Page 3 - exoff directory sample pages

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A Leg Up, A Hand Down

Whether they admit it or not, ex-offenders need help
in navigating the next stages of their lives. Moving from de-
pressing concrete and steel cages to unfamiliar roads that fork
in many different directions, these hopeful souls search for renewed free-
dom and independence in a not-so-friendly and often unforgiving world
that values trust, stability, predictability, and workplace skills. In many
cases, they leave prison as destitute, disturbed, and delusional people
who also appear to be risky losers saddled with questionable rap sheets
and debilitating financial obligations. Feeling hopeful but encountering
numerous barriers to success, their future is anything but certain.

Welcome to the Free World

Facing the sunshine of freedom with a recent history of daily lockdown,

many ex-offenders enter the free world with only the clothes on their

back, some measly gate money ($10 to $200), a few sketchy relation-

ships, and, often, not much love. Most Welcome to the real
are unprepared for an increasingly digi-

tized world. They face a costly housing world where living a
market and a demanding job market fo-
cused on skills, accomplishments, and free life can be hard,
learning. Many newly released ex-of- disappointing, and
fenders begin their journey to freedom filled with barriers
with a ride on a Greyhound bus to, to getting ahead.

hopefully, a more promising future. If

they’re lucky, they may encounter some good samaritans willing to ex-

tend helping hands with housing and employment, the two most imme-

diate needs of ex-offenders.

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