"Freedom is a gift, but learning how to use it again takes time"
—Rod Burger, Reentrant
Three days after walking out of prison, Rod Burger described entering a world that felt both open and constricting. Freedom was supposed to feel liberating, but instead, his excitement about getting released was heavily mixed with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. After years of confinement, everything outside seemed to move too quickly. He knew he’d have to find housing, secure employment, regain financial independence, and arrange reliable transportation—all while trying not to make a mistake that could set him back.
Rod’s experience reflects a reality many reentrants face. Incarcerated people have few decisions to make. What to wear, when to eat, where to go, and how to structure each day are determined by someone else. Over time, the ability to make ordinary choices can be overwhelming. Returning home can feel like you’re standing on one side of a river, knowing exactly where you want to go, but having no way to get across. You can see the other side clearly, and you want to reach it, but wanting it is not enough, and you wonder if you can handle this and all the decisions that need to be made.
Said Rod, freedom is a gift, but learning how to use it again takes time.
And Rod is not alone. For most people leaving incarceration, just the number of decisions can feel overwhelming. Can they find an apartment complex that will rent to them? How should they explain their record to an employer? How will they get to work, purchase groceries, attend appointments, or rebuild relationships changed by years of absence? The stress and pressure can be staggering.
Meanwhile, the most recent statistics show just how difficult that adjustment can be. Among people released from state prison, approximately 71% were arrested again within five years, and about 39% returned to prison within three years. These numbers show why the first years after release are so important—and why stable housing, employment, transportation, treatment, and supportive relationships can be life-changing.
Just coming home to family and friends can bring both hope and apprehension. Returning citizens are often afraid of disappointing the people they love and can feel like a burden because they may not immediately contribute financially. They may wonder whether their families still recognize them—and whether they even recognize themselves. Without critical support, they cannot make it.
That is why reentry efforts matter so much. Rod’s been sober for years, and protecting that foundation is his No.1 job and will be for the rest of his life. Rebuilding requires persistence, balance, patience, and a steady job, which will contribute to restoring dignity, structure, and financial stability.
Through organizations like 2nd Chance Indiana, returning citizens are finding more than employment. They have found a path back to their kids, their spouses, and their communities. Reentry is never easy, but kindness, a hand up, and a genuine second chance effort can make all the difference.
We see it everyday,
Jim
