I was only 18 when I was convicted of my crime and was incarcerated for nearly 6 and a half years. Exiting prison felt very overwhelming to me. I had no idea what I would do with my life and really limited options for housing and employment. Without Sponsors, I would not have known what do or how to move forward. Within 6 months, I’ve become a successful student, participate in my community and rent my own room.

I first released to my family and had a difficult time finding a job. After five months, my Parole Officer strongly recommended I contact the director of Sponsors. I moved into Men’s Sponsors July 2010.

The day I came to Sponsors I was quite nervous because I didn’t know what it was going to be like and how the other tenants here would treat me. After being at Men’s Transitional housing for almost two weeks I landed a dishwashing job through a friend at Sponsors. Only working there for a month and a half I was let go. Discouragement started to set in. But instead of giving up, I worked with my Case Manager and we looked at the option of attending school at Lane Community College. Jerrid assisted me with all the complicated paperwork and applications I had to fill out in order to be accepted into Lane Community College. I started classes and really enjoy all the services at school. What I find beneficial is the office hours with teachers, and I look forward to utilizing that one-on-one time this coming year. Currently I have a cumulative GPA of 2.95 after Three terms.

The education program at Sponsors is a 6 month program where individuals have the opportunity to attend school while at Sponsors. For me this was a very helpful way for me to stay involved in a new and positive way in my life. Most of all it allowed me to maintain the connections of support I have developed during my stay at Sponsors. I transitioned out of Men’s Transitional housing into one of the adjunct houses of Sponsors about five months ago and have been continuing to remain connected to Sponsors. Continue reading »