On The Inside Re-Entry Academy

Northside Organization Reinventing The Honor(N.O.R.T.H.)

Overview and Purpose

On The Inside Re-Entry Academy is designed for incarcerated individuals who will, one day, make their return back into society. We firmly believe that re-entry starts on the inside of prison along with the inside of self.

Program Components

The program consist of a series of workshops and activities that will focus on the following topics:

Developing a Positive Mindset: Participants will learn how to cultivate a positive attitude and outlook on life.
Creating a Vision for the Future: Participants will be encouraged to set goals and create a vision for their future.
Building a Successful Career: Participants will be provided with resources to help them gain employment and start their own business.
Building a Support Network: Participants will be guided in building a support network of family, friends, and professionals.
Managing Stress and Anxiety: Participants will learn how to manage stress and anxiety in a healthy manner.
Building Self-Esteem: Participants will learn how to build their self-esteem and confidence.

Implementation Plan

On The Inside Re-Entry Academy is implemented in a series of workshops and activities that will be held in prisons across the country. The workshops is led by Kardell Sims and other trained facilitators who are experienced in working with incarcerated individuals. On The Inside Re-Entry Academy is currently running in Western Reception & Diagnostic Correctional Center in Missouri(in person) and Kingsman Prison in Arizona(virutally).

Sims has brought his innovative program to 17 facilities and continues to work weekly with the Western Reception Diagnostic Correctional Center in Saint Joseph Missouri, and the Kingman Correctional Center in Kingman Arizona on a virtual basis. Post-workshop surveys recently returned from 283 participants in the states of Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee indicated that 92.2% would “recommend this workshop to other incarcerated individuals.”

On the Inside Re-Entry Academy has reached a population of approximately 700 incarcerated individuals across eight states, inspiring many to prepare for their release and envision their success as contributing members of their community

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“I am writing this letter to express my sincere support for the On the Inside Empowerment Workshop Tour hosted by Kardell Sims and his team. They offered their life experiences to spread hope and share their firsthand knowledge on overcoming obstacles after being incarcerated. This was an invaluable experience to encounter, not only for the incarcerated population but also for the staff members. . . . We remain committed to working collaboratively with you to create safer communities and brighter futures for all. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and for positively impacting the lives of those who deserve a second chance.”

Samantha Green, Director of ReEntry, FairField County OH

I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Mr. Kardell Sims who selected GEO’s South Bay Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility as one of his featured locations during the ‘On the Inside’ 100 Facility tour this past May. GEO is honored to have had this opportunity to empower the men at South Bay, who are within 12 months of release with his enlightening message for reintegration. We are also thankful Kardell serves as facilitator of a weekly virtual group for our Kingman, Arizona Vocational Rehabilitation initiative.” GEO supports Kardell’s program's mission to assist Justice Impacted individuals across the United States with reentry. I recommend without reservation that your agency afford him the opportunity to inspire the population you serve and change lives through changing behavior.”

Dr. Kenneth C. Garner, National Director of Vocational Programming GEO Group

After finding out I was selected for the initial first class ever offered in the Missouri Department of Corrections, I was ecstatic. This class offered a plethora of information that was beneficial while still in prison and extremely helpful to prepare me to re-enter society again after 6.5 years. Some examples of information and topics covered were budgeting, my perception and beliefs, my goals (creating a vision board, which I still have now as I am released), am I right brained or left brained? parenting, ways to reduce stress, dealing with parole rules when released, how to have healthy relationships. This is just a touch of what was taught. The most helpful resource was that Kardell Sims offered to be a mentor to me while I was still in prison and when released. This is HUGE!!” . . . . I am very grateful for the amazing business I have been able to start due to my vision, goals and hard work while in the Missouri Department of Corrections. . . . I look forward to being by Kardell Sims side speaking at prisons soon.

Mike, Formerly incarcerated Owner and operator of a residential painting service

I’m currently working three jobs, Full time machine operator at S— while maintaining my job at the animal shelter, and mowing laws when I find the time. It’s a lot to juggle, especially with SATOP, mental health, and putting together my business plan, but I find it’s important to continue doing what I I love at the shelter where I feel like I am making a contribution to who and what I care about Speaking of goals, once I finish parole in August, I plan to move forward with my LLC non-profit. I’m pretty excited to begin with the first steps toward that. . . . Suffice it to say I’m doing very well and moving in the right direction, and I’m using the guidance I absorbed from you in your Re-Entry class every step of the way.

Aaron, formerly incarcerated

“I am writing this letter to express my sincere support for the On the Inside Empowerment Workshop Tour hosted by Kardell Sims and his team. They offered their life experiences to spread hope and share their firsthand knowledge on overcoming obstacles after being incarcerated. This was an invaluable experience to encounter, not only for the incarcerated population but also for the staff members. . . . We remain committed to working collaboratively with you to create safer communities and brighter futures for all. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and for positively impacting the lives of those who deserve a second chance.”

