Overcoming the Odds
Patrick

After completing five years of an eight-year prison sentence, Patrick was released from incarceration in 2021. Feeling deep remorse and regret for the acts he committed, he understood he faced a long path of recovery once returning home.

 

Three months after release, Patrick moved to California to be closer to family and finish out his parole. It was at this time Patrick immersed himself in therapeutic communities with hopes of bettering himself. He spent over a year and a half applying for over 300 positions with no success. He faced rejection after rejection, either based on either the terms of his parole, or the employer learning the specifics of his crime. This diminished his hope of ever finding a meaningful profession.

 

 It was at this time Patrick saw a news segment informing him of H.I.R.E.’s annual Reentry Resource Fair, prompting him to contact the organization for assistance. Upon speaking with H.I.R.E., Patrick received help with his resume and job search, and was eventually connected with a recruiter that he claims made all the difference in his experience.

 

Shortly after, Patrick became employed in a full-time position. He now lives in a stable environment with his father and has recently been promoted at his job. Patrick shares that he has a wonderful support system through his friends, and he feels extremely blessed.

 

He draws from experiences before the completion of his parole in May 2024 in which every decision felt like life or death.

 

"Prison and parole feel like survival instead of living – every decision was a critical decision, now I feel like the pressure is off.” - Patrick

 

He gains comfort from surpassing this time in his life, allowing him to now focus on his day-to-day responsibilities. 

 

Patrick refers to H.I.R.E. as a lifeline, appreciative of the support offered along the way and has even reached out for assistance for a family member coming home. He shares that no matter how hopeless his circumstances may seem, he can always turn to H.I.R.E. to restore his faith. Patrick describes his good days as full of hope and acceptance, although he still faces hardships like everybody else. When asked what his future looks like, Patrick expresses that it changes by the minute. He continues to heal from his experience, reflecting on his mistakes with hopes of supporting those in his inner circle along the way.

 

“Life is hard and that’s okay, I accept that, and I can do this.” - Patrick