Below are summaries and their effects on my rehabilitation efforts of additional Evidence Based Recidivism Reduction Programs and Productive Activities completed since providing my initial release plan to the unit team in November 2022:
NATIONAL PARENTING PROGRAM – The hardest part of reporting to prison was leaving my family without a father and husband to protect and provide. Some days, the guilt was overwhelming to the point of depression. But the parenting classes taught me how to stay connected and to be able to parent and be a dad from prison. The topics discussed and implemented helped me to focus on what I could do to be a father from here. It taught me how to stay positive and to be a positive force in my son’s life.
EMBRACING INTERFAITH COOPERATION – I was lucky to be picked by the Chaplain to help be a facilitator of this course because it made me study and think more than just what the book and lessons said. This course helped me to take a good look at my religious and social beliefs and made me realize that I needed to be more tolerant and understanding of my fellow human beings from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds.
ACE PACKETS / EDUCATION – I enjoy all these opportunities to learn about a variety of things and people and places that I had never heard of or knew much about before. It made me realize that continuing education is beneficial to people of all ages and situations. Recently, I have been blessed to be able to help Frisco and the Education Department administer and facilitate the ACE packets.
PRISON JOB – Since I graduated college in 1996, I always had a full-time job. In fact, I only had four jobs, or to be precise, only worked for four companies from 1996 to 2022 when I came to prison. Having the employment opportunities in prison allowed me to stay active, follow rules and procedures, and complete tasks and goals. I like to work and I believe that work is good for the soul. I especially appreciate the opportunity to get things accomplished that also benefit my fellow inmates. The prison jobs I perform, usually multiple jobs each quarter, help me to maintain my strong work ethic while being incarcerated, and that helps me be ready for my next employment opportunities in society.
FAITH-BASED PROTESTANT SERVICES / BIBLE STUDY – I am blessed to have this ability to freely study the bible and listen to God’s word while in prison. These activities along with my daily bible reading, reflections, and prayer have helped me to take my relationship with God to a place I have never been, and it has helped me realize the person I need to be in the world. I definitely plan to continue my efforts to be a good, God-following, law-abiding citizen upon my release.
THRESHOLDS PROGRAM – FAITH BASED – This Group sharing program allowed me to take a long, deep look at the decision-making process in my mind, and the impact poor decisions can have, not just on me personally, but on my family and the victims impacted by my case. It helped to have a group setting where others also shared their experiences and feelings and where we could all encourage each other to be positive and work toward successful reentry into society.
HOUSES OF HEALING – Another faith-based program, this self-paced study had us read the book “Houses of Healing” and complete sessions in the accompanying “Making Time Count” workbook. This program really took self-discovery and self-healing and self-forgiveness to another level. The book and workbook really helped me to realize what I needed to do to repair myself and my relationships, across the board. I believe everyone should take this course if they are incarcerated. It made a huge impact on my heart and my mind.
READING BOOKS – I estimate that I have completed well over 100 books in the 17 months that I have been incarcerated to date. I typically rotate books between fiction series that I like or that family members send me, and non-fiction books about self-health, fitness and health, biographies, and famous people (Dr. Ben Carson, Kit Carson, Jane Goodall to name a couple), religious focused books like Love Always by Bob Goff, and others. I have also read and completed 4 of the workbooks sent to me by Prison Professors and Michael Santos about release plans and preparing for success after prison. I enjoy reading now and I plan to carry that enthusiasm with me when I get home.
