Ep. 63 – Pathways Beyond Prison: The Flathead Valley Reentry Center

Join host Drew Zagorski as he sits down with Brian Gootkin, Director of the Montana Department of Corrections, and Jim Sanderson, Operations Manager of the new Flathead Valley Reentry Center, for a revealing conversation about how we reintegrate formerly incarcerated individuals back into society. This isn't just another corrections facility – it's Montana's first-ever state-run reentry center.

The conversation dives deep into the center's focus on "desistance" rather than recidivism. As Sanderson explains, this approach yields both better public safety outcomes and economic benefits for the community.

What about community concerns? The directors address this head-on, discussing their comprehensive safety protocols, transportation plans to minimize neighborhood impact, and commitment to transparency through community open houses planned for September.

Whether you're interested in criminal justice reform or community safety, this episode offers valuable insights into how the Department of Corrections is reimagining the path from incarceration to contribution.

Links:

Careers with Department of Corrections: https://cor.mt.gov/About/Careers

MT Dept of Corrections- Prerelease centers: Prerelease Centers

Director Brian Gootkin: prod-cor.mt.gov/About/DirectorsPage

Operations Manager James Sanderson: Jim Sanderson - Manager of Operations (PRC Director)- MT Department of Corrections | LinkedIn

Dates for open houses and further links to the Flathead Valley Reentry Center will be added to the show notes as they are available.

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