Richard McMichael used to see education as his right and took it for granted.
“Then, when I got in trouble, I realized what I had lost. Once I got the opportunity to take classes, I’ve treated it like the privilege it is,” he said. “I’ve kind of become obsessed with continual learning now.”
McMichael, 26, was released in March 2022 by the Kansas Department of Corrections following a 2018 conviction for drug-related offences.
Refusing to let his past define him, McMichael used the time while incarcerated to recapture the dreams he had for the future. After his conviction, he was sent to the correctional facility in Larned, Kansas.
From the very beginning, Valarie Browning, KDOC job specialist, said McMichael was unique.
“His motivation was to get his degree and do better, to prove people wrong and that he wasn’t just another troubled kid,” she said.
Browning said McMichael had a lot of family support, and he never slowed down. He would start taking a new class almost before the first class was finished.
“We don’t often see that here,” Browning noted.
McMichael was able to transfer previous college credits to an online degree program with Adams State University, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 and made the President’s List. His next goal is to obtain his CPA, then pursue a master’s degree in computer engineering and computer science.
In May 2021, McMichael relocated to the Wichita Work Release Facility, Wichita, Kansas, and in one week he said his life changed.
“Within a week I got a job,” he said. “A week literally changed the trajectory of what my future can look like.”
After a two-month stint with that employer, where he earned an outstanding employee award, he accepted an offer of a job at Koch Industries in accounting.
“I’m really thankful for this new opportunity,” McMichael said. “I wake up every day very purpose driven, thinking about what I am going to do today to get closer to my goals.”
Rick Husselman, KDOC job specialist at the Wichita Work Release Facility, said employers who are willing to hire current residents are referred to as “second chance” employers. Throughout Kansas, 42 private industries along with 16 correctional industries employ nearly 1,300 residents.
“I can remember the days when a convicted felon was automatically rejected for a job,” Husselman said.
That mind-set is changing, however, and many employers are finding skilled employees who are either currently incarcerated or newly released, ready to work and build a better future for themselves and their families.
“McMichael didn’t waste his time while he has been with us. He has worked hard, both in college and through programs provided by KDOC,” Husselman said. “He accepted help preparing for interviews, how to discuss gaps in employment history and what he is doing while incarcerated to have success once he is released.”
While it is McMichael’s drive and determination to reach his goals that set him on a better path for the future, he is quick to credit the help and support he has received during his time with KDOC.
“There are some very special individuals working at Larned,” he said. “These KDOC employees really went above and beyond. Valerie Browning at Larned guided me and helped me find all the tools to succeed. Travis Getty, among others, proctored my tests, kept me out of trouble and on the right path. They put a lot of effort into helping the people who want to succeed.”
McMichael applauds Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and KDOC Secretary Jeff Zmuda for the current push to provide education opportunities for KDOC residents.
“Finishing my degree while incarcerated has given me the skills I needed to obtain gainful employment and become a tax paying, full contributing member of society,” he said.
He also believes that if Kansas City or other areas had facilities like the one in Wichita, “you would see more guys get jobs and succeed.”
“In my opinion, the Wichita Work Release Facility has to be one of the preeminent reentry programs in the country,” he said. “The KDOC staff provide great support, assisting with job search resources, resume assistance, and many other transitional planning tools for assimilation back into society.”
McMichael said the staff recognizes that empowering the residents to reach their full potential reduces recidivism.
“It also reunites families, increases public safety, and reduces the tax burden for all taxpayers,” he said.
With a new job at Koch Industries, and his release from prison in March 2022, McMichael is setting his sights on graduate school and a brighter future.
]]>The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain target groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment. This allows the individual to move from economic dependency into self-sufficiency as they earn a steady income and become contributing taxpayers.
The WOTC target groups include:
Learn more at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/taxes-and-financing/wotc/
]]>Governor Laura Kelly, Kansas
“When we look at our correctional system, over 90-95% of those folks are going to be coming back into our Kansas communities. Be a whole lot better to use the time that they are in our system to provide an education, get training, get certificates, get licenses, so that when they come out they are ready to take the jobs that we know are available.”
Joe Reardon, President & CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
“KC Chamber members have told us the importance of reducing crime in our region and we believe one of the most effective strategies the business community can take is leading the conversation on hiring returning citizens. We believe in the importance of restoring dignity to incarcerated individuals through education and jobs training while giving them the tools to succeed when they are released from prison. We have also heard from our business community on the business case for hiring returning citizens. These team members often become the best employees a company has, and often remain the most loyal.”
Deb Kirby, Deb's Cattle Service
"I have had PI workers for over 10 years. I think this program is extremely beneficial in the reintegration of inmates to the workforce and life outside of prison. Many of these individuals have never had a job other than the streets. We try to teach skills that will benefit them wherever they decide to go once released. It also helps them to have some money in their pocket when they get out so they can hopefully get on their feet and not go back to their “old ways”. They get a peek of what life can be like if they make good choices once released."
Dave Cox, Plant Manager, Maico
“As far as reservations as far as hiring people with a felony background, there’s a lot of good guys that just simply made a bad choice at some point. Doesn’t necessarily make them a bad person for the rest of their life.”
If you are an employer interested in hiring KDOC residents, email KDOC_CareerCampus@ks.gov
or call 785-296-3317.
Private Industry Employers (June 3, 2022) | ||
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Aramark - EDCF Aramark - HCF Aramark - TCF Aramark - LCF Aramark - LCMHF Aramark - NCF Aramark - WCF BAC - LCF-Central Barkman Honey - HCF Blue Hill - NCF Cal-Maine - HCF-South Creekstone Farm - WCF Electrex - HCF East Evergreen - HCF Great Plains - ECF Heatron - LCF-East |
Henke - LCF-East Hess - NCF-East Hubco - HCF-East Husky Hogs - NCF Impact Embroidery - EDCF Kansas Protein Foods - HCF KBK Industries - LCMHF Kirby Cattle - LCMHF Kirby Enterprises - LCMHF KMW - HCF Koch - TCF LaCrosse - LCMHF LPF - LCF-Central Maico - ECF Martin Machine & Welding - HCF South |
NFL - TCF Mill Creek - HCF-South Moly - ECF Osborne - NCF Pioneer - EDCF PKM Steel - ECF Polo - TCF Redbarn PIECP and Pet Products - LCMHF Russell Stover - TCF Seat King - HCF-Central Skyline - WCF Wifco - HCF-South Wilkens - NCF-East Zephyr - LCF-East |