Writing to Prisoners. Some just disappear when they get out.

Here's the letter I sent to three of the guys I write who have the BEST of intentions for life on the outside. But so did the three guys I write who disappeared after they were released...

Dear _______,

Thank you for the two more drawings! The guys around you in prison must be fascinated to watch you work! 

 

I’ve been discouraged this week.

Of the guys who I’d started to write, three have been paroled.One in January never contacted Chattanooga Endeavors for any help, so I pray he’s okay still. I hadn’t written with him very much. The second guy couldn’t find any housing options in Chattanooga for transitional housing, all of his family here are dead…so he found a 1/2way

house in Nashville. He had plans to go to a trucking school. He had wanted to keep writing. Wanted to meet up with Jim and I for dinner…But I never heard from him after release. I called the house he was going to go to. He never showed up. To me, it’s like he fell off a cliff.

I drew this picture for a college drawing class final in 1983. 

I’ve not done much since then, but you inspire me! Look up the verse! It’s one of my favorites – about friendship.

 

The third was paroled May 5th, but required to go to 3 months of rehab/transitional housing, which isn’t really available. He found Union Gospel Mission would take him and went July 9th . (Imagine how tough that would be to know you’ve been paroled, in the midst of COVID, but CAN’T leave for weeks on end!)

 

I went and checked out that place. It’s depressing! Then I drove over there to pass him a fan and some tools. He’d gotten work as an electrician again and was working with his brother. He wasn’t allowed to go out socially for 2 weeks, so we’d planned to take him out to dinner and shopping for some work boots. Then he didn’t reply to my text the next week, or last Friday when I was seeing Oxford Houses (sober living communities) and was SO impressed with the way they run things, and the guys who were living there. I texted to say they have vacancies. And still no reply.  So I called the home. He’d left. Just didn’t come back a week ago. So, I’m praying if he’s done something he’s ashamed of, he’ll not be too ashamed to reach out. 

I hear that this is typical after incarceration of any length: Y’all feel like you’ll be alright because of good intentional, but life is tough and it takes a while to “stabilize.” Years actually. If you’re not living in a supportive positive setting, and even if you ARE, there is often a relapse to alcohol and/drugs…when the first paycheck comes in, or some other thing to celebrate or drown your sorrows about. He said about working in a ó way house, “Some guys just need to fall once to realize that they CAN’T do it on their own, and THEN will be willing to go to rehab, AA or Celebrate Recovery…get a sponsor. “

 

Anyway. After one year of writing to encourage guys…I’m 3 for 3. Feeling like I’m striking out in seeing their lives changed and sucessful. That my writing may encourage you guys while you’re in prison with good intentions, but upon release…well, you can imagine how I feel.

 

So,…please, please, please be realistic when you come out!!!

 

Please start thinking about this: Even if you are granted parole with no requirements, BEGIN at a place like Oxford House (they start you out going 3xs a week to support groups at first while helping with getting work – which they say isn’t so hard…they have a lot of connections). So just PLAN ON not being an exception to what usually happens! Just plan on needing supportand take itfor your future success. By the time you are released, Chattanooga Endeavors will know a lot more options too.

 

This is the first drawing this prisoner sent to me. Amazing detail.

The staff of Chattanooga Endeavors has been having zoom meetings upon meetings this last month about housing. They’ve invited me to listen along. We are learning from people in the city, county and state who help homeless, economically disadvantaged, and those walking in recovery from some kind of substance addictions. All wonderful programs and people. Currently, there is so little available for ex-offenders, and pray for the ones who are sex-offenders! They might as well expect homelessness if they have no family to return to!

 

As we learn from these other people, we hope to figure out how we can advocate or create more housing specifically for those transitioning from prison. I have found that even when a situation seems like there is “no way.” That it’s not “absolutely no way.” 

 

So, even for the NEXT guy, Michael. If he can get a good exit plan, he can come out August 20th. He IS a convicted sex-offender, is older, has no family, and is low IQ with little skills… I’m going to have hope that upon release and the CE guys walking with him in successful freedom, I’m going to be praying:

 

Lord, you know Michael’s needs. You know his heart and his future. You are generous in your forgiveness and grace and offer us all more than a second chance! Guide us in working together to find a place for Michael. A home. A supportive community. A doctor. Transportation. A job. Over all of these needs, will you grant him peace and hope – a sense of your presence and guidance. Nothing is too hard for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Will you pray with me for him too?