Inmates Experience Entrepreneurship Program At Arlington County Detention Center

According to an Oct. 11 post by Flikshop, Arlington County Detention Center is bringing a transformational entrepreneurship program to its inmates, providing them the tools to rewrite their personal narratives and inspire hope for a brighter future.

This initiative, led by Flikshop School of Business, aims to expose individuals in detention to stories of reinvention and success, shedding light on the possibility of a fruitful life beyond incarceration. The FSB program was sparked by Marcus Bullock, the CEO of Flikshop, who shared his vision at the Aspen Ideas Festival years ago.

In a recent workshop, instructors from Flikshop’s School of Business introduced residents in the substance use treatment unit to the strategies Marcus leveraged to build his professional brand as an impact CEO and motivational speaker. The entrepreneurship program empowered inmates with the tools to learn, grow, and reshape their narratives.

Bullock explained, “When I sat in Fairfax County Detention Center, I wanted to believe that I still had value, but more importantly, I wanted to ensure that there was a community that would not ostracize me because of my mistakes.”

The response from the program participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Aubrey Graham, one of the instructors, noted that “the guys were ecstatic” and that they continue to receive “rave reviews.”

The Flikshop School of Business didn’t stop at the substance use treatment unit; they also extended their outreach to the maximum-security unit. In this often-overlooked section of the correctional facility, they encountered individuals genuinely interested in rebuilding their lives and creating better futures for themselves and their communities.

Reflecting on their experience, Aubrey emphasized how the program helped these men see themselves as individuals rather than being defined by their inmate status. The program’s impact in fostering personal growth and transformation was deemed invaluable.

Aubrey explained, the critical takeaway from this experience is the pressing need for correctional facilities to embrace instructors with lived experience, particularly those facing the challenges of reentry. Instructors who have navigated the intricate journey from incarceration to reintegration understand the unique struggles and aspirations of those behind bars. Their presence serves as a beacon of hope, emphasizing that transformation is possible and attainable.