Mainebiz

AWARD B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S O F T H E Y E A R W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 23 M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 2 6 MB: What prompted you to pursue higher education while imprisoned? JJ: Even though I was under-educated, I was literate. is placed me in a posi- tion to serve as a literacy volunteer for a number of my peers who were illiterate. e incarcerated men I taught as a liter- acy volunteer asked me to help them get their GED. At the time, all I had was a GED, and I recognized I didn't neces- sarily have the skills to teach them in the way they had hoped. I took my dilemma to the Maine Humanities Council com- munity coordinator, and she encouraged me to attend college. My innate curiosity and drive for knowledge motivated me to expand my learning. Once I caught the bug, I first earned my associate's degree. I was then further motivated to earn my bachelor's degree. Upon exiting prison, I earned my master's degree. MB: When you were in jail, what injustices against prisoners struck you most? JJ: I experienced incarceration as per- petual torture. ere was no aspect of incarceration that was not traumatic. e environment is highly toxic and punitive. ose with power often, with time, wield even greater power; those without it take the brunt of that power. It is a never-ending cycle. MB: What is the mission of the Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition? JJ: Our mission is to support and advo- cate for Maine's incarcerated citizens, their families and friends. Our purpose is to reduce Maine's use of incarceration by advocating for a criminal legal system that is ethical, humane and restorative. Our vision is of a justice system that is restorative. It supports humanity in every person, and reflects and creates transformation and accountability. MB: What are the biggest obstacles former inmates face when they get out of jail? JJ: Discrimination in employment and housing are the biggest obstacles returning citizens face, due to their criminal histories. MB: What changes — in policy, programs or otherwise — are you most proud of and why? JJ: e thing I'm most proud of is that both of my trial judges, from over 30 years ago, have acknowledged and commended me for the work I am now doing. My proudest moments were being able to share a stage with them over the years, and that their favorable comments and perceptions about me were made in public. It was validat- ing to be seen as human in their eyes, and to represent the redemption that humans can achieve. MB: What's the vision for Paco's Place in Auburn? JJ: e vision for Paco's Place is to provide housing stability to people returning to our community from prison. Paco's Place is loosely based on my own personal journey from incarceration. A family took me into their home and provided me with the stability and support I needed to move on from my traumatized self to my authentic self. MB: How does writing poetry help you see — and describe — life through a different lens? JJ: Art is healing. ere is something powerful about being able to name a thing. If you can name it, you can overcome it. Renee Cordes, Mainebiz deputy editor, can be reached at rcordes@mainebiz.biz Our vision is of a justice system that is restorative. It supports humanity in every person, and reflects and creates transformation and accountability. GREATER REACH. STRONGER SERVICE. DEEPER COMMITMENT. Grow your business with reliability and confidence. FidiumBusiness.com | 1.844.343.4862 76,000+ fiber route miles 380,000+ on-net / near-net buildings $1.9 Billion+ in network investments since 2020

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