The following interview highlights the experience of a graduate of the Fall 2001 Life Skills Workshop, Inc. job readiness workshop series as she describes her re-entry into society following a ten-year period of incarceration. She was matched with her mentor during the workshop series. To respect her confidentiality, the graduate’s name has been changed for this writing.
Mentor: Sherry, can you tell me what it feels like to be free after spending the last ten years of your life in prison?
Sherry: Being away for ten years was a long and lonely experience. Being out for the last ten months is a complete blessing.
The first thing that I want to say is that my belief in God and Jesus Christ was the only way I ever survived the time I was away. I knew that coming out into society would be hard but my faith allowed me to believe that when my time to leave came, everything would turn out okay. Returning to society was challenging and the adjustment was hard, but it showed me that the faith I had in God that had grown stronger with each of these ten years has remained with me even outside the prison fences. At first, I was afraid and sometimes I still am, but being afraid is okay. You have choices and if you face your fears and make the right choices it makes you stronger.
What were some of your biggest challenges?
I was ready for a struggle. I knew people would have doubts about me and things like that, but I never thought it would be the way it was.
Can you tell me what some of the hardest parts were for you?
The reality of people turning away from me. That’s when it hit. I just never expected this would happen. For example, I had to apply to four apartment complexes before finding housing. One problem was no credit because I had been locked up for ten years. I didn’t have bad credit – I didn’t have any! Also on apartment applications, you have to check a box if you are a convicted felon, and a lot of people don’t want you to live around them. I had already lost $120.00 in application fees and was beginning to lose self-respect when you and the other Life Skills Workshop volunteers and staff stepped in. Jobs were another thing. I can’t tell you how many I applied for before I finally found work at a temporary agency. Again, people see the felony on the application and most turn away from you.
Why do you thing that is?
I think people are afraid of what they think a person with a felony is.
So how did you deal with this?
When I started to attend the Life Skills Workshop workshop series, I met some strong, loving, caring and helpful women who gave me the strength to go forward with my life and my goals. The help from you, Heidi, and Suzie helped me achieve my goals much sooner that I would have alone. Each of you gave me something special. Suzie was there for me the whole time. From the first day, when I met her and told her how long I had been away, she just hugged me. She got me into Life Skills Workshop in the first place. We talked every week and still do. Mentor, you have given me the belief that I can accomplish anything. I have also learned there are people who are willing to give you a second chance. I know your actions speak louder than words. If I begin to better myself, people will see that.
What is your life like today? Do you appreciate some things more than you did before?
I have an apartment, a job, my son is back with me and I see my daughter all the time too. I also know that for this to be successful it takes more work than I had originally thought. When I was in prison, I thought it would all fall in place, but the truth is you really have to work to put all the pieces together again. For instance, I’m in counseling and so is my son. We are still in the process of learning about each other. It takes time. Another good thing is that I am going back to school soon.
I feel grateful for all that I have. I truly thank Marjorie [Ackerman, Founder of Life Skills Workshop, Inc.] and all the members of Life Skills Workshop for their love and support but most of all for not turning their backs on me but giving me a hand.
January 2002