What Every Inmate Should Know About Re-Entry

What advice would I give to inmates about re-entry?

Hmmmm, that’s a good question. But why would you listen to me?

Well, because I am an ex-felon who did nine years and so I know a little about this subject and my heart is to give inmates the tools to succeed on the outside.

I’d have to say that the main thing that you NEED to do and continue to do is to STAY FOCUSED and POSITIVE!

With that said; you are going to need some tools to succeed on the outside, and so I have compounded a list for you. And these things MUST be done before Re-entry so we will call this phase the….

TOOL BELT

• Write down a one-year goal and if you are feeling optimistic go ahead and write down a 3-year goal as well.

Writing things down will help you stay focused and on track.

• Take advantage of the computer skills classes on the inside. Get the basics at least.

When I got out in 1998, I had no clue, nor did I wish to learn computers. But the world was changing, and I needed to get in the flow and let me tell you, I wish I would have done it when I was on the inside because I had fewer distractions and more time to spend on it and learning.

If you are not up with the new technology, a simple cell phone could take you off the deep end! No joke!

• Take a Resume class
• Collect Resources
• If you are in there because of substance abuse; Join a celebrate recovery group! They are an awesome group that is offered on the outside as well
• Get Involved with a church that does Re-entry like OATC who doesn’t just leave you hanging at the gate.

Yes, I said a Church group! Why? Well, c’mon, think about it. Who really cares about what happens to a felon? The government? HA! Guess what? They are DONE with you as soon as you hit the gate, you are on your own with a few bucks and a few outdated resources that cost money that you don’t have nor do you qualify for any benefits because you are a felon!

Churches, on the other hand, are living as Jesus did and are being obedient to God and showing His Love, who wouldn’t want them on your team?! They will be faithful, honest, loving, caring, and most of all; supportive. They are definitely the re-entry winning team!

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the simplest of tasks. Always keep a positive attitude and stay focused on the goal, DON’T LOOK BACK! (Philippians 3:14)

Ok, so now you’re out and need some tools to put in your pouch so that we will call this phase the:

TOOLS

#1 Tool – HUMILITY

This tool will help you to stay humble. There’s going to be some major hurtles you will be expected to jump over or through, and you will never make them without this tool. When we are humble, we are teachable, and when we are teachable, we are reachable.

This new phase of life will bring deterrents for sure, and they may not be easy by any means. Don’t allow pride to take over and ruin everything. Ask for help.

# 2 Tool – FLEXIBILITY

Be Ready…. Be Open…. Be Flexible. Change is scary, but change can be awesome. Embrace it and try new things.

There is no amount of planning that will fully prepare you for re-entry into society. So be flexible to change.

# 3 TOOL – SELF CONTROL

This tool is needed for our attitudes and our mouths. After being locked up for any amount of time, we don’t have a filter amongst other inmates so it will be a tough adjustment to implement and will need the Holy Spirit’s help to exercise.

# 4 TOOL – PATIENCE

This tool is another special tool because when things aren’t happening the way you anticipated, you will have to pull this out and take a breath and remember how long it has taken you to get to where you are now and just know that God is working in the sidelines setting everything up for you. Be Still and know that God has your back.

#5 TOOL –   HOUSING

Having a safe and comfortable place to live is important to be successful in reentry. Statistics show that there is a higher risk for recidivism when inmates do not have housing. Gather resources or stay connected to your re-entry counselor.

#6 TOOL – COMMUNITY

This tool is beneficial to your well being. Being part of a group gives you fellowship as well as purpose, encouragement, and resources. Two is always better than one because if you fall the other can pick you up. This is where your church groups, recover groups, & re-entry groups that you already started on the inside comes in.

#7  TOOL – TRANSPORTATION

Having the resources for this tool is imperative when searching for employment, going to the store, probation, social activities. Get a bus pass until you can save to purchase a vehicle.

# 8 TOOL – PERSEVERANCE

When you start getting frustrated with not seeing results in all your efforts, this is where you will have to pull out this tool and remember the popular saying of; “You may not be where you want to be but thank God you’re not where you use to be! Remain positive and focused and kept moving forward.

# 9 EXPECTATIONS

Have NONE! The only thing to expect is that you will face change and adversity at every turn. Pull out Tool #8 again because transitioning back into society is a lot of work and it is up to you in how you handle it.

• Expect to have to prove yourself at every turn.
• Expect disappointment
• Expect frustration
• Expect God to provide as you trust Him

#10 ACCOUNTABILITY

This is imperative because this is where you will be held accountable whereas, without it, it’s a free for all. Everyone needs accountability whether you like it or not; it is good for you!

I cannot stress the importance of this tool. Accountability plays a vital role in success in re-entry. Without accountability you won’t be able to recognize bad decisions and so how can you take responsibility for your actions if you aren’t aware.

Without Accountability:

• Without accountability, we will make excuses and place blame somewhere else.
• We will avoid difficult steps that are essential in re-entry
• We will get aggravated when things aren’t happening quick enough

So PLEASE use this tool of accountability daily!

I’m not going to lie; your re-entry could be a tough journey, but with a combination of humility, hard work, and a few faithful connections, I promise that the journey will be worth the struggle. Know this: You don’t have to do it alone!

So, strap on your tool bags and start filling it up with the tools that you are going to need and then let OATC help you prepare you for you to have the best chance for success in adjusting to life after prison.