Changing lives
Not everyone leaving prison wants a better life or has what it takes to get there. But many more do than you might suppose. And once you see the face of the
ex-offender, it’s hard to look the other way.
ex-offender, it’s hard to look the other way.
Scott
Scott Gowans spent his 20s on a crime tear, high meth and dealing. He finally quit using drugs in prison, even though they were readily available there. But it wasn’t until he was dragged into court one day and told that his own kids were now at risk because their mother was using drugs that the weight of guilt swept over him. For the first time he realized that he had done to other people’s kids what was now being done to his. After sinking into deep despair, Scott describes “something came over” him one day, and he suddenly realized that if he did what he needed to do, everything would be alright.
Kandice
Kandice came from a middle class family and graduated from Arizona State University. But after a failed marriage, she “decided” to try crack. (She emphasizes decisions and personal responsibility, key elements of her recovery.) Within one month, crack ruined her life, costing her job and her home. A strong rehab program named Odyssey house saved her life. But then she drifted into bad company again, and got hooked on meth. She stopped for 2.5 years while pregnant, and then made a truly horrible decision, trying meth “just one more time.” A two-year tailspin followed, landing her in jail with her kids heading to foster care. At that point she finally woke up to what really mattered to her. She now has her family intact, has been clean for six years, and has risen from receptionist to office manager at work. She lives for her family now, and has learned to thrive on the routines and boredom of everyday life.
