BEHIND THE FENCE

Working in the prison system is new for me. I have only been behind the fence for 8 months. It’s a whole new world. In a lot of ways, the prisoners have the same problems. Some of the issues they face that can be pitfalls are no privacy, boredom because there aren’t many activities or programs to keep their minds busy or to teach them new skills for success. It is especially hard for them right now due to the lockdown because of COVID 19. They are stuck with nothing. For however long they have been in prison, they have not had to make many choices or take responsibility for their basic needs. They have a roof, food, hygiene products etc. When they leave prison, they are faced with all of it at once. It’s so much stress.

What we give them are other options to staying stuck in the addiction rut and teach them tools to identify what is causing their addiction. The program also offers them coping skills to use in all kinds of situations, from responsible thinking to better emotional coping skills to relationship skills. It also teaches self-worth and self-esteem. Our class introduces them to resources they frequently aren’t aware that they have.

I come from a traumatic background myself, and a counselor taught me a lesson I try to instill in my clients-It is not what happens to you that matters, it is what you do with what happens to you. If I can instill that in them, it goes a long way.

I ran into a client yesterday who graduated from my February class and has since been discharged. He is doing ok but having some stress due to having to find housing and a job etc. He is running out of money and struggling some. He said the skills he learned in class on how to handle stress and emotions better are what is keeping him clean and sober and on the right track. He also told me that before he would have already given up and used. He seemed hopeful which is good to see.

I also frequently run into another client from a previous job that is doing really well. It is these encounters that make me want to do what I do.  We all have something to deal with; whether it be life changes, a disease like diabetes, mental illness or any other myriad of other issues. When what I do influences my clients to live a better life, it makes me want to keep going. If I can help inspire change for just one person and give them a good shot at being successful, it’s worth everything I do and all the effort.

Jennifer Cook, Curriculum Facilitator

Department of Corrections Education Program