Prisoner Re-Entry Program Helps By Giving Back To Homeless

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - For the newly released or soon to be released prisoners finding a job, housing, and transportation can be a struggle, but the Arkansas Community Correction re-entry program is making that transition a little easier. Its goal is helping teach the importance of giving back.

On Christmas Eve, a group of about 50 prisoners packed bags with donated items from local organizations. They were filled with blankets, toothbrushes, and other necessary items for living. All of the bags will be passed out to homeless people just before Christmas.

This three-year plan is a second chance given to prisoners with the intent of giving back. The program helps prisoners stay out of jail and making sure they can function in society. Jason Bobo, a member of the re-entry program, is grateful that the program allowed him to get a job and housing.

“Just because you were upside down doesn't mean that you can can't get back on your feet," Bobo said. "If you're not the solution you're a problem."

He said small programs like “Hope” and "I Too Have A Dream," an organization helping prisoners, makes the transition easier when released back into society. It’s a plan that he said is working.

"This program has opened my eyes to a whole lot of things that I can't do for myself,” Bobo said.

DeAngelo Lee, Founder of I Too Have A Dream, works as a resource for prisoners and those recently released. Lee said it's times like those during Christmas that help show prisoners the importance of giving.

"I've been incarcerated and this is my way of giving back,” Lee said. "It's a way for society to see that there are actual people that have been incarcerated and are making a transition back into society.”

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They’re showing how easy that transition could be on Christmas Eve. Roughly 75 bags were packed and delivered to the homeless population. It's one small gesture that goes a long way in helping these ex-convicts get acclimated to a new life. BJ Brady, Director for Quapaw Re-Entry Centers, works hand in hand with prisoners. She knows what it's like being re-introduced to society. Now, she helps make that transition smoother.

”I've got a passion for it because I am one of these guys,” Brady said. "It's reminding them what life could be or what life was. I mean, I am sure some of these guys were homeless at one time.”

Just one year into the program and prisoners have already said its helping them get jobs, find apartments and become a part of society. Something they feel is needed when they are released.

”You have to be a solution to the world, a solution to the situation to help others get in line or get back in tune with life because we sometimes lose our way,” Bobo said.

The group holds weekly meetings every Thursday for prisoners who need support. They help with filling out job applications, getting housing and have speakers come in to motivate them. You can find that schedule here http://itoohaveadream.vpweb.com/support

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