Life After Jail

Starting life over again may seem like an intriguing idea, being “twenty one” again—knowing now, what we didn’t know then. But the "experience" of life brings wisdom and the years afford us the freedom to choose a path and learn from mistakes. Wasting the years of one’s life in a prison cell is a needless tragedy, but for the nearly 2.5 million inmates being held in the U.S.—a reality. Astoundingly, approximately one in every 18 men is behind bars or being monitored. Incarceration—(for 700,000 who are released annually)—culminates in a "second chance," ... an opportunity to "start life over again" ... the right way.

  Most, unfortunately, are unsuccessful and return to jail within three years. Is it any wonder? Society does not welcome him with open arms and a forgiving heart. Employers and landlords often reject him summarily in light of his CORI (his albatross.) Addictions, emotional problems. cognitive difficulties, inadequate life skills, moral corruption, joblessness, despair, and unpreparedness are further impediments to his progress. Life after jail is hard—starting over is a challenge too great for too many.

  True, he’s brought this all upon himself and deserves no special favor. Nevertheless, society benefits when the hardened criminal goes straight at last, giving up crime, getting help with drug or alcohol addiction, finding and keeping a job. Thank God many do exactly that. Even the most shattered lives are salvageable, but only if one sees the possibilities and believes—believes that anyone cares; believes there is hope; believes in something greater than himself, and believes the numerous obstacles besetting him are surmountable. Without hope and without self efficacy the temptation to resume old behaviors eventually returns him to the “business” of the streets ... and turning inward on himself.

  This is a site dedicated to those men and women who have paid their debt—earned their second chance and ackowledge that they need help (spiritual, practical and emotional.) Come in and look around.