I never thought that I could achieve this, but here I am proof that the tools you guys gave me worked, and are still working for me.”
CRJ’s Social Justice Services division is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals through their transition home from incarceration so that they can thrive in the community.
For staff, hearing from former residents about how their lives have improved since their reentry can be a reminder of the very direct and real impact of CRJ’s programs.
Recently, Da’ee McKnight, fatherhood engagement specialist at Family ReEntry, received an update from a former client about his new career, his growing family, and his new perspective on what matters most in life.
“Hey bro you probably don’t remember me, but I guess I’m one of your success stories. I really didn’t know what I was gonna do when I got out, one of my plans was to be a barber, I was a real good one in prison, but every shop I went to didn’t want to give me a chair or a chance to show them what I could do, so I started going to IOP meeting’s at Griffin Hospital and I learned things that I thought I knew, I also met my wife and the mother of my newborn daughter. I’ve been working as a tow truck driver for the last 5 years.
“I never thought that I could achieve this, but here I am, proof that the tools you guys gave me worked, and are still working for me. I have a beautiful family, a house and a brand new car, but material things are not what I have, I have happiness and positive people around me like you guys. Thank you so much … I finally know what life is all about.”
This message was edited to remove the writer’s personal information.