When we first featured Anthony Barwick II on 2nd Chances @ Work, we heard a powerful story of resilience and transformation. But behind his journey was a father who never stopped believing in him. In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Barwick Sr. to hear his perspective on the challenges of having both of his sons incarcerated at the same time—and the unwavering love that carried them through.

Anthony Sr., a military veteran, business leader, and funeral director, never imagined receiving the devastating news that his sons, Anthony and DeRon, had been arrested. The shock quickly turned into the painful reality of navigating the justice system, shouldering legal fees, prison visits, and the emotional toll of watching his sons serve nearly a decade behind bars. But despite the hardship, he made a promise: he would never abandon them.

His dedication made all the difference. Encouraged by their father, both Anthony and DeRon used their time in prison to develop new skills, leading to fresh opportunities upon their release—including Anthony’s successful dog training business, Privilege Paws. Along the way, Anthony Sr. faced his own struggles, from strained family relationships to the social stigma that cost him business opportunities. But instead of giving in to bitterness, he turned his pain into purpose, working to help others clear past convictions and rebuild their lives.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that second chances don’t happen in isolation—they require support, guidance, and belief. Listen now to hear Anthony Sr.’s inspiring journey and his message of resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of love.

Listen now on 2nd Chances @ Work.

Orijin.works

This episode was recorded when Orijin was still known as American Prison Data Systems.

In this episode of the 2nd Chances Podcast, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Arti Finn sits down with Kimonti Carter, an entrepreneur, educator, community activist, and social strategist, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer.

Carter shares his powerful journey and lived experience—from receiving a life sentence as a teenager to his release in July 2022 after serving 25 years in prison. In this candid conversation, he offers his insights on:

• The role of social capital and the importance of building meaningful relationships.
• Advice for incarcerated and justice-impacted individuals seeking to transform their lives.
• His one wish to fundamentally change the corrections system for good.

Orijin.works

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Anthony Barwick II, who turned a ten-year prison sentence into a thriving business with Privileged Paws, a mobile dog-training and care service.

Anthony shares how a dog-training program during incarceration became a lifeline, teaching him resilience and sparking his entrepreneurial spirit. From the challenges of reentry to launching the innovative "Pup Bus," Anthony’s story highlights the power of second chances, family support, and determination.

Tune in to hear how he transformed adversity into opportunity and what it means to build a future rooted in purpose and passion.

Orijin.works

Transformation is never easy for justice-impacted individuals, but with the right support system, it becomes possible. After serving 18 years in prison, Hassan Latif emerged as a leader, founding the Second Chance Center in Denver, Colorado. Today, the center provides critical support services—including mentorship, job readiness programs, addiction counseling, and housing—for justice-impacted individuals reentering society.

Hassan’s journey underscores the power of second chances and the importance of stability, both personal and structural. From starting his organization out of his car to now leading a multi-location operation, his story reflects resilience, accountability, and the value of strong community support.

In this episode, learn how Latif turned personal growth into action, using his experience to inspire others and address the barriers justice-impacted individuals face. Discover how he’s transforming lives through initiatives like building stable housing and advocating for legislative change.

At Orijin, we share Latif’s belief in the power of education and workforce development to break cycles of incarceration. Join us as we explore his remarkable journey and the lessons it offers for creating meaningful change.

Listen now to hear Hassan's inspiring story

Orijin.works

Sowing Seeds of Hope: Sheriff Brad Burkhart’s Commitment to Rehabilitation

In this episode of Second Chances @ Work, we are joined by Sheriff Brad Burkhart of Hancock County, Indiana, and Jail Navigator Crystal Petty to discuss how they are transforming lives through innovative rehabilitation programs. Sheriff Burkhart, who grew up on a farm, reflects on how his upbringing shaped his philosophy of leadership and rehabilitation. “On the farm, I learned early on that to grow anything, you have to prepare the soil, plant the seeds, and nurture them. Now, we’re planting seeds of hope and opportunity for justice-impacted individuals,” he says.

Under his leadership, Hancock County Jail has become more than just a facility—it’s a therapeutic community where education, personal growth, and reentry preparation take center stage. Sheriff Burkhart shares how their partnership with Orijin’s educational technology, including tablets offering career-focused courses, is giving inmates the tools they need to succeed post-release.

Jail Navigator Crystal Petty provides a powerful perspective on the human side of the program. She explains how her role ensures learners stay motivated and engaged, whether through vocational certificates or personal development. Together, they’ve created an environment where inmates feel supported and empowered, breaking the cycle of incarceration and opening doors to second chances.

With Sheriff Burkhart’s leadership and Crystal’s dedication, Hancock County Jail has seen real, measurable outcomes. From partnerships with local employers to inmates completing vocational training and securing jobs, their program is redefining what public safety means through rehabilitation and education.

Tune in to hear their inspiring stories and learn how they are cultivating lasting change, one individual at a time.

#SecondChances #JusticeReform #ReentrySuccess #EducationalTransformation

Orijin.works

At Orijin, we believe in the power of second chances and the remarkable potential that lies within every individual. Antonio Arnett, one of our most inspiring team members, is a living testament to this belief. Known at Orijin as the "Swiss Army Knife," for his myriad skills, Antonio’s journey from incarceration to inspiration is a powerful story of transformation, and unwavering determination.

A Journey Rooted in Resilience

Antonio’s story begins in Washington, DC. Like so many other people of color in his community, Antonio faced significant and systemic challenges. His life took a dramatic turn when he was sentenced to 219 months in federal prison—a moment that could have defined his future in a much different way.

Instead, Antonio chose a different path. Throughout his incarceration, he immersed himself in every educational and vocational program available. From anger management to HVAC certification, Antonio was determined to emerge from prison not just as a free man, but as a better man. His commitment to self-improvement did not go unnoticed; his exemplary behavior and the work he did while incarcerated eventually led to a reduction in his sentence.

