My name is Michael Kona and this means an opportunity to do something positive with my time and be a productive part of the inmate population. Everything to do with the job, whether it be, getting up every day for work, doing my job to the best of my ability, and being held accountable for my actions have taught me a sense of purpose, responsibility, and ethics.
I have learned many valuable skills to help me upon my release to include: team leadership, communication, management, sales, computer and phone skills. It has helped me by not only allowing me to take care of myself and not have to ask my family for help but has also allowed me to pay off almost all of my restitution by utilizing my retention funds.
I am certain that with the job skills I have learned, the money I will have saved, and my employment with Hometown Hero Project upon my release my chances of violating or committing another crime and coming back are zero. That is why I believe this is a great opportunity for anybody who is ready to make a change and do something positive and productive with the rest of their time and learn job skills that will mean a world of difference upon release.
The experience has been great; I have learned more real-world skills than I could have ever imagined when I started the program. I would like to believe that I have become a successful trainer and have a positive impact. More importantly, I have found myself. I have acquired a wealth of knowledge and a skill set that I will be able to take with me upon my release from prison that will give me a real chance to be successful and have a positive impact, not only on my family but my community as well. I would like to thank everyone at Home Town Here Project, especially Scott & Denise Balsiger, It has been life changing.
