Elizabeth Widlak
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Jeanne Ross
Research Mentor School/College/Department: A Brighter Way / NonUM
Program: UROP
Session: Session 7 (4:40pm – 5:30pm)
Authors: Libby Widlak, Jeanne Ross
Abstract
Formerly incarcerated individuals returning to the community often face barriers that prevent them from achieving purpose-filled lives. A Brighter Way is a non-profit organization that partners with these individuals to create strong relationships with mentoring teams and community resources as they transition back into society. My research has been focused on helping individuals with their transition by creating a curriculum to learn about new technology that has been developed since their time incarcerated. It aims to help individuals feel less overwhelmed and have a smoother transition back to society. Additionally, I have been working to create infographics about issues that affect formerly incarcerated such as housing, transportation, employment, and technological deficiencies to be used for educational purposes at community events. Both of these projects have yet to be fully implemented, but they aim to create a richer community with reduced recidivism and increased public safety. A potential limitation with the curriculum is that it will only work if the participants are actively engaged with it. However, because it is voluntary to partner with A Brighter Way, the individuals often demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow as they transition back to the community. As this curriculum continues to be revised and implemented, it will provide formerly incarcerated individuals new opportunities, skills, and resources that can help them successfully reintegrate into society.
