Earlier in the year I accepted an offer to be a re-entry mentor. Apparently someone thought that I was a good candidate. I honestly didn’t know what it entailed and even after it was explained to me, I didn’t think that I was qualified for the position. The mission/vision of the re-entry program is to inspire success by transforming one life at a time. I’m basically responsible to help guys along their change process and help make them better prepared, and be productive citizens, when released back into society. I’m also a LWOP Mentor, and our mission is to serve community (in and out of prison), reduce recidivism, and prevent future crimes. As you can see it goes hand in hand, and if I’m living up to the mission like I say I am, then I am qualified, and I can’t use the excuse of not being qualified, so I had no choice but to accept the offer. Still, I had doubts, because I’ve never done anything like this before.
My doubt stems from my own experiences, and personal journey. I’ve been incarcerated over 25 years, on death row for 18 years, and I’ve only been in general population for 4 years. I have no experience as to what it feels like to have a release date, and I’m mentoring guys that has 6 months or less on their sentence. Who am I to tell someone how to be a productive citizen? Why should be interesting in anything I have to say? I can go on and on with all the excuses I tried to convince myself as to why I shouldn’t accept the offer. Thankfully, I’m not wired to give into excuses, and I do like a good challenge. Of course, it hasn’t been easy, and you do have people that’s not ready for change. Everyone has to make that decision on their own. You can only do so much, but if the person isn’t ready for change, it’s not going to happen. I’ve met guys that’s been to prison 4,5,6, and more, times and they refuse to try something different. Something as simple as putting together a release plan, or sign up for the benefits that they qualify for. Those are the cases that reassures me as to how important this is.
There’s definitely some good moments, like guys sending word back to us to say that they’re working, or reunited with family. A few guys has started businesses and is doing very well. There’s also the sad cases of guys getting rearrested, or guys that have relapsed and not doing good. Those are the ones that hurt, and can challenges my commitment to this. The reality is that you can’t reach every single person, but it won’t stop me from trying. Even though I had doubts going in, I feel like I’ve finally found my footing in general population.
As a mentor, I also have to put together my own release plan. I do hope to be free again one day, and have a good idea of what I’ll do if given an opportunity, but I’ve never put together an actual release plan. Now I’m obligated to do everything I can to make sure that my release plan is realistic, and solid. I have to prepare like I’m going home tomorrow. It’s also a lead by example strategy. I’m showing these guys that there’s no reason they don’t have a plan for when they get out, when I have a plan myself, but with no idea when I’m getting out. I’m sure that my plan will be a constant work in progress. With that being said, it’s definitely been a challenge, and a learning experience, but I have no regrets accepting the offer to be a re-entry mentor.
One love
David
PS. This will be story for another day, but the re-entry program shares a dorm with the dog program and that’s been an experience as well.
Welcome to Life Row 