When Antonio was released in 2019 after serving 12½ years, with his conviction overturned and a sentence reduction granted by the trial judge, he was not just ready to re-enter society — he was ready to make a difference.

The Pivot That Changed Everything

One of the most pivotal moments in Antonio’s post-incarceration journey was his acceptance into the Georgetown Pivot Program. This prestigious initiative is designed to help returning citizens transition back into society through rigorous education and professional development. Despite initially feeling overwhelmed by the academic demands, Antonio quickly excelled, proving that he was more than capable of thriving in a challenging environment. In fact, he did more than just succeed—he was chosen to deliver the graduation speech for his cohort, a testament to his hard work and leadership.

The skills and confidence Antonio gained through the Pivot Program set the stage for his next big chapter: joining Orijin.

Becoming the “Swiss Army Knife” of Orijin

At Orijin, Antonio quickly earned the nickname "Swiss Army Knife" due to his versatility and willingness to tackle any challenge that came his way. From customer service to technical support, Antonio's ability to adapt and excel in various roles has made him an indispensable member of the team. But his contributions extend far beyond the office.

Antonio regularly visits correctional facilities, sharing his story with incarcerated individuals and offering them something that many of them desperately need—hope. With his sharp fashion sense and genuine desire to connect, Antonio uses every tool in his arsenal to engage with those who are where he once was. “I consider myself a hope dealer,” he says, “because I go in there to show these guys that if you want it, you can do it.”

Words of Wisdom from a True Hope Dealer

So, what’s Antonio’s message to those currently incarcerated or newly released? “It’s not about where you start; it’s about how you finish and what you do in between.” He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, embracing every opportunity for growth, and never being afraid to ask for help.

“Remain humble, stay curious, and always be a student,” Antonio advises. “Fill your toolbox with as many skills and experiences as you can. You never know which one you’ll need.”

Why Antonio’s Story Matters

Antonio’s journey from a lengthy prison sentence to becoming a key figure at Orijin is a powerful testament to what’s possible when someone is given a second chance and the tools to succee

Orijin.works

In a recent episode of Orijin’s Second Chance @Work podcast, Arti Finn, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Orijin, had an insightful conversation with Jason Spyres, CEO and Co-Founder of Training All People, Inc. (TAP3D). Spyres’ journey from incarceration to becoming a tech entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring, offering valuable lessons and hope for both justice-impacted individuals and correctional administrators.

His story begins with a challenging childhood. Despite being raised in a home with loving parents, their struggles with drug addiction created an unstable environment. At a young age, Spyres realized he needed to take charge of his own life, which led him to work various jobs to support himself. Unfortunately, his teenage years saw him engaging in illegal activities, such as selling drugs, which eventually led to his arrest at 19 and a staggering 30-year prison sentence for nonviolent offenses. He ultimately served 14 years and 7 months before being released to a work release center.

During his time in prison, Spyres experienced a critical moment of self-reflection, and realized that his actions, though perceived as harmless, had broader implications, including the potential to harm innocent people. This epiphany spurred a profound change in him, leading to a commitment to rehabilitating himself and giving back to society.

Education became Jason's pathway to transformation. Despite the barriers within the prison system, he relentlessly pursued knowledge, leveraging whatever resources he could find, from old textbooks to online courses from leading universities. His determination and resilience paid off as he was accepted to Stanford University. His journey was not without its hurdles; he faced numerous rejections before finally being accepted. This persistence underscored his philosophy: "Make them tell you no." His time at Stanford, studying computer science, solidified his passion for using technology to create positive change.

Today, Spyres serves as Chief Executive Officer at TAP3D, a company that uses 3D models, VR simulations, and desktop simulations to provide training and education. His goal is to make training accessible to all, especially those within the corrections system. By offering realistic and immersive experiences, TAP3D aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed post-incarceration, reducing recidivism and improving overall outcomes.

Jason's journey is a powerful reminder of what is possible with determination and access to education. To hear more about his inspiring story and his advice for corrections administrators seeking to improve morale, safety, and reduce recidivism through educational access, listen to the full interview on the podcast.

Orijin.works

As we continue to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, Isme’s story of resilience and transformation highlights the profound impact of mental health on personal growth and change for justice-impacted individuals.

Growing up, Isme, 30, faced physical and emotional abuse, abandonment, and sexual abuse at a young age. Her turbulent childhood led her to run away from home, drop out of high school, and become a mother at the age of 15. These hardships could have defined her, but Isme's life journey took a different path.

Her life took a dramatic turn when she was incarcerated at 19, serving a 7-year-to-life sentence. It was during her time in prison that she began the hard work of self-reflection and change. "I had to really face me, of all people," she recalls. "It was my own demons, my own ways, my own trauma." Confronting her past and understanding the reasons behind her actions was a pivotal part of her transformation.

After 10 years of dedication and rehabilitation, Isme earned her parole. Today, she works as a Support Associate at Orijin. At Orijin, Isme has gained new skills, from basic computer functions to customer service, all while being supported by a team that believes in her potential.

She is currently working towards her high school equivalency, a crucial step in her journey of self-improvement. Isme emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and faith, even in the darkest times. "At the end of the tunnel, there really is light. It might not be the brightest, but if you're able to survive and make it out, you are more than gold."

At Orijin, Isme constantly taps into her own experiences to ensure that we are providing the best product and customer service possible. She has become a beacon of hope for those who face the same challenges she once did. Her work not only transforms her own life but also impacts those around her, showing that second chances are possible and transformative.

We hope you enjoy this inspirational podcast.

Orijin.works