EP117 Molly Kelly, Vice President of Programs, The Last Mile – TV Matters
In the heart of Oakland, California, a nonprofit organization is reshaping the lives of justice-impacted individuals through technology training and support. The Last Mile (TLM) aims to provide opportunities for those who have faced incarceration, empowering them to overcome societal stigmas and build promising futures. This mission is championed by Molly Kelly, the Vice President of Programs at TLM, who has a deeply personal connection to the organization.
Molly’s Journey: From Incarceration to Inspiration
Molly Kelly’s story is a testament to the power of second chances. After struggling with addiction for over 20 years, Molly found herself incarcerated at the Indiana Women’s Prison. It was here that she completed a transformative 12-month software engineering program through TLM, igniting a passion for technology and social change. “Prison literally saved my life. Had I not gone to prison when I did, I would have been dead,” Molly reflects on her time in incarceration.
Reflecting on her past, Molly describes her initial descent into addiction at 23, triggered by the loss of a loved one. Her journey led her through a cycle of addiction, legal troubles, and eventual incarceration. However, it was within the prison walls that she experienced a moment of clarity: “I knew that I never wanted to go back to the life that I was living.” This realization marked the beginning of her path to recovery and personal transformation.
Upon entering the prison system, Molly’s first challenge was overcoming the pervasive despair often associated with incarceration. While many individuals might feel hopeless in such an environment, Molly’s strong support system and her desire for change propelled her to seek out the resources available to her. “I had burnt my bridge with my mom, but she was also still my mom. She wanted me to get better,” she recalls.
The Last Mile Program: A Beacon of Hope
Founded in 2010, The Last Mile began as an entrepreneurial program in San Quentin State Prison and has since evolved to include comprehensive technology training. Recognizing the growing demand for skilled tech workers, TLM launched a coding program, providing inmates with the opportunity to learn software engineering—a field that promised job security and a decent income upon their release.
Molly Kelly was one of the first participants in TLM’s program at Indiana Women’s Prison, where she discovered her potential. “When I saw others succeeding, I started to believe that I could too,” she shares.
TLM’s unique approach to teaching coding without internet access encourages students to tap into their resourcefulness and collaborate with classmates. “We teach computer coding software engineering without the internet,” Molly explains. “It’s hard to learn, but we give them the resources to collaborate and help each other.” This methodology not only imparts technical skills but also fosters essential soft skills, preparing graduates for the workforce. Additionally, initiatives like EditMentor provide vital support for individuals looking to enhance their skills in areas such as video editing, further broadening their opportunities in the digital landscape.
Bridging the Gap: Overcoming Stigmas and Building Futures
One of the most significant challenges facing justice-impacted individuals is societal stigma. Many employers hesitate to hire those with criminal backgrounds, often overlooking the potential of these individuals to contribute positively to their workplaces. Molly emphasizes the importance of changing this narrative, urging employers to give justice-impacted individuals a chance: “We’re not bad people; we’ve just made bad decisions.”
The Last Mile addresses these stigmas head-on by employing many of its graduates and providing them with ongoing support through its Alumni Success Team. “We want people to be successful for whatever success looks like for them,” Molly asserts. This team assists individuals in navigating the job market, crafting resumes, and building professional networks—critical steps toward successful reintegration into society.
Molly’s story of transformation serves as a beacon of hope for those still incarcerated. She frequently returns to the Indiana Women’s Prison to share her journey, demonstrating to current students that success is attainable, even against the odds. “When I walk into the classroom, they’re excited. They see hope in what I’ve accomplished,” she reflects.
Success Stories and Impact
Since its inception, TLM has graduated over 720 individuals, boasting a remarkable recidivism rate of just 4.8%. In contrast, the national average hovers around 64%. This stark difference highlights the effectiveness of TLM’s programs in not only teaching valuable skills but also fostering a sense of community and purpose among participants.
Graduates have gone on to secure positions as software engineers and business analysts, earning wages significantly higher than they ever imagined possible. “I never thought I’d be able to earn a living as a software engineer,” Molly shares, adding that many of her peers have similar success stories. They return to TLM to share their experiences, further inspiring current students to pursue their goals.
Molly Kelly, who now holds a leadership position within TLM, embodies the organization’s mission. Her journey from incarceration to becoming a vice president serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for change within the justice system.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Opportunities
As TLM continues to evolve, it is exploring new avenues to serve justice-impacted individuals. Molly and her team are working on developing additional programs in entrepreneurship and project management, recognizing that not everyone wants to pursue a career in tech. “We want to give them the skills that they can use in many different fields,” she notes.
TLM is committed to expanding its reach beyond California, with aspirations of implementing its successful model in all 50 states and potentially internationally. “We want to transform the lives of even more individuals impacted by the criminal justice system,” Molly explains.
Conclusion: The Power of Second Chances
The Last Mile is not just about teaching technology; it is about restoring hope and dignity to those who have faced the challenges of incarceration. Molly Kelly’s journey exemplifies the profound impact that education, support, and belief in potential can have on individuals seeking to turn their lives around.
As society grapples with issues of justice and rehabilitation, organizations like The Last Mile remind us that every person deserves a second chance—an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute positively to their communities. “If you have a chance to hire someone who’s been justice impacted, please do. It’s worth it,” Molly urges. By supporting programs that uplift justice-impacted individuals, we can work towards a more equitable future, one where transformation is not just a dream, but a reality for many.
Resources:
- The Last Mile: https://thelastmile.org/
- Recovery While Incarcerated: A program offered in Indiana prisons for individuals struggling with addiction.
- Purposeful Incarceration: A program in Indiana that focuses on providing rehabilitation and support to incarcerated individuals.
- EditStock: https://editstock.com/
- Pro Tools: https://www.avid.com/pro-tools
- Basic Ministry: https://www.basicministry.org/
- Born Again Soldiers in Christ (BASIC): A program run by Basic Ministry that provides food, clothing, and other resources to homeless individuals.
