me the most was witnessing these participants confidently present a business plan they had developed from the ground up in front of business executives. Their courage and boldness were genuinely awe-inspiring. It’s no wonder that since its inception in 2020, the PATHS program has supported 755 women, maintaining a remarkable 0% recidivism rate. Of these incredible individuals, 455 have successfully transitioned to the outside world, equipped with not just dreams but real, tangible futures. Impressively, 96% of these women secured employment within 38 days of release and impacted more than 750 children! In their own words, they have beautifully encapsulated the impact of this experience and what it means to them:

“Some of my key takeaways are never to give up. When it gets hard, push through and do not hesitate to ask for help. I have never been good at that because I have always been left to my own, staying in survival mode. Also, other people do not see me the way I see myself. They see me as smart and capable, and I am also starting to see that. I have value and a lot to contribute to the world.” — Elizabeth Silverstein

“Six months of deadlines and training,  designed to help us grow, but I’m not sure they really know what they did for me. My confidence has grown, my spirit has been lifted, and I trust them. My future is now so gifted. You ask what Career Paths means to me. I’ll tell you; I don’t have the words because EVERYTHING about me has changed. I’m a new me, for sure.” — Jessica Koley

“To me, Career PATHS is more than just a program; it is about growing as an individual and becoming emotionally intelligent. Helping us achieve a professional certificate to prepare us for success upon release. Setting us up with a mentor and post-release plan to pave the way for us to have a bright future.” — Lisa Walsh

“Embracing my reentry into society has been a transformative experience, allowing me to rediscover the beauty of human connection and personal growth.” — Judith Walker

“Televerde Foundation and its strong warrior women are my lifeline. I had never had a chance at life before this point. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.” — Darby Mullis

“This program has given me all the strength, knowledge, and set of assets I need to succeed. It has also been the first step toward remarkable success for me. I will always look back and remember where it all began, at Televerde Career Paths.” — Geraldine Alarcon

“Career Paths has shown a new way, A way to success, a brighter day; with support and guidance, they pave the way; opportunities abound, leading to a better day. With Career Paths, the future is bright; in this journey, success is in sight; they uplift and inspire, guiding us through; oh, Career Paths, we thank you!” — LeSaundra Jenkins

Embarking on a new path in life requires tremendous courage and resilience, especially for the women participating in this program. For many of them, this is the first real opportunity to make a significant change. Through the Career PATHS program, they are redefining what it means to overcome adversity and unlock their true potential. Much like the lotus flower emerging from the mud to bloom into a beautiful blossom, these women are embracing their full potential and rising above their challenges. In their words, “Just like the lotus, we too have the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness, and radiate into the world.”

To learn more about Televerde Foundation and how you can get involved, visit us at https://www.televerdefoundation.org/get-involved/.