Note: Resolana participants must be out of jail and “off paper” a minimum of six months (and often much longer, depending on their offense) before they can reenter the jail as a volunteer. When Wendy A recently began volunteering in the jail, here is what she shared about her journey. This letter first appeared in the November newsletter.
I’m very excited to be given the opportunity to be part of a program that has helped shape me into who I am today.
I was incarcerated in Dallas County Jail for 18 months for aggravated assault and released in April, 2010. I attended Resolana for about seven months. I am so grateful for the things I learned in the classes like goal setting, effective communication and anger management. I also learned to love myself and embrace who I am as an individual.
Since I have been out, I have to admit life has been pretty good despite a few setbacks. There are many challenges; the main ones are finding stable employment due to my criminal history and repairing my relationship with my daughter who lives with her father.
Resolana helped give me the skills to be able to deal with challenges and setbacks in a positive way, helped me believe that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. I am a full time student at Tarrant County College and I am very excited to state that I made honors last semester. I am five classes away from my Associates degree; then I plan to transfer to UTA to work on a BA.
The first time I went back to the jail as a volunteer was a little nerve-wracking, but very inspiring as well. The hardest part was to look into the tanks and remember. I think the longer I was out, I just forgot or maybe blocked the harsh realities of jail.
The other volunteers were very helpful in helping me deal with my anxiety, and as we delved into the class I forgot my nervousness and felt more comfortable. I am glad that I faced my fears. Being on the other side this time helps me believe in myself more.
I hope that through volunteering I can make a positive difference in someone else’s life, the way that Resolana did in my life.
Thank you,
Wendy
