Reentry Plan for Miguel Venancio
Introduction:
I am Miguel Venancio, a resilient individual who has spent the last 16 years incarcerated but have refused to let my circumstances define me. Once a shy, naïve, and struggling young man who fell prey to gang violence and marginalization in my disadvantaged neighborhood, I have undergone a remarkable transformation. Through self-education and determination, I have overcome my limitations, earned a GED, and obtained a communication certification from Bakersfield College. I have also discovered my creative voice through drawings, poetry, and writing, and I am now on the cusp of publishing my first book.
My reentry plan is not just about rebuilding my own life, but also about giving back to the community that nurtured my growth. I am dedicated to starting my own business and creating opportunities for others, particularly in the marginalized neighborhood where I grew up. With a fierce determination to break the cycles of racism, discrimination, and violence that have held my community back, I am poised to become a beacon of hope and inspiration for those around me. Through my story, I aim to show that no matter how dark the past may be, redemption, forgiveness, and success are always within reach.”
Summary of my life :
I, Miguel Venancio was born on May 12, 1984, in East Los Angeles to Spanish-speaking immigrants from Guerrero, Mexico. I grew up in poverty in a small apartment complex in Glassell Park in North East LA in the late 1980s, surrounded by other Mexican and immigrant families. Despite the challenges, my parents were strict and instilled a strong work ethic in me from a young age.
My early education was marked by challenges, starting with a tough experience at Fletcher Elementary, one of the worst-ranked schools in LAUSD in the early 1990s. I struggled to cope with the chaos and violence, and even lost my voice for a while. However, when my family moved to Austin, Texas, for a year, I excelled academically and developed a love for learning.
Upon returning to North East Los Angeles, I faced a dangerous environment with gang members and a lack of positive role models. I struggled in middle school, where being smart was seen as “nerdy,” and faced pressure from older teens and gang members. In 6th grade, I witnessed marginalization when students from a more affluent area joined my school, and I felt left behind academically.
Despite these challenges, I tried to engage in normal teenage activities like sports and playing with friends. However, the pervasive violence and drug use in the community had a significant impact on my life. I started hanging out with the wrong crowd, dropped out of high school, and eventually got incarcerated for my involvement in a crime. I thought I was just going to be the driver to a burglary but ended up being a getaway driver in a home invasion gone wrong. I made the effort to help save my friends life by taking him to the hospital but he succumbed to his injuries.
In prison, I made a transformation, rediscovering my love of learning and finding an outlet in art and writing. I earned my GED, obtained a communication certification from Bakersfield College, and started writing poetry and working on a book. I also met the love of my life while incarcerated (Guadalupe Venancio)and got married to her. I also developed a solid support system, including a supportive partner and community members.
Goals:
- Secure stable housing and employment
- Reconnect with family and friends, and build a support network
- Complete education and job training programs
- Address substance abuse and mental health issues
- Pay restitution and make amends
- Integrate into society and access healthcare and social services
- Build a positive reputation
- Develop a sense of purpose and meaning
- Prioritize physical and mental well-being
- Give back to the community through entrepreneurship and mentorship
Values:
- Family and Community
- Hard work and dedication
- Personal growth and self-improvement
- Resilience and perseverance
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Knowledge and intellectual pursuits
- Authenticity and self-awareness
- Empathy and compassion
Success Definition:
Living a life of purpose, authenticity, and growth, with a feeling of freedom to pursue passions, achieving a high level of education, confident communication skills, and building a successful business that benefits others and gives back to the community.
Strategies:
- Housing: Secure a stable residence through government assistance or non-profit organizations, and work towards homeownership.
- Employment: Pursue jobs in education, counseling, or entrepreneurship, utilizing skills learned in prison, and aim for leadership roles.
- Education: Continue college education, focusing on business, communications, and social work, and pursue certifications and licenses.
- Support Network: Reconnect with family, friends, and mentors, join support groups for ex-offenders, and build a network of positive relationships.
- Mental Health: Attend therapy sessions, support groups, and practice self-care to address past traumas and prioritize well-being.
- Restitution: Make amends with victims and communities through volunteer work, community service, and restorative justice programs.
- Healthcare: Access medical, dental, and mental health care through government programs, non-profit organizations, and community clinics.
- Entrepreneurship: Develop a business plan, seek mentorship, and build a successful business that creates jobs and opportunities for others.
- Community Engagement: Volunteer, mentor, and participate in community organizations and initiatives that support marginalized communities.
Support Systems:
- Family and friends
- Mentors and counselors
- Support groups for ex-offenders
- Community organizations and non-profits
- Healthcare providers
- Business mentors and entrepreneurs
- Community leaders and activists
Action Plan:
- Month 1-3: Secure housing, employment, and education
- Month 4-6: Reconnect with family and friends, join support groups
- Month 7-9: Attend therapy sessions, make amends with victims and communities
- Month 10-12: Continue education, build business plan, access healthcare
- Year 2-5: Build successful business, create jobs and opportunities, give back to the community
Conclusion:
By focusing on my goals, values, and strategies, I believe ill be able to overcome challenges and build a positive, productive life that benefits others and gives back to my community.
