Welcome to Inside Job, a show by offenders for offenders, I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today by Attorney James L. Walker who is the president and CEO of Walker and Associates, located in Atlanta Georgia. Mr. Walker grew up in Richmond, Connecticut, and graduated from Howard University and got a Master's from Yale University. He has over 25 years of experience and has represented several nonprofit organizations.

In today’s episode, we talk about Mr. Walker´s invaluable contribution to help ex-offenders getting their lives together while sharing our devotion to God’s teachings and guides to living a plentiful life.

Key Takeaways:

[1:40] Mr. Walker talks about his upbringing and professional background.

[3:48] Mr. Walker shares about his faith growing up, how going to church kept him out of the streets, and his experiences as a teenager “entering the system.”

[7:54] Cleve shares his experience of getting “in the system” and how hard it was for him to get out of it.

[9:30] Cleve and Mr. Walker talk about the matter of the current prohibition from voting to the ex-felons.

[12:02] Mr. Walker encourages people not to allow the system to define them.

[14:03] Getting a college education is often not enough.

[17:00] You have to do more than vote.

[21:10] Mr. Walker talks about this clientele.

[24:07] Mr. Walker shares how he balances his career and his personal life.

[27:25] Mr. Walker talks about how grateful he is for the team he has now at Walker and Associates.

[31:06] Walker and Associates provided training for over 300 men and watched them getting their life back together.

[37:30] Cleve remembers his grandfather and the great influence his words had on him.

[38:20] Mr. Walker also talks about his grandfather.

[39:22] Mr. Walker shares his favorite Bible verses.

[41:38] Mr. Walker gives his spiritual advice to ex-offenders.

[45:58] Mr. Walker shares his words of encouragement for all the folks who like rap music.

Learn More About Riverside House:

Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens.

At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery.

We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit, attuned to the moral and material needs we all share.

"… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

To learn more visit riversidehouse.org

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