Greetings my name is Christopher Hodges, I am 50 years of age and been incarcerated since the age of 46. I was arrested for s drug conspiracy but this is not my identity. I am a well-respected man in my community who grew up in the city of East St. Louis Illinois and during my time of growth, I have raised 4 children and accomplished several businesses. Before I was arrested I was working at city hall with the position of Zoning Board and Mayor advisor. I also help build the public library in my community that gives the city a place to learn more, the Good Samaritan Center in my community that feeds and clothe the homeless, the Community Health Worker Foundation that helps with the re-entry of people into society and a Graphic Design company with marketing and promotion. My goal when I return will be to enhance what I stated and add another company to my list that will keep people from going to prison if they follow the format I put in place with the implements I wrote for the First Step Act. These are the views of a person who has been in and thru the system vs those who wrote it and enforce it from the outside looking in. I do a lot of reading but not the usual hood novel, not to say they are bad but I would rather feed my mind with what I’m facing at the time and in the future to be more aware and prepared. I’m a man of passion and determination who loves to work hard for what I want. I have no problem with accepting responsibility for my action but be prepared for my responsible return
