Philadelphia Reentry + Workforce Development: The Uplift Solutions Playbook

What really reduces recidivism? Jobs, community, and long-term support.

In this episode of Opening Doors, host Rachel Dalinka speaks with Atif Bostic (President & CEO of Uplift Solutions) about reentry, second-chance hiring, and why “restorative justice” is a better path than punishment alone.

Uplift’s results are hard to ignore: 1,500+ people connected to employment, 3,000+ impacted, and a reported 2% recidivism rate among program graduates, supported by a model designed to stay connected for three years after completion.

Topics covered:
Workforce development for justice-impacted people (CDL, HVAC, transitional work)
The “3-year support” insight and how it reduces recidivism
Restorative justice, over-criminalization, and what needs to change
Second-chance hiring advice for employers (and the overlooked talent pool)
Housing, NIMBY dynamics, and why proximity + relationships matter
Why collaboration across organizations increases impact

Resource Links:
Uplift Solutions: https://www.upliftsolutions.org/
Food For Thought - Men's Support Group: https://www.upliftsolutions.org/progr...
City of Philadelphia Office of Reentry: https://www.phila.gov/departments/off...
Hunting Park Neighborhood Resource Center: 2221 West Venango Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140

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Opening Door Podcast Music by John Abella


#SecondChanceHiring #Reentry #Philadelphia #RestorativeJustice