Episode 132: Carolyn: Formerly Incarcerated Woman Who is Empowering Others Through Housing, Jobs, and Opportunities

This week’s episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast features Carolyn Presnell, Program Director of 1426 and WELD Seattle. Carolyn herself was incarcerated over 30 different times throughout her life, but finally got out the last time — and decided to reclaim her life and set out to help others getting out of jail and prison. 

Carolyn started with an opportunity at WELD Seattle as Program Manager for Weld’s transitional women’s housing program and now she is program director of a new WELD Seattle project called – 1426. 

WELD Seattle works to equip system-impacted individuals with housing, employment and resources conducive to recovery and successful reintegration back into society after incarceration. 1426 is a new reentry resource center, will provide connection to housing, employment, mental health, and recovery resources for system-impacted individuals. 1426’s services will also include health and wellness programming, connection to legal resources, and mentorship. In addition, the center plans to offer adult education classes, family reunification assistance, connection to public services, and trauma-informed yoga, art, and music therapy. 

Carolyn joins the 1 Girl Revolution Podcast this week to share her own life story, her journey through incarceration, and to talk about the incredible work she’s doing through WELD Seattle and 1426. 

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• ⁠Carolyn’s powerful life story and her journey through incarceration (30+ times); 
• About the “suddenly” moment where Carolyn decided to reclaim her life and help others who are getting out of jail and prison;
• The story behind WELD Seattle and 1426 and more about all of the great work they do;
• Stories from Carolyn’s life and work, including stories of some of the people that have been impacted by her work; 
• And so much more.

For more information on WELD Seattle, please visit their website. And for more information on their new project 1426, click here. Follow WELD Seattle on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.