The staff has a sense of involvement in our success
This was my second term in prison, serving a six-year sentence. I have been working for Home Town Hero for seventeen months. My first time in prison I did not have an opportunity like this. I wish I had, for I may not have come back.
Working has given me a sense of accomplishment, responsibility and pride. I am accountable for being at work certain times, and conducting myself in a professional manner- skills which will easily translate back into society. When I called home I was excited to tell my family about the work that I do, and the wages I make are enough for me to be self-sustainable and not rely on my family for financial support. Nothing feels better than saying I’m able to take care of myself; after all, I got myself here.
I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be employed here. I have spent the majority of my life making bad decisions, and for a long time felt a sense of hopelessness. I no longer feel that. The staff has also shown a sense of involvement in our success, and they genuinely care about our rehabilitation back into society. If we ever need help with anything, they are very attentive and involved. I know that seeing us succeed in here and after release is something that matters to them.
Being in prison presents every person with a choice- You can either use it as a justification to continue to make bad choices, or you can look at it as an opportunity to grow as a person and better yourself. This is chance to begin that growth and start to become men and make choices that benefit us and our families. I can speak for almost all the men that I worked with- we are very thankful to have this opportunity and conduct ourselves in that manner in all affairs in our lives.
