Lawrence, Kan. – Tanesha Whitelaw has tried to recover life.
But it was not easy.
The program offers technological education to incarcerated women.
“There were times when they said no if you were going to find a job because of your history or what they saw on paper,” said Whitelaw, remembering some of the challenges she was confronted after leaving the prison.
She also had to fight for her family.
“It breaks relationships with your children,” said Whitelaw. “So you have to recover this.”
She served time for accusations of drugs and firearms. After leaving prison, she wanted change.
“Once you go home, you have to be the best version of yourself and try to fill out what you missed,” said Whitelaw.
Ku’s digital inclusion center helped her fill a few shortcomings. Now it is she who offers support to others as part of the program.
It’s like seeing her old me in the mirror.
“I’m here to encourage them,” said Whitelaw. “It’s important. I am here to empower them and let them be the best versions of themselves.”
Thanks to technological education, CDI opens doors to new possibilities.
“When I was in prison, I did not have the technological skills we can offer to women now,” said Whitelaw. “So when you get home, you can succeed. You can know how to sail in society,”
They also have the opportunity to make changes in their lives. The director Hyunjin SEO sees the change of first hand for women.
“You can see that their confidence is stimulated, and they say they are more confident and capable of expressing expressions,” said Seo.
Kshb
Since 2019, CDI has served more than 1,000 women as part of the Technological Education Program
They work with four correctional establishments on both sides of the state line: the Correctional Services Department of Shawnee County, the Correctional Department of the County of Wyandotte, the County County prison and the County Residential Center for Johnson.
CDI also supports women who leave prison.
“It was a great opportunity, and it just opened the door to more opportunities,” said Whitelaw.
Doors that she wants to stay open for more second chances to come.