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

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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

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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.

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