Six psychology students in the spring 2023 capstone course ‘Issues to Prisoner Reentry’ partnered with JustDane, an organization that offers a range of services and programs to individuals and families in Dane County whose lives have been impacted by incarceration or the criminal justice system.
JustDane’s services include reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, as well as services and programs for children with an incarcerated parent. Its mission promotes an equitable and just community with values of compassion, courage and inclusion.
Students Emily Boettcher, Josh Liebelt, Hailey McCabe, Tori Trittin, Elaine West and Maddy Willander conducted research, site visits and interviews with staff and volunteers affiliated with JustDane and its various programs.
“It was really inspiring to work with JustDane and see first-hand how their programs have changed peoples lives,” says Willander. “We need more programs like JustDane’s that are focused on rehabilitation and breaking the recidivism cycle.”
JustDane supports multiple directives to fulfill their mission. The three specific programs the students worked with were Just Bakery, Mentoring Connections and Drive 2 Succeed.
According to the Council of Criminal Justice, 71% of formerly incarcerated individuals in the United States are rearrested within five years of their initial release, just one aspect of the US’ status of having one of the highest rates of recidivism in the world. The number of individuals who return to prison within five years sits at around 40% nationwide, with the state of Wisconsin having a 38.1% recidivism rate. Dane County has significantly lower recidivism rates than other high-populous counties in the state.
Professor Patricia Coffey, of the UW–Madison department of psychology, was the principal instructor for this course. Her studies meet at the intersection of psychology and criminal justice.
“The goal of this partnership between our class and JustDane is to provide valuable resources for JustDane while having a mutually beneficial educational experience for students,” says Coffey. “This involves a recognition that going out in the community to “help” without listening to the needs of those with lived experience does not help. It also focuses on the goal of being of use and meeting a need the community partner identifies.”
Tune into the GridgeFridge podcast episode with Boettcher, West and Willander where they share their experiences with Just Bakery and the overall capstone course.
To get involved in a mentoring program, learn more about JustDane, or support Just Bakery, visit JustDane’s website. Just Bakery sells a variety of baked goods, such as breads, cookies, scones and cupcakes. All orders must be placed online in advance and can be picked up at their bakery location at 1708 Thierer Rd, Madison, WI 53704.