Fam and friends,
Today around 10am, the case manager called my name over the loud speaker. My name was on the list for last Tuesday, but the BOP had not updated my numbers, but now that the numbers are updated, she called me in for my team meeting.
By the way, the team meeting is between me and the case manager, no one else.
So, I go in and she started to explain the purpose of the meeting and also gave me 2 sheets of paper which had the 1st release date which was listed on the BOB website which is Aug 2026. (which this number will continue to go down and down)
She mentions paying the $3100 restitution and when I said, oh we paid that. I told her I had a receipt with me, but it was at my cube. She asked me to get it so I did. Before I left, I gave her my copy of my drivers license, and when I returned, she said she gave a copy of my drivers license to the camp counselor (next door) and said, “hey I got this really nice guy with me and he has a drivers license, so you may want to consider him as a town driver.” At first, I didn’t know how to respond after receiving such a nice compliment but I said “oh thank you.” Then the camp counselor came in and said for me to visit him after I am done with her.
Next, we covered a lot of ground and she was great! Basically, before I walked in and took a deep breath. I just prayed that what I wanted to come across was the real me….and I can definitely say, that is what came across.. I was personable when needed, grateful to her for what she does…and had the opportunity to tell her I’ve been reading books and she asked which books…and I reeled them off…Born Again, Living with Emuna and Let Them…and I have a 1 minute summary of all 3. She loved what I shared about Let Them!! Woo hoo!!
Next, I brought up the need to make the district change from Colorado to the eastern District of NY. -done
I took responsibility for my actions….and said I want to become a better person….and being here and reading, and being me, I will accomplish that.
I also talked about going to Temple and how that has helped, and she took the opportunity to share, which I liked, to not be bullied. Like I said, I really liked our time together and told her so.
Next and most importantly, I brought up my daughter’s wedding…and she said for me to email the camp coordinator first like in 2 weeks….and that would hopefully start the process, but she did say I would have needed to be here for 180 days, which I won’t be, but she was not negative about it at all…just that I need to email the camp coordinator first.
I remain hopeful with Hashem’s help!!
So, next the camp coordinator walked in and shared with me that I am being considered to be a town driver, which is to drive inmates from Medium to the train station….at first I looked concerned and the unit manager stepped in to explain things for me and was very polite since she could see my concern.
Overall, to be considered is a very good thing in their eyes and I can see that…so I thanked him for the opportunity.
My application goes up the chain…we shall see what happens….this would be in addition to my garage job…as being a town driver is not a f/t job and needed every once in a while.
So, my first team meeting is done. I feel great after it. She was understanding, patient and compassionate.
One step at a time. One day at a time.
A Few Must Haves To Be Done Before Self Surrendering and To Make Sure Your 1st Team Meeting Is A Huge Success:
1. Have WCA write and complete a full Release Plan for you (review my Release Plan on my profile page)
2. Add as many character reference letters to the Release Plan.
3. In the RP, include all important documents that WCA recommends including drivers license, insurance card, high school diploma (cause without it, you will be asked to get your GED while in prison), an updated Resume, all medical prescriptions, and especially any paid receipts for all outstanding debts paid to the court.
4. When you are in prison, make sure to fill out the required surveys you need to complete which activates your FSA credits….and to print out a copy to include in your RP.
5. On Amazon, make a prison book wish list and order 2-3 books a day or two before you self surrender.
6. Have your wife or partner use Western Union to wire you minimum $250 on the same day as soon as you surrender.
7. Do not have your spouse drive you to the prison. I am grateful a good friend offered to drive me, so my wife did not have to deal with the painful ‘goodbye’ and then drive back alone. Thank you to my friend for sparing my wife such pain.
8. If possible, download the Visitation Form of the prison you are going to and connect with someone who was in recently and knows the name of your Camp Counselor. Ask that person for the mailing address of the Camp Counselor and have all of your friends and family fill out that form, sign it and also send you the front and back of their drivers license.
I collected approximately 20 friends and family visitation forms and put them all in a large manila envelope and included a cover letter addressed to the Camp Counselor saying “Please consider the following visitation forms from my friends and family as their official visitation documentation. I thought this would be more efficient for you.”
I then went to the Otisville Post Office, which was 1 mile from the Camp and had them add the $8.25 postage and mailed it to the Camp.
9. Once you surrender, wait 3-4 days and then knock on the Camp Counselors door, and politely ask if he received a large manila envelope? When he says yes, then say, “apologies if I overstepped”….I waited for his acknowledgement, and then I asked, “Any chance that get it done within the next 3 weeks?” I did just that, and he looked at me and said yes. And would you know, he got it all done within 2 weeks.
10. At the Post Office, be sure to mail yourself to the Camp a complete copy of your Release Plan along with a copy of all of the visitation forms you had completed by your friends and family.
11. Include in your copy of the Release Plan mailed to yourself, a word document with EVERY single family member, friend and work colleague that you believe you would like to email or call. On the word document, include their full name, email, mobile and home address including their zip code. This is huge as you will be able to add up to approx 25 contacts in your Trulincs email account. I was told I would only be able to add 10 contacts and need to remove some in order to add others, but was pleasantly surprised when I could add up to 25. Having this document will be like another lifeline.
Much love to all!
