I have been incarcerated for the better part of fifteen years. I worked for the Home Town Hero Project at the Whetstone Unit in the Tucson Complex on our program to help veterans. I took the opportunity seriously and I applied myself. I was like a sponge, learning everything I possibly could. The hard work paid off; within my first year I became a trainer where I had the responsibility of training and helping the existing and newly hired agents. This was very rewarding and came with its own unique challenges. As I said I have been incarcerated for many years, and now I must communicate and explain in a way that best benefits the men around me in order to give them the best chance at success. To say this mildly, it had its challenges, but again I took the responsibility seriously and applied myself.
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.
