When I first started volunteering in prisons, I assumed that January 1 was an important milestone. Another year had passed and a new one was ready to begin. Very quickly, I learned that most incarcerated individuals didn't mark the new year on Jan.1. New year's day was the marking of one year from the date they were sent to prison. It could be April 7, or June 29, or November 13. A day to check off one more year completed on their sentence. Perhaps a day to both celebrate and mourn.
This has been a busy and productive year for us at Living Beyond the Bars. We had our largest statewide reentry meeting in October. We have built stronger ties with organizations as well as with correction staff. And, most importantly, we helped those leaving prison find support and community connections across Iowa. Looking forward to 2025!
3 quick highlights:
A recent visit with Brett of SBRLFE in Mason City. They have beds for 22 men who are rebuilding their lives and I have rarely seen a more positive transitional house/organization.
Attended an amazing graduation for Hope CDA in Cedar Rapids. They really walk with the men on their journey and embrace the concept of shared support.
Was able to speak at Iowa Correction Association meeting with some incredible reentry people (see picture below). Freda Sojka and Denise Ball of Cedar River Haven (Letts), Tracy Gryp and Cindy West of Full Circle Recovery (Des Moines) and Charles Clayton of AFES/DRIVE Reentry (Ft. Dodge).
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