In this episode, Dr. Jeff Sim, a mental health quality improvement manager at the Illinois Department of Corrections, explains what he has learned about the connection between science and empathy in prison populations. Focusing on three major brain development milestones, Dr. Sim talks about why individuals raised in a hyper-vigilant fight-or-flight mode struggle to empathize or feel the consequences of destructive behavior. Hear Dr. Sim's perspective on high-level neuropsychology, the impact of corrections, and the disconnect between incarceration and the real world — highlighting how strong, positive relationships can work to support mental and behavioral health.
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46:36
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46:36
Love the One You're With
Kristy Johnson shares her heroic (and difficult) story of living through addiction, incarceration, rehabilitation and into recovery — all through the eyes of a loving mother. Her story proves that the small moments we have with anyone are influential and can have unimaginable impacts (for good or for bad). This leads us to believe the true value of "loving the one you are with" or simply being a non-judgmental force of hope for the future — to whomever we are with in any given moment.
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45:40
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45:40
A conversation with Clinique and Cristian… about the Restoring Promise initiative
In this episode of Community Matters, JLG Architects’ Isaac Karley speaks with Clinique Chapman and Cristian Franco Jr. about the Restoring Promise initiative, which strives to create housing units centered on dignity for young adults in prison. Clinique and Cristian discuss the push to end mass incarceration and provide insight into Restoring Promise’s process within these facilities – and why they feel it’s critical to create humane spaces and processes that provide people with the opportunity to heal from trauma and move forward with their lives.
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40:49
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40:49
A conversation with Rachelle...Warden for Incarcerated Women in North Dakota
In this episode of Community Matters, JLG Architects’ Jennifer Burke Jackson and Rachelle Juntunen, Warden at Dakota Women’s Correctional Rehab Center, talk about what normal can look like for incarcerated women, the challenges of re-entering into the community, and the uptick in female incarceration. As a long-time administrator in this world, Rachelle shares her raw points of view and ideas on how we can begin to unpack real solutions, together.
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42:23
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42:23
A conversation with Jonathan.. the views inside of addiction and recovery
In this episode of Community Matters, JLG Architects’ Jennifer Burke Jackson and Jonathan Holth, Managing Director of the Recovery Reinvented, discuss common beginnings to addiction, challenges to staying in recovery, and how these overlay with experiences in and around incarceration. Jonathan shares his personal recovery story, as well as how he helps others find recovery in North Dakota.
Architects alone won’t solve systematic problems, but evolved environments can be a catalyst for change. Community Matters isn’t here to justify the norm, but rather to challenge it. Through interviews and storytelling, we are seeking to amplify the perspectives of those often unheard and invite everyone to speak up for what matters to their community.
Season 1 of Community Matters is focused on the question: “What is the purpose of incarceration?” We seek to gain deeper insights into life and experiences during, after and adjacent to incarceration.
South Africa