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Sen. Owens and My Story Matters seek one-time funding to expand prison-based reentry program
Summary
Senator Owens and My Story Matters presenters described a prison-based intervention that the Department of Corrections and formerly incarcerated participants say reduces recidivism and asked legislators for a one-time appropriation to expand the program inside prisons and into community reentry services.
Senator Owens introduced a request-for-appropriation to continue and expand My Story Matters, an evidence-informed intervention operating inside Utah prisons. Amy Chandler, executive director of My Story Matters, and executive-board member Josh Penrod described the program's curriculum and its effects on participants and families. "We're creating opportunities to inspire others to choose to change," Chandler said, and presenters pointed to outcomes including stable housing and employment for program participants after release.
Josh Penrod, who said he was formerly incarcerated, described the program as a "force multiplier" that increases the effectiveness of other investments in reentry. Jared Garcia, executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections, spoke in support and said programs like this are important because most incarcerated people become neighbors within a few years: "It's imperative that we continue to help people to change their lives in the system so when we release them, they're successful."
Senators and representatives responding to the presentation praised the results and discussed potential funding sources; the board of pardons earlier indicated some nonlapsing funds that could be repurposed. Presenters said the request is a one-time ask to preserve momentum; they offered to return with more data if the committee desires further evaluation.
