From Inmate, To Member, To Student, To Instructor

Whitney | Graduated August 2022

As I look back at the time I did in prison,

I have to express my appreciation for my mentor that wrote me along the way during those days. She helped me map out my goals for my reentry and for a plan to reenter the community.

I was fortunate enough to have my family drop me off at New Freedom. Though I was filled with nerves, I quickly realized how very peaceful it was. The first thing I remember on that first day, which was a Friday, was how amazing the food was! I felt like the luckiest person. They provided me with everything that I needed… clothes, food, a bed and most importantly accountability. I felt like I was staying in a resort.

Of the many wonderful departments in New Freedom, the Vocational department is by far my favorite.

They gave me options and opportunities. To actually have options and opportunities as a second chance person was very new to me, but having freedom of choice for what I thought was best for me allowed me to grow into who I wanted to be.

Now I can say that I’m pretty successful. I went after what I wanted. I pursued a certificate in Welding with the aid of New Freedom’s vocational department. After I graduated the program, I was actually hired on as a welding instructor from the same school New Freedom connected me with for my own training. I’m now instructing the same course I took as a New Freedom member. My current class if full of New Freedom members.

“Now I can say that I’m pretty successful. I went after what I wanted. I pursued a certificate in Welding with the aid of New Freedom’s vocational department. After I graduated the program, I was actually hired on as a welding instructor from the same school New Freedom connected me with for my own training.”

I am very thankful for the blessings that I have received and all the help from New Freedom.

When I went to prison I thought my life was over. From the time that I was incarcerated leading up until now I was changing my life. I found a passion in my career. Thanks to New Freedom they made my reentry back into the community a lot more easier. I hope that my story encourages others to want to do better and to avoid recidivism.