We recently connected with Megan Michals and have shared our conversation below.

Megan , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In 2020, while the world was deep in the throes of the pandemic, I was battling alcoholism and going through a traumatic divorce. I had to return to the work force after five and a half years of being a stay-at-home mom. I took a leap of faith and began working as a social worker in a men’s prison in my area. I was shocked and heart broken at what I saw during my time there. The prison was full of hopeless men- most of whom were also battling addiction and mental illness. I was even more heart broken to learn how few services exist for former offenders returning to society.

I knew I wanted to make a difference and that’s where my non-profit Orlando Empowerment Corporation was born. It was founded on the idea that everyone deserves a second chance. A strong, healthy, safe society can only exist when individuals are given the tools they need to succeed. Recidivism is a serious issue in this country and my state of Florida has the third highest rate in the country. My goal is to open an eight-bed home that will allow former offenders to start their lives again in a safe, supportive and sober environment. It’s been a slow process getting started but I am confident that the time will come when I will see my dream come to fruition.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have a background in social work. I have primarily worked in child welfare but I have almost completed my master’s in criminal justice. My career goals include getting my Nonprofit off and running as well as to advance and grow in the field of corrections.

My experience as a social worker as well as my personal journey as an addict, have provided me with the unique opportunity to reach others in a non-judgemental way. I am
Also a mother of two, including a child with special needs. My personal life has been full of challenges but it has also made me the strong individual that i have become over the years.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn my idea of what an addict and a criminal look like or how they behave. I come from a nice family, a good school, I attended church, was a good mother and I still was an addict. When I began working at the prison, I saw fathers, young men barely out of high school, former foster children, adults who had been sexually abused as a child, etc. Their experiences touched me deeply and taught me that our past shapes our future. We are the product of our environment and sometimes that looks like a very broken and hopeless situation. Yet, I saw so many men with positive attitudes, a kind word for me, an encouraging message for me, etc. They all deserve the chance to change their lives- like I did when I became sober.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I spent years struggling with alcoholism. I was able to gain control of my sobriety in 2021 and I’m still working daily to stay ahead of my addiction.

Contact Info:

• Website: Orlandoempowermentcorporation.com
• Instagram: @orlandoempowermentcorporation
• Facebook: Orlando Empowerment Corporation