Cover Story

After Release

Over 17,700 men and women are behind bars in Washington’s thirteen state prisons.  The Spokane County Jail houses another 700 to 800 on any given day.  Well over 90 percent of these individuals will be released at some point. And then what?

With no money, limited job skills, a criminal record and marginal support, the barriers to their successful re-entry into society are stacked pretty high.  Statistics show that sixty-five percent will return to the very behavior for which they were incarcerated in the first place.

***************************

Greg had never been in trouble with the law before last year when he was arrested with $70,000 and 40 pounds of marijuana.  The downward spiral began with a series of job losses resulting in a deep depression for Greg.  “I ran out of money, started sleeping in my vehicle.  I was too ashamed to go to my friends.  I just wanted to die.”  Eventually, Greg moved in with an acquaintance who was selling drugs and started growing marijuana.  A few months later, he was in jail.

While out on bail awaiting trial – and under court order not to return to his previous residence – Greg slept at a shelter.  He was required to leave each morning by 8 a.m. and not return until 8 p.m. He carried his belongings with him in a grocery bag.  “I didn’t know what to do with myself.  I’d walk downtown to the library and sit – look around, look at people.  I didn’t want to think about anything. I couldn’t believe my life had come to this.” 

Greg knew he needed more than food and a bed. “The alcohol helped me to tolerate life,” but if he was going to do more than simply exist, he needed help. Shortly before his court date, Greg learned of the Union Gospel Mission’s long-term recovery program, and his decision to join was well received by the prosecutor, the judge and the corrections officials responsible for his supervision.  Based on time served, he was released to begin the program immediately.

Keith has a longer history with the Department of Corrections. When he came to the Mission in January 2009, he had just gotten out of jail for not complying with the conditions of his court-ordered supervision. His attempts to walk the straight and narrow had failed more than once.  When faced with the choice of two living arrangements – the Union Gospel Mission or the same drug-infested environment from which he had come – his five-year-old daughter was the deciding factor.  After over ten years of entanglement with drugs and the law, Keith wanted to work toward change – for himself and his daughter – and he credits the Mission with making that possible.  “The Mission provided the avenue by which I could do what I knew I needed to do.  They had the resources.  I didn’t.  It’s a lifesaver.”  Keith has now been clean and sober for 15 months, works at our intake desk 30 hours a week, and attends school with the goal of becoming a computer repair technician.

While re-entry into society is a major concern for corrections officials, they are limited by the sheer size of the problem, huge caseloads and budget constraints. The Washington Department of Corrections website stresses the need for community partnership:  “Re-entry is not just a corrections issue.  Successful re-entry requires effective partnerships between government and non-government agencies, communities and families, employers and faith-based programs.  All must do their part to aid in the successful re-entry of offenders and make the community safer.”

Because one of the fundamental tenets of the Union Gospel Mission is that redemption and transformation are possible for every person, the ministry eagerly partners with the Department of Corrections to provide support to men and women coming out of prison who want to turn their lives around.  In addition to food and shelter, the Recovery Programs provide counseling, addiction recovery, educational and vocational training, medical services, clothing and legal aid.  The Thrift Stores and UGM Motors provide job training and experience in a safe, healing environment. 

When felons receive the support they need for re-entry, everyone benefits.  The entire community is safer, family connections are re-established, and rather than draining society’s resources, these restored individuals contribute new life through their unique talents and strengths.