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Some readers will laugh at that statement, while others will shake their weary heads and think, “I’ve been there. But, while comedy allows us to laugh at our shared frustrations in life, like the issue issue of technical conundrums, those are minuscule problems next to the challenges of reentering after a long prison sentence.
Reentrants don’t have a “password.” Many have never seen a smart phone or used a computer, they need transportation, and the vast majority don’t have reliable or affordable transportation. They need a drivers license for identification, but often do not have the required documents—like a birth certificate—that is now who-knows-where since family is often divided and documents may be with them or may have been lost.
Housing is critical. You need an address in order to get a job. The catch 22 is that most need money before they can get housing, and to get housing they need to have a job to get money. Clothes are an issue too. Before we picked up our friend, Jesse, when he was released from prison, we knew he’d need something to wear. My wife, Nancy asked his waist size to find him pants and a belt, among other things. He had no idea what size he wore, he’d been in prison twenty two years, and a prison jump suit doesn’t need a belt size, and jump suit pants are worn whether they are too short or rolled up to fit.
Meanwhile the reentrant has to constantly self-motivate. After years—even decades—of making two or three decisions a day, the constant pressure of reentry can overwhelm even the most dedicated person in search of a better life. Can you recall that knot in your stomach when your password didn’t work for the fifth time? Or the printer connection has you calling an expert somewhere on the other side of the globe, who, for all your effort, you can barely understand, as frustration, and anger mount? Just try being where they are. The rules the game have changed, and every problem can seem to be insurmountable.
But even if you fail, the end result will not send you back into a cell. For many, reentrants that potential is always on their mind, as they’ve been warned they must be employed or find themselves back inside—we know people who have. The list continues: Reentrants need health insurance and a credit card to start building credit. They have to put a resume´ together and if they’re on social security and have been incarcerated for more than 30 days, these benefits have been suspended, or dropped if over 12 months.
2nd chance Indiana works with numerous reentry organizations around the state, strengthening the effort to help reentrants in every county in Indiana. But everyone can be involved. Be a mentor, or write to someone in prison. Help a family whose loved one is serving a prison sentence and may need a friend.
The password is “LoveYourNeighbor7X70”
Jim
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