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Opening Doors

Opening Doors

Written by: Rachel Dalinka
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About this listen

 "Opening Doors" is a transformative podcast focused on healing from the traumas of incarceration and drug addiction, hosted by Rachel Dalinka. With over 25 years of experience in developing and delivering educational programs, and 8 years focused on programming for underserved communities, Rachel combines her expertise with her personal journey of growing up with an addicted and incarcerated father. Her mission is to break the stigmas and silence surrounding these issues, fostering open and healing conversations. Each episode features heartfelt storytelling and insightful interviews with formerly incarcerated individuals, people in recovery, experts in trauma and recovery, and family members. The podcast sheds light on the emotional, psychological, and social complexities of reintegration and overcoming addiction. Listeners gain strategies for overcoming shame, rediscovering purpose, and leveraging community resources and mental health support. "Opening Doors" is more than a podcast; it's part of a movement towards empathy, understanding, and hope. It aims to create a community where stories of resilience, recovery, and redemption inspire listeners to embark on their own journeys of transformation. The show aims to break down barriers of stigma and advocate for a future where everyone has the support and understanding needed to move beyond their past. Join us in navigating these challenges and celebrating the victories of spirit and strength.Opening Doors Podcast 2024 © Self-Help Social Sciences Success
Episodes
  • Second Chances, Real Jobs: How Uplift Solutions Reduces Recidivism | Atif Bostic

    Second Chances, Real Jobs: How Uplift Solutions Reduces Recidivism | Atif Bostic
    Jan 13 2026
    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

    If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the Opening Doors Podcast and share it with others who might benefit from these stories. Please visit https://openingdoorspodcast.com/ to subscribe to the newsletter. Remember, healing is a journey; you don't have to walk it alone. Let's open those doors together!

    Opening Door Podcast Music by John Abella
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    28 mins
  • Matthew Garcia's Story: Redemption, Reform, and the Fight For Justice

    Matthew Garcia's Story: Redemption, Reform, and the Fight For Justice
    Dec 30 2025

    In the Season 2 premiere of the Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Dalinka speaks with Matthew Garcia, who has spent 27 years incarcerated for felony murder-despite having fled the scene before the actual crime occurred. Through intimate conversations with both Matthew and his wife, Carisia Magobet, we explore the unjust realities of Pennsylvania's sentencing laws and the human toll of life without parole for felony murder.

    Matthew shares his powerful journey of transformation and resilience from inside SCI Chester, where he has become a mentor, educator, author, and changemaker. Carisia reflects on their rekindled relationship and her role in advocating for his release, providing a heartfelt lens on the impact incarceration has on families. This episode not only highlights important changes needed to improve the justice system, but also uplifts the power of redemption, love, and collective action. Pennsylvania and Louisiana are the only two states still enforcing life without parole for felony murder. There is a case in front of the PA Supreme Court that could rule that life without parole for felony murder is unconstitutional. Sign the petition, spread the word, and be part of the movement to bring justice to those who deserve a second chance.

    Key Episode Takeaways

    • Matthew Garcia has served 27 years in prison for felony murder, a law that holds participants in a felony equally liable for a death, even if they did not commit the act.
    • He was two weeks past his 18 birthday at the time of the crime. He just missed the resentencing possibility of the 2012 Miller v. Alabama ruling, which deemed life without parole unconstitutional for juveniles.
    • Matthew has used his time to create the "Real RAP - Restorative Arts Program" to rehabilitate others, facilitate education, and mentor incarcerated individuals.
    • The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutionality of life without parole for felony murder under Commonwealth v. Derrick Lee.
    • His wife Carisia speaks out about their love story, the fight to get Matthew's sentencing reviewed, and the toll incarceration takes on families.
    • The episode emphasizes the need for systemic change in the Criminal Justice System and urges listeners to take action.

    Key Resources & Links Mentioned

    • Matthew Garcia's Instagram: @MattRaw_1980
    • Matthew's Children's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Words-Only-Until-they-Hurt/dp/B0FWYLD5L5
    • SCI Chester's New Leash on Life & FELINE Foster Father Program: https://www.newleashonlife.org/ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz37-Kz2SDY
    • Freedom Side School (Serving children of incarcerated parents): https://www.freedomsideschool.org/
    • Sign the Petition to End Life Without Parole for Felony Murder in PA: https://c.org/KfSGzZ7LTQ

      Sign the petition, follow Matthew's journey, and share this episode with your network. Together, we can push for policy change that acknowledges redemption and restores justice.

