Becoming Whole: A Holistic Reentry Series

Becoming Whole: A Holistic Reentry Series

Lived experience leads the way. That's not a slogan for us — it's how we've always done this. We walked into NARP 2026 Wholistic Approach to Reentry Conference in Little Rock expecting to learn. We walked out changed. In this trailer, VanKevia shares what happened at that conference — the people creating their own opportunities, the reentry simulation that pulled back the curtain, and the question that started it all: what does it actually mean to be whole? Welcome to Becoming Whole: A Holistic Reentry Series. What You'll Hear: * The stories that stuck — from a self-taught real estate investor to a man who now works for the system that incarcerated him * The $50 court fine moment that stopped VanKevia in her tracks * Why reentry isn't one problem — it's everything happening at once * What to expect for upcoming episodes: conversations on lived experience, recovery, mental health, employment, political leadership, and holistic reentry Resources: * 📄 Free Holistic Wellness Check-In Sheet [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QXNeB8XTea4yPfnrLANoD3Od0LNTGvZk/view?usp=sharing] * 🎧 Subscribe on More Life: The Reentry Podcast Site [https://rss.com/podcasts/morelifethereentrypodcast/], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HBXLbXxzzzACfrWkYB4WL], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-barriers-reentry-for-individuals-with/id1619986393?i=1000717767871], or iHeart Radio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-more-life-the-reentry-podc-272023062/episode/breaking-barriers-reentry-for-individuals-with-286509180/] * 💰 Support the show: Donate Here [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/reentry-podcast-thats-change-lives] Connect: 📸 Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/morelifethereentrypodcast/] 📧 Email: morelifereentry@gmail.com [morelifereentry@gmail.com] Be A Part of the Conversation: Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Share Your Ideas [https://forms.gle/BDdqa3VeYJXfWd3E9] Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Share Your Story [https://forms.gle/gadtK9vjukvmkB8W6] Want to join our team? Become A Team Member [https://forms.gle/HTmttpdHQBRcR6k78] Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life! Host: VanKevia Garner, M. S. Produced by More Life Reentry Team https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings [https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings] License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice. More Life: The Reentry Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only.

The Case for Individualized Reentry Plans for Individuals with Disabilities with Sharif Brown

In part two, Sharif discussed effective ways to address the often-overlooked challenges faced by individuals with disabilities during reentry. Sharif makes a compelling case for why individualized reentry plans are not just beneficial, but necessary, for supporting successful reintegration. One-size-fits-all approaches often fail to meet the nuanced needs of people with disabilities who are exiting incarceration. Sharif brings both professional insight and personal passion to the topic, advocating for a justice system that recognizes the diverse needs of every individual. Tune in to learn more about how the Alliance of Disability Advocacy is addressing the gaps for individuals with disabilities. Interested in learning more about reentry for individuals with disabilities: The definition of disability under the ADA? [https://adata.org/faq/what-definition-disability-under-ada] Criminal legal systems and the disability community: An overview [https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/11/6/255] The prevalence of, and challenges faced by, people with disabilities in the criminal legal system [https://www.prisonpolicy.org/research/disability/] The links between disability, incarceration, and social exclusion [https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2022.00495] On the Outs: Reentry for Inmates with Disabilities (Short Documentary) [https://youtu.be/7WukbvDKTdk?si=keNsxbslw8l9pbLf] Background: Learning to recognize disability and developing a cross-disability consciousness [https://www.accessliving.org/access-to-justice-a-cross-disability-perspective-on-reducing-jail-incarceration/background-access-to-justice/] Want to learn more about how to support individuals returning home from incarceration with disabilities? Learn more and support Alliance of Disability Advocates [https://adanc.org/reentry/] Support Disability Rights North Carolina Current Campaigns [https://disabilityrightsnc.org/take-action/current-campaigns/] Get involved and support the National Disability Rights Network [https://www.ndrn.org/] Search your local community to find ways to support individuals with disabilities [https://findhelp.org/] Connect with More Life: The Reentry Podcast: Follow Us On Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/morelifethereentrypodcast/] Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Share Your Ideas [https://forms.gle/BDdqa3VeYJXfWd3E9] Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Share Your Story [https://forms.gle/gadtK9vjukvmkB8W6] Want to join our team? Become A Team Member [https://forms.gle/HTmttpdHQBRcR6k78] Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life! Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S. Produced by Tre https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings [https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings] License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

