I’m An Ex-Convict

March 27, 2011, is
 "I’m An Ex-Convict" 
(written by Kelly Gauthier with Chuck Patti Yonka).
Tommy and Randy’s Stories 
Today we hear from 2 men who were blessed through the Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative [MPRI]:
Tommy is an articulate, grateful 53-year old man who experienced some hard years in “the joint”, as he refers to prison.  He feels that his maturity level helped him navigate during what he describes as a “preparing for death” experience.  Tommy lost his mother to cancer at age 14.  He then watched his wife suffer from cancer for many years, which caused him great pain.  She died while he was in prison.  Tommy knows that these losses affected his view of life and his attitude.  Now, as he adjusts to life after prison, he firmly believes that it is his new attitude and the grace of God that helped him change his priorities—putting God first and not feeling sorry for himself.  He has an affordable apartment, a car, and a job at Habitat for Humanity.  He believes in the US Constitution and the pursuit of happiness.  Tommy says, “The MPRI program is saving people’s lives”.  With 10 months left in his parole, he is ready for a new life.
Randy is a 59-year old man with a renewed drivers license and a support network.  He is sober, drug-free, and takes care of his health; he budgets and pays his bills on time (including the income-adjusted rent at his Avalon Supportive Housing apartment).  Randy has been on his own for the past 3 years, after spending 30 years in prison.  With a medical history of COPD and throat cancer in remission, he thanks God for every day and for this chance to change.  Both of his parents died of cancer.  His mother died when he was 23 and, although he was hanging around with the wrong crowd prior to her death, his choices went downhill after losing her.  His first time in jail was at age 24, but that’s history now.  MPRI helped Randy to not lose hope; “your life can change in this program if the individual wants to change.”  You might see Randy “canning” on a football Saturday, or helping his neighbor in her garden.  He is also an advocate and speaker for MPRI.
Second Chances Change Lives
MPRI is unique in that housing is provided for the parolee for up to 6 months (the goal for most is to transition out between 3-4 months).  Upon release from prison, you go directly to your parole office and people from MPRI meet you there.  A housing coordinator finds you a place in shared housing; a resource specialist provides vouchers and information to help you get on your feet, and a mentor is someone to talk to.  In MPRI housing, rules must be followed carefully. There is no margin of error when it comes to making it on the outside. 
Other agencies that assist parolees through MPRI include:  St. Vincent de Paul Society, Dept. of Human Services, and Friends in Deed.  Other assistance includes a 3-month unlimited bus pass, vouchers for living supplies, food stamps, and knowledge about getting a cell phone.  Parolees are expected to apply for a minimum of 8 jobs per week, keep their apartments clean, keep all appointments, and follow the ‘lockdown’ time set up with the parole officer.  (Tommy’s lockdown is from 10 pm—5:30 am, which means he has to be in his apartment during that time.)
In their last capital campaign, RAAH raised $50,000 for MPRI and continues to enthusiastically support the program.  Our Lenten donations will go the RAAH capital campaign, which will provide $40,000 to Avalon Housing for affordable housing.  Our donations will help people like Tommy and Randy get housing and a second chance!
**Remember, organizations like MPRI, St. Vincent de Paul, and Friends in Deed are always in need of volunteers**