Letters of Transformation: Patricia

Nervous and overwhelmed at the prospect of release after serving a long prison sentence, I applied for a bed at Sponsors while still incarcerated. Thanks to Sponsors, I was able to secure employment, