July
8, 2012
To
Whom It May Concern:
A
month or so ago I read in the local newspaper an article on a program for
reintegration aimed at reentry into society for prisoners upon their release.
What a relief to read that something is being done in that regard, if only on a
local level.
From
my experience, regardless of what the common belief is or what officials say is
being done on a state level, this is an area that needs attention. My story
briefly is that I spent 8 months in BCCC before serving the remainder of my 10
year maximum sentence at SCI-Cresson. I was released in May 2010.
During
that time whatever assets I had and whatever life I had with work and family
were lost. A divorce in 2003 relieved me of basically all material things and in
the process I gave away a relationship with my son (that today is on the mend)
and of course employment potential.
Today,
if not for my elderly parents (ages 88 and 91), I might be living in a
cardboard box under a bridge somewhere. I am fortunate to have VA Medical care
available from my service in the US Navy during Vietnam and the Cold War in the
nuclear submarine service. I live with my parents and take care of the house
and help them as I can.
Individually
I have established credit scores in the mid 700’s and purchased a vehicle
getting an auto loan on my own merit. I have a part time job at a Chick-fil-A
but it took me a year to get that and I feel fortunate to have it. I was also
featured in an article by Jane Von Berg in the Philadelphia Inquirer in March
2011 in regard to employment for ex-offenders. I collect my Social Security and
I have been able to rejuvenate my golf game for recreation as well as
friendship with former golf buddies.
What
I am getting at is that I have been through the process of reintegration and I
have that personal experience to potentially help with your program and I would
like to offer some of my time to the program. I am not concerned if there is
compensation or not but if there is it surely would be appreciated.
Thank
you and I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Steven
R. Gordon
No comments:
Post a Comment