    If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the Opening Doors Podcast and share it with others who might benefit from these stories. Please visit https://openingdoorspodcast.com/ to subscribe to the newsletter.

    Remember, healing is a journey; you don't have to walk it alone. Let's open those doors together!

    Opening Doors Podcast Music by John Abella
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    48 mins
  • Beyond the Walls: Finding Redemption and Purpose After Prison

    Beyond the Walls: Finding Redemption and Purpose After Prison
    Apr 1 2025
    In this episode, Rachel Dalinka moderates a powerful conversation between three formerly incarcerated individuals: Suave Gonzalez, Jeffrey Abramowitz, and Kimpedro Rodriguez. All transformed their lives and are now working to support others. The guests share their experiences with the challenges of re-entry, the importance of education and support systems, and the need for societal change in how returning citizens are perceived and treated. The discussion highlights the systemic barriers faced by those with criminal records, such as difficulty obtaining identification, housing, and employment, and emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities and support for successful reintegration. Key Takeaways: Transformation is Possible: Even in the face of significant adversity and systemic barriers, individuals can transform their lives and become positive forces for change. Education is Crucial: Education plays a vital role in personal growth, empowerment, and successful re-entry. Re-entry Challenges are Significant: Returning citizens face numerous obstacles, including lack of identification, housing discrimination, and employment barriers. Support Systems are Essential: Mentorship, wraparound services, and community support are critical for successful reintegration and preventing recidivism. Societal Change is Necessary: Employers and society as a whole need to change their perceptions of formerly incarcerated individuals and provide them with opportunities for a second chance. Resources & Links Mentioned: Rachel Dalinka: https://openingdoorspodcast.com/about-opening-doors Suave Gonzalez: https://www.instagram.com/suavegonzalez215/ The "Suave" Podcast from Futuro Studios and PRX - Winner of 2022 Pulitzer Prize https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suave/id1548544921 Suave Gonzalez's podcast and documentary updates: https://www.deathbyincarcerationpodcast.com/ Jeff Abramowitz: https://www.jeffrey-abramowitz.com/ Kimpedro Rodriguez: worldofkimpedro.com @peacepowerpercussion on Instagram The Petey Green Program: An organization that provides educational support for incarcerated individuals and those re-entering society. https://www.peteygreene.org/ I Am More Program (Community College of Philadelphia): A program that supports formerly incarcerated individuals and their families with education and wraparound services. https://www.ccp.edu/student-services/student-assistance-centers/i-am-more-reentry-engagement-program New Groove Network: An organization that connects artists of different generations to improve communities. https://newgroovemusicstudio.com/ Books: What Happened To You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing – Oprah and Dr. Bruce Perry The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma – Dr. Bessel van der Kolk Support Groups-Resources: Grief Support Resources for Parents Who Have Lost Children to Gun Violence: https://judishouse.org/childhood-bereavement/gun-violence/ The Compassionate Friends non-profit organization exists to provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the natural grieving process: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/ Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families: https://adultchildren.org/meeting-search/ Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA): https://coda.org/ Children of Incarcerated Parents: CAP4Kids -Philadelphia: https://cap4kids.org/philadelphia/parent-handouts/parenting-foster-care-adoption/incarceration-resources/ Rainbows for All Children: https://rainbows.org/ Support for Children dealing with Grief from many traumas, including incarcerated parents: We Got Us Now: https://www.wegotusnow.org National Resource Center on Children & Families of the Incarcerated – Rutgers Camden: https://nrccfi.camden.rutgers.edu/resources/directory/national-programs/ Youth.Gov: Children of Incarcerated Parents: https://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents/tools-guides-resources Sesame Workshop: https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/incarceration/ If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the Opening Doors Podcast and share it with others who might benefit from these stories. Please visit https://openingdoorspodcast.com/ to subscribe to the newsletter. Remember, healing is a journey; you don't have to walk it alone. Let's open those doors together! Opening Door Podcast Music by John Abella
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    49 mins
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