Greensboro Voice Vol 4#10

GREENSBORO VOICE 4#10 VOL THE PRINTING NEWS THAT DOESN’T FIT An Example of Unselfish Regard Seven Years and a Wake-Up for Homeless Ex-Prisoners A Prisoner’s Progress From Incarceration To Re-Entry by Bill K. by ZAZEN “...a person who has paid a debt to society and worked to expand their knowledge and better themselves de- serves to work in dignified manner of their choosing just as much as anyone else.” he writer has taken on the responsibili- the forcible push-back I received while at- Tty of producing an essay that highlights tempting to secure myself a modest occu- the difficulties of transitioning from life as pation. I realize that the nature of my crime ward of a state correctional institution to immediately causes eyebrows to raise, but a returning citizen of regular society. This I feel that the employers, businesses and writing could have manifested under a dif- corporations who look at the felony re- ferent name entirely, but given that I have cord as a liability rather than attempting personal experience in the subject matter, to view the circumstances in their whole it may have been considered derelict of me context are displaying a tendency towards as a contributing member of this newspa- discrimination in their employment prac- per’s staff not to offer my perspective on the tices. Today, there are incentives being issue. Having said that, I would like every- introduced that will alleviate some of the one reading this to understand that my in- pressure on returning ex-offenders and ericho House is a not-too-well-known I was amazed to find the home to be neat, dividual experience is unique and may not provide tax breaks to businesses who take JGreensboro ministry for those at risk clean, comfortable, and in good shape reflect the opinions of others who have not on the responsibility for providing the sys- of being homeless upon their release from upon my arrival. The folks in charge seem experienced the topic first-hand or those tematically disadvantaged with a means of prison. Part of the reason they are not too to demonstrate well a commitment to do who have been in similar circumstances. income. But it will not ensure that those well known is the humble attitude of its a lot with little. Any and all contributions The final verdict on my post-release move- with multiple infractions and handicaps operators. They are Christian and treat seem to be well spent. This is to the credit ment toward resettlement has not and can- have a fair opportunity to be considered every resident as though they truly believe not only of the operators, but to the obvious not be written, and my journey is still very on an equal footing with others who may “There but for the grace of God go I”. The difference the program at Jericho House much a work in progress. have a clean(er) record. operators are not exclusive in their service has made in the lives of the residents here. One item that should be shared is that I Since my release from prison, I can hon- to those of dissimilar faith, as long as a resi- The intake binder given to every resident was incarcerated in Ohio, not North Caro- estly say that I have possessed two official dent agrees to abide by Christian principles shortly after his arrival contains a well- lina. There must be differences in the pro- jobs. The first was while I was still in Ohio, in their treatment of one another and staff thought-out structured outline for life plan- cess of criminal prosecution and attitudes nearly a year after my release. After repeat- during their stay. The intent of the opera- ning, covering the topics of “general infor- toward released former inmates to consider. ed attempts to apply at a local linen clean- tors of Jericho House is probably best sum- mation”, “starting”, “employment”, “money”, The history between my father and myself ing service and receiving no response, I marized in their mission statement: and the contract the new resident is expect- was conflicted; in 2008 I was arrested for was finally able to get my foot in the door The purpose of Jericho House is to pro- ed to sign which indicates his commitment stabbing him multiple times with a kitchen only after I had entered into homeless vide a seven month intensive residen- to make some very positive changes in his knife. Although the incident was domestic shelter-status and my parole officer at the tial recovery community for men com- life. However, with the exception of the and no charges were filed on my father’s time had intervened to help me find em- ing out of prison. Our goal is to help contract, most of the details are left blank, behalf, the state picked up the case and in- ployment. As a linen “sorter,” I worked for these men have a successful transition because the resident is encouraged to take dicted me. In early 2009, I accepted a plea two months before resigning under diffi- back into society. We are a Christian charge of his own life, customize his own bargain of two counts of felonious assault culties adjusting to the environment and program, with a strong emphasis on plan, and progress to the point where he and one count of attempted murder in ex- meeting occupational expectations. In building a solid spiritual foundation. no longer needs the control of the prison change for a three year sentence ran and other words, the stress and desperation of Jericho House can accommodate up to environment with someone standing over five years of post-release supervision under the factory’s atmosphere overcame me. It six residents. him, telling him every significant move to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and wasn’t until the end of 2014, almost a year As a resident myself, I am exceedingly make. Our society needs more programs Correction. Adding time served for my stint after I had arrived in High Point, NC., that thankful that such a charity even exists. like this one. As well, there needs to be in the local county jail, I completed my sen- I was able to get a second job through a Particularly so, because I’m too old and more concerted effort to utilize the expe- tence and was released in 2011. Subsequent- temporary staffing agency at a furniture disabled to be trying to sleep under a rienced knowledge of graduates of such ly, I have been free for nearly four years, framing business. I was dropped into a bridge in the kind of weather we’ve had programs in honest efforts to prevent the soon to be seven years removed from my seemingly low-skilled labor position as an lately. I find both staff and fellow resi- homelessness problem from the start. You criminal offense, and almost one year away assembler of mattress frames, apparently dents to be quite welcoming and tolerant may forward your comments to my e-mail from completing my probationary period. to replace a long-time employee of thirty- in their dealings with me. Though they address: [email protected]. Feedback I attempted to reestablish myself in Ohio plus years who was slowing down as his expect a fellow to make an effort to pay at is welcome. for over two years before finally having my age increased. They needed new blood least part of his way after the first month, Bill K., a traumatically-stressed ex-cop probation transferred to the south in NC.’s and as a designated “floor specialist” in the staff have demonstrated a willingness turned homeless mental patient is now Piedmont-Triad region. training, I was to cover various aspects of to work with a resident as long as he con- well into recovery and looking to use his My expectations for re-entry were always maintaining productivity. tinues to make an obvious commitment pen to encourage and enable people to rooted in the reality of my situation. But I did not last more than two days before to improve his life. find their solutions to life’s challenges nothing could have truly prepared me for I relieved myself of the job. I wasn’t up to Continued on page 3 PAGE 2 THE GREENSBORO VOICE The IRC Holds Dignity Event Mission Statement by Elizabeth Chiseri-Strater Our newspaper aims to serve as a vehicle for elevating voices and public discussion on issues that are not frequently covered in mainstream media outlets. These issues include n Thursday April 30th the Interac- needs faced by the small staff of seven homelessness, facing potential homelessness and the resources available to help those in O tive Resource Center held a fund paid members who run the IRC along need. This newspaper is for everyone: people experiencing homelessness, students, par- raiser titled “The Dignity Event” to raise with the help of many volunteers, em- ents and anyone else who wants to have his or her voice heard. We hope the awareness funds to support the staff and guests at phasizing that with additional monetary gained from our newspaper will encourage the community to have a discussion about the IRC. Music played by The Healing donations they may be able to hire new issues and people who are normally ignored. Blues Project filled the rooms while do- staff and offer new programs such as fi- Join Our Team nors took self-guided tours of the IRC nancial literacy classes. Kennedy stressed Members of Greensboro’s community who want to end poverty and homelessness pub- and nibbled on specialty foods and des- that everyone benefits from helping peo- lish The Greensboro Voice.

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