Breaking Barriers: Reentry for Individuals with Disabilities with Sharif Brown

In part one of this two-part conversation, Sharif Brown, the Director of Reentry at Alliance of Disability Advocates, dives into the unique barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals with disabilities. He discusses how stigma, poor disability screening, and limited access to healthcare and services affect reentry—and why race and socioeconomic status make these challenges even harder to overcome. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the challenges of returning home with a disability. Interested in learning more about reentry for individuals with disabilities: What is the definition of disability under the ADA? [https://adata.org/faq/what-definition-disability-under-ada] Criminal legal systems and the disability community: An overview [https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/11/6/255] Research on the prevalence of, and challenges faced by, people with disabilities in the criminal legal system [https://www.prisonpolicy.org/research/disability/] The links between disability, incarceration, and social exclusion [https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2022.00495] On the Outs: Reentry for Inmates with Disabilities (Short Documentary) [https://youtu.be/7WukbvDKTdk?si=keNsxbslw8l9pbLf] Background: Learning to recognize disability and developing a cross-disability consciousness [https://www.accessliving.org/access-to-justice-a-cross-disability-perspective-on-reducing-jail-incarceration/background-access-to-justice/] Want to learn more about how to support individuals returning home from incarceration with disabilities? Learn more about and support Alliance of Disability Advocates [https://adanc.org/reentry/] Support Disability Rights North Carolina Current Campaigns [https://disabilityrightsnc.org/take-action/current-campaigns/] Get involved and support the National Disability Rights Network [https://www.ndrn.org/] Search your local community to find ways to support individuals with disabilities [https://findhelp.org/] Connect with More Life: The Reentry Podcast: Follow Us On Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/morelifethereentrypodcast/] Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Share Your Ideas [https://forms.gle/BDdqa3VeYJXfWd3E9] Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Share Your Story [https://forms.gle/gadtK9vjukvmkB8W6] Want to join our team? Become A Team Member [https://forms.gle/HTmttpdHQBRcR6k78] Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life! Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S. Produced by Tre https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings [https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings] License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

Lifting Up: The Role of Organizations in Rebuilding Lives with St. Louis County Library

What resources are you utilizing to support you on your entrepreneurship journey? In this episode, we explore how organizations can play a transformative role in supporting entrepreneurship for individuals reentering society after incarceration. Our guest is the St. Louis County Library, home to the innovative Small Business Launchpad program—an initiative specifically designed to empower formerly incarcerated individuals with the tools, knowledge, and resources to start and grow their own businesses. We discuss the unique challenges justice-impacted entrepreneurs face, the importance of equitable access to information and mentorship, and how libraries can serve as unexpected but powerful hubs for economic opportunity and social reintegration. Tune in to hear real insights into how communities can invest in second chances and support sustainable pathways to success. Interested in learning more about St Louis County Library: St. Louis County Library to launch business program for formerly incarcerated people [https://spectrumlocalnews.com/mo/st-louis/news/2023/06/05/st--louis-county-library-launches-business-program-for-formerly-incarcerated-people] St. Louis County Library program to offer formerly incarcerated people business skills [https://www.stlpr.org/economy-business/2023-05-24/st-louis-county-library-program-to-offer-formerly-incarcerated-people-business-skills] Former incarcerated have a chance at entrepreneurship – Small Business Launchpad [https://www.stlamerican.com/business/business-news/former-incarcerated-have-a-chance-at-entrepreneurship-small-business-launchpad/] Interested in applying for the Small Business Launch Pad Program? Small Business Launchpad Program Application [https://www.slcl.org/research-learn/small-business-resources/launchpad] Want to take the next step towards business ownership? GEO Reentry Connect Start a Business [https://georeentryconnect.com/jobs-employment/startabusiness/] 10 Tips for Starting a Business After Prison [https://determinationincorporated.com/blog/10-tips-for-starting-a-business-after-prison/] Connect with More Life: The Reentry Podcast: Follow Us On Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/morelifethereentrypodcast/] Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Share Your Ideas [https://forms.gle/BDdqa3VeYJXfWd3E9] Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your entrepreneurial journey? Share Your Entrepreneurial Journey [https://forms.gle/ttmXe1vd2NpiEQ2B6] Want to join our team? Become A Team Member [https://forms.gle/HTmttpdHQBRcR6k78] Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life! Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S. Produced by Tre https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings [https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings] License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

Against the Odds: How Entrepreneurship Changed the Game with CJ Johnson

How could entrepreneurship be your pathway to empowerment and financial freedom? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, VanKevia Garner sits down with CJ Johnson, founder of Samsonite Painting & More, LLC. CJ Johnson shares his journey of mindset transformation, discipline, and resilience. Against all odds, CJ highlights the power of self-employment and how challenges can be turned into purpose-driven fuel to not only build a better life but also uplift others in the process. Tune in to learn more about how CJ beat the odds and created a successful business for his family. Want to learn more about Samsonite Painting & More, LLC? Samsonite Painting Webpage [https://spmpsolutions.com/] Youtube Page [https://www.youtube.com/@samsonitepaintingmorellc7383] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/samsonite_painting_and_more/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SamsonitePaintingAndMore/] Want to learn more about reform movements? Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition [https://www.arjusticereform.org/] Empowering Justice-Impacted Entrepreneurs [https://thelastmile.org/empowering-justice-impacted-entrepreneurs-training/] Want to take the next step towards business ownership? GEO Reentry Connect Start a Business [https://georeentryconnect.com/jobs-employment/startabusiness/] 10 Tips for Starting a Business After Prison [https://determinationincorporated.com/blog/10-tips-for-starting-a-business-after-prison/] Connect with More Life: The Reentry Podcast: Follow Us On Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/morelifethereentrypodcast/] Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Share Your Ideas [https://forms.gle/BDdqa3VeYJXfWd3E9] Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your entrepreneurial journey? Share Your Entrepreneurial Journey [https://forms.gle/ttmXe1vd2NpiEQ2B6] Want to join our team? Become A Team Member [https://forms.gle/HTmttpdHQBRcR6k78] Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life! Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S. Produced by Tre https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings [https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings] License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF