Message from Our CEO

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Every day, more than 1,600 incarcerated people on average will be released from federal and state prisons across the nation. Many of these individuals will face immeasurable hardship as they attempt to reintegrate into a society that unfortunately has long forgotten about them. Between the struggle to find stable employment and housing, the stigma associated with their criminal records, and the constant risk of poverty and recidivism, it is crucial that those who are impacted most by the criminal justice system are afforded a second chance and pathways to become thriving members of our society. 

April is Second Chance Month, a time to reaffirm our commitment to giving individuals who are justice-impacted a chance to rebuild their lives and create a better future for themselves and their families. America has always been a land of opportunity, where anyone can become the best version of themselves regardless of background or circumstance. Offering a second chance to the formerly incarcerated is not just an American value but will also help create safer and more prosperous communities across our nation. 

At ViaPath Technologies, we believe that a second chance can come in the way of technology and digital solutions, which can help millions of people at every touchpoint in the criminal justice system acquire the education and training they need for successful reintegration. ViaPath’s integrated correctional technology solutions currently serve approximately 2,100 facilities and 1.6 million inmates in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Moreover, our products and services have been deployed in 32 state Department of Corrections agencies and many of the nation’s largest city and county facilities. 

One of the most effective ways to provide second chances is through education and job training. Access to education and training can open doors to new career paths and help individuals develop skills that are in demand in today’s job market. ViaPath is committed to providing these opportunities through a number of reintegration services and robust partnerships with organizations in the education and training space. 

Last year, ViaPath launched two new partnerships with CypherWorx and Honest Jobs, organizations dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals attain the skills and knowledge they need to reenter the workforce. CypherWorx provides online training courses that cover a wide range of topics from computer skills to healthcare, while Honest Jobs connects job seekers with employers who are willing to give individuals with criminal records fair-chance employment.  

Through partnerships and resources, ViaPath has helped individuals in the criminal justice system access nearly 5 million eLearning hours on our Inspire tablets. This access to education and training is already making a significant difference in the lives of individuals seeking a successful reintegration following incarceration. 

This month, as we celebrate the strides we have made in creating a positive impact for millions of people, ViaPath Technologies reaffirms our commitment to continue providing opportunities for those individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.  And to the hundreds of thousands of hardworking Americans who are released from incarceration each year: ViaPath Technologies stands with you, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping you build a better life on the other side. 

About ViaPath Technologies

ViaPath provides advanced communications, technology and management solutions that facilitate meaningful connections, provide educational opportunities, and enable successful reintegration for both current and formerly incarcerated individuals. ViaPath is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with an employee presence throughout North America. To learn more, please visit viapath.com.

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The month of March gives us all an opportunity to celebrate Women’s History Month, honoring all women everywhere – from women who live out their dream job every day, to admired celebrities and changemakers throughout the world.  

In 1908, a bold group of change makers united and marched for better labor laws, working conditions, and the right to vote, a push for equality that continues today. In March of 1972, Title IX was passed, specifically created to protect women from gender discrimination and in 1975, the United Nations officially began recognizing March 8 as International Women’s Day. Finally, in 1987, Congress declared March as Women’s History Month. 

Since then, each year, the National Women’s History Alliance assigns Women’s History Month a theme and for 2023, the theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” This theme recognizes women throughout history who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling – including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news, and social media.   

As we continue to recognize Women’s History Month, at ViaPath Technologies we celebrate all the contributions made by women whether it be at home, in our communities, or in the workplace. 

For more information and insight on Women’s History Month, check out the resources below: 

Women’s History Month 2023 – What’s the Theme for This Year? | YouMap 

Women’s History Month: The 2023 theme, why we celebrate and everything else you need to know (yahoo.com) 

36 Activities To Celebrate Women’s History Month (2023) (goodgoodgood.co) 

https://www.wgbh.org/news/news/2023/03/02/womens-history-month-grew-out-of-a-weeklong-commemoration-by-jimmy-carter-in-1980

The information in this post is intended for your general knowledge only. ViaPath Technologies does not control or take responsibility for the content or information on any external website not managed by ViaPath.  

About ViaPath Technologies

ViaPath provides advanced communications, technology and management solutions that facilitate meaningful connections, provide educational opportunities, and enable successful reintegration for both current and formerly incarcerated individuals. ViaPath is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with an employee presence throughout North America. To learn more, please visit viapath.com.

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Creating a More Inclusive, Cohesive Work Environment – ViaPath Technologies Named a Top Workplace for Third Consecutive Year

ViaPath Technologies is a people-focused company that continuously strives to create an inclusive environment that employees can thrive in. With a commitment to creating a cohesive work environment, every program implemented internally is done with our employees top of mind. As a result of our commitment to creating a healthy company culture, we have been recognized as a 2023 Top Workplaces USA Award winner, receiving this award for the third consecutive year.

These awards, presented by Energage – a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces – are based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey.

Deb Alderson, President & CEO of ViaPath Technologies, has served as a catalyst for change in the corrections industry and the overall culture of ViaPath since she joined the company in 2018. With her leadership and commitment to cultivating a healthy work environment, ViaPath’s corporate culture continues to evolve in positive ways.   

“We are honored to be recognized for this award for a third year in a row and see this as  evidence that ViaPath is making the necessary moves to provide value to our employees, customers, and the community,” said Alderson. “Our engaged employees are the key to us fulfilling our mission of breaking the cycle of incarceration through transformative technology.”

About ViaPath Technologies

ViaPath provides advanced communications, technology and management solutions that facilitate meaningful connections, provide educational opportunities, and enable successful reintegration for both current and formerly incarcerated individuals. ViaPath is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with an employee presence throughout North America. To learn more, please visit viapath.com.

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At ViaPath Technologies, we are devoted to our employees, justice-involved citizens, their friends, and family as well as the staff and leadership of the correctional facilities we serve. It is important to us that we evaluate our position of environmental and societal impact. As we work to provide impactful communications and advanced technology to increase the safety of correctional facilities and success of our returning citizens, we are constantly making sure we are doing what is best for all of our stakeholders. Our 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report illustrates our transparency and commitment to our community, our employees, and every person our technology touches.

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About ViaPath Technologies

ViaPath provides advanced communications, technology and management solutions that facilitate meaningful connections, provide educational opportunities, and enable successful reintegration for both current and formerly incarcerated individuals. ViaPath is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with an employee presence throughout North America. To learn more, please visit viapath.com.

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THE FORGOTTEN CANDIDATE NEEDS OUR SUPPORT IN APRIL – AND BEYOND

Since 2017, April has been designated “Second Chance Month” – shining a spotlight on the belief that the best strategy to keep individuals out of jail after they serve their time is to give them opportunities to fully reintegrate into society. But I’ve always believed that these forgotten candidates deserve more than 30 days on the calendar.

At ViaPath, we walk the walk, encouraging successful reintegration not only through life skills and job placement programs for the incarcerated, but through our own hiring of the formerly incarcerated. We’re even partnering with other organizations around the country to magnify our impact.

We also see this issue from every angle, as we help transform corrections facilities and processes in the US and abroad, while working to decrease the chances that individuals will end up re-incarcerated. This is done through education, training, and technology. Our country’s record-breaking incarceration rates are nearly matched by exceptionally high recidivism rates—a seemingly unbreakable cycle due to lack of employment opportunities that we need to help change.

That’s where we can all truly make a difference in April, and beyond.

Many companies have been hesitant to “take a chance” on formerly incarcerated individuals, when they should see it as “giving a chance” to those formerly incarcerated to reach their goals.

Thankfully there’s been hope and progress. For example, since the “Ban the Box” campaign was launched in 2003, a large number of corporations have stepped up and removed the question “Have you ever been convicted?” from their hiring applications. In addition to ViaPath, other corporations include Starbucks, Facebook, Walmart, Target, and Uber to name a few. This simple change to employment applications is making a big difference in increasing opportunities for individuals with a criminal record to be seen as qualified candidates and ultimately, get hired.

Which brings us back to that word: “chance.” It’s not risk or luck. It’s actually an opportunity, that starts with supporting these often forgotten candidates. In this case, the opportunity for individuals to reunite with their families, restart their futures, re-gain their dignity, re-enter society on solid footing, and re-engage with their communities in a positive way.

For companies, it’s an opportunity to diversify their teams and replenish a workforce that’s been shaken over the past two years. But like the “Ban the Box” campaign – it takes time. It also takes action and effort on our part.

Whether you’re a family member, friend, or prospective employer, starting over starts with you.

So, while we kick things off in April by shining a light on second chances, I firmly believe that we should do all we can to break the cycle of incarceration and foster these opportunities all year long. Because second chances – like any life-changing events – can happen at any time.

Deb Alderson
CEO, ViaPath Technologies

ABout Viapath

For over 30 years, ViaPath has worked side-by-side with correctional facilities and government agencies to provide imperative technology solutions to over 1.2 million incarcerated individuals across the globe. These solutions facilitate meaningful connections, provide educational opportunities, enable successful reintegration, and strengthen operational efficiency. ViaPath is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with an employee presence throughout North America and was recognized as a 2021 Top Workplace USA by Energage.

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