Samantha Green, Director of ReEntry, FairField County OH

I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Mr. Kardell Sims who selected GEO’s South Bay Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility as one of his featured locations during the ‘On the Inside’ 100 Facility tour this past May. GEO is honored to have had this opportunity to empower the men at South Bay, who are within 12 months of release with his enlightening message for reintegration. We are also thankful Kardell serves as facilitator of a weekly virtual group for our Kingman, Arizona Vocational Rehabilitation initiative.” GEO supports Kardell’s program's mission to assist Justice Impacted individuals across the United States with reentry. I recommend without reservation that your agency afford him the opportunity to inspire the population you serve and change lives through changing behavior.”

Dr. Kenneth C. Garner, National Director of Vocational Programming GEO Group

After finding out I was selected for the initial first class ever offered in the Missouri Department of Corrections, I was ecstatic. This class offered a plethora of information that was beneficial while still in prison and extremely helpful to prepare me to re-enter society again after 6.5 years. Some examples of information and topics covered were budgeting, my perception and beliefs, my goals (creating a vision board, which I still have now as I am released), am I right brained or left brained? parenting, ways to reduce stress, dealing with parole rules when released, how to have healthy relationships. This is just a touch of what was taught. The most helpful resource was that Kardell Sims offered to be a mentor to me while I was still in prison and when released. This is HUGE!!” . . . . I am very grateful for the amazing business I have been able to start due to my vision, goals and hard work while in the Missouri Department of Corrections. . . . I look forward to being by Kardell Sims side speaking at prisons soon.

Mike, Formerly incarcerated Owner and operator of a residential painting service

I’m currently working three jobs, Full time machine operator at S— while maintaining my job at the animal shelter, and mowing laws when I find the time. It’s a lot to juggle, especially with SATOP, mental health, and putting together my business plan, but I find it’s important to continue doing what I I love at the shelter where I feel like I am making a contribution to who and what I care about Speaking of goals, once I finish parole in August, I plan to move forward with my LLC non-profit. I’m pretty excited to begin with the first steps toward that. . . . Suffice it to say I’m doing very well and moving in the right direction, and I’m using the guidance I absorbed from you in your Re-Entry class every step of the way.

Aaron, formerly incarcerated

“I am writing this letter to express my sincere support for the On the Inside Empowerment Workshop Tour hosted by Kardell Sims and his team. They offered their life experiences to spread hope and share their firsthand knowledge on overcoming obstacles after being incarcerated. This was an invaluable experience to encounter, not only for the incarcerated population but also for the staff members. . . . We remain committed to working collaboratively with you to create safer communities and brighter futures for all. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and for positively impacting the lives of those who deserve a second chance.”

Samantha Green, Director of ReEntry, FairField County OH

I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Mr. Kardell Sims who selected GEO’s South Bay Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility as one of his featured locations during the ‘On the Inside’ 100 Facility tour this past May. GEO is honored to have had this opportunity to empower the men at South Bay, who are within 12 months of release with his enlightening message for reintegration. We are also thankful Kardell serves as facilitator of a weekly virtual group for our Kingman, Arizona Vocational Rehabilitation initiative.” GEO supports Kardell’s program's mission to assist Justice Impacted individuals across the United States with reentry. I recommend without reservation that your agency afford him the opportunity to inspire the population you serve and change lives through changing behavior.”

Dr. Kenneth C. Garner, National Director of Vocational Programming GEO Group

After finding out I was selected for the initial first class ever offered in the Missouri Department of Corrections, I was ecstatic. This class offered a plethora of information that was beneficial while still in prison and extremely helpful to prepare me to re-enter society again after 6.5 years. Some examples of information and topics covered were budgeting, my perception and beliefs, my goals (creating a vision board, which I still have now as I am released), am I right brained or left brained? parenting, ways to reduce stress, dealing with parole rules when released, how to have healthy relationships. This is just a touch of what was taught. The most helpful resource was that Kardell Sims offered to be a mentor to me while I was still in prison and when released. This is HUGE!!” . . . . I am very grateful for the amazing business I have been able to start due to my vision, goals and hard work while in the Missouri Department of Corrections. . . . I look forward to being by Kardell Sims side speaking at prisons soon.

Mike, Formerly incarcerated Owner and operator of a residential painting service

I’m currently working three jobs, Full time machine operator at S— while maintaining my job at the animal shelter, and mowing laws when I find the time. It’s a lot to juggle, especially with SATOP, mental health, and putting together my business plan, but I find it’s important to continue doing what I I love at the shelter where I feel like I am making a contribution to who and what I care about Speaking of goals, once I finish parole in August, I plan to move forward with my LLC non-profit. I’m pretty excited to begin with the first steps toward that. . . . Suffice it to say I’m doing very well and moving in the right direction, and I’m using the guidance I absorbed from you in your Re-Entry class every step of the way.

Aaron, formerly incarcerated

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