In this episode of Opening Doors, host Rachel Dalinka sits down with Atif Bostic, President & CEO of Uplift Solutions, an organization training and placing formerly incarcerated men and women into jobs across the Philadelphia area. Atif shares how Uplift evolved from tackling food deserts to becoming a workforce development engine with pathways like CDL, HVAC, and transitional "same-day work and pay", while keeping the mission focused on dignity, stability, and long-term support. In this conversation, you'll hear:How Uplift has connected 1,500+ people to employment and impacted 3,000+ lives Why their model supports participants for three years post-program, and how that ties to their 2% recidivism rate The case for shifting from criminal justice to restorative justice, and why over-criminalization harms communities.

What employers need to understand about second-chance hiring: the talent is real, and often outperforms when given an opportunity
Why community, proximity, and relationships change outcomes (and what "NIMBY" has to do with it)
Why collaboration beats competition, and how partners are building a broader continuum of support in North Philadelphia

Resource Links Mentioned:

Uplift Solutions: Uplift Solutions Official Website
Food For Thought - Men's Support Group: https://www.upliftsolutions.org/programs/food-for-thought
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