On Wednesday, the Nebraska chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit to put an end to the human rights crisis in Nebraska’s prisons. This is due to the horrific overcrowding and lack of basic health treatment for prisoners who desperately need it. The poor access to basic health treatment has been to blame for a number of incidents such as the death of one prisoner who suffered a heart attack. This was after he was ignored for weeks while exhibiting clear symptoms. Another inmate went blind after being denied sufficient treatment for his diabetes. Additionally, prisoners with mental illnesses are often confined to solitary confinement, worsening their condition with an increased risk of self-mutilation and suicide. Poor conditions within the prisons are often exacerbated by the dangerous condition which are a threat to inmates and staff. Within the past two years, four prisoners have died along with a number of injured staff members due to riots within the prisons. Moreover, one prisoner was killed by their inmate after the two were locked into an isolated cell together. These issues are blamed on the stressed resources and severe overcrowding. Overall, The system is at close to 160% of its capacity, with four prisons at close to 200% of capacity and one at a shocking 302%. While overcrowding has been a constant issue for the past decade, the problem has become increasingly bad. The situation might look bleak for many inmates, however, one startup is aiming to help prisons find a better life after prison with incredible results. Defy Ventures is a nonprofit startup which aims to educate prisoners on business skills, using coaching from entrepreneurs so they have a better chance of obtaining jobs, starting business and making a positive impact on society. Due to a national recidivism rate of 76%, most parolees are rearrested within a year. However, Defy Ventures has reduced recidivism to an astonishing 3% with entrepreneur training. The program can also be an eye opening experience for community leaders and entrepreneurs that volunteer as it gives them a chance to understand the inmates lives and perspectives while making a positive contribution. Moreover, the program has created 350 jobs across the country, including states such California, New York and New Jersey where the program also operates.
Catherine Hoke, Founder and CEO at Defy Ventures
