If you or a loved one you know is coming home from prison, there are a few things to remember. For the over 2 million men and women who return from prison every year, it can be a difficult struggle.
One of the best ways to overcome negative stigmas from your past is to get involved in your community. As you become involved in your community, they will see the change in your life. There may always be people who are willing to judge you because of your past. But as you come home and become engaged in your community, the negative stigma from your past will be more and more forgotten. Today, we will share with you several ways get involved in your community.
Serve others – Serving others will require patience and humility. By finding ways to help those around you improve, they will see the new you. Be intentional about how you interact with your community. Be sure to find ways to help others when they need it most. Society is truly looking for leaders who are also willing to follow. Slow down and be intentional to serve your community.
Become a change agent – By thinking of others first, you will find a world around you that is full of people who could use a helping hand. Find places in your community that are in need and find ways to help. From food pantries and shelters to community action and services, there are countless ways to help your community.
“Your past does not define who you are, but it will qualify you for your future if you let it. “ – Ron Tijerina
Change the culture – Many returning citizens come home to old groups of friends or communities that do not have their best interest at heart. If that is the case for you, start to change your community. This may require you to distance yourself from old associates or friends. Coming home means you will need to be intentional about changing your culture.
Make your world a better place – As you are coming home, one of your top priorities is to make your community safe, and better than the way you found it. Find organizations or programs that are committed to helping your community.
“There will be 100 distractions everyday that will try to take you away from your goal. Choose one thing every day to move you towards your goal.” – Cathy Tijerina
Overcome FEAR – We define FEAR as Face Everything And Recover. You have already overcome much in your life, as you come home, prepare to overcome much more. From the day you walk out of the prison gates, you will need a plan to succeed. Every day you should wake up with a motivation. Find that motivation for yourself and work towards your plan to overcome every challenge life brings you. There will be 100 distractions everyday that will try to take you away from your goal. Choose one thing every day to move you towards your goal.
Join a community of faith – How can you be a leader in your community? One of the best things to do is to get involved in a faith community with like-minded individuals. These communities offer hope, support and resources to help you on your leadership journey.
We are so glad you found this blog. We hope to be a resource and tool on your re-entry journey. To learn more about this watch the full video on YouTube channel, TYRO TV or visit our website, tyro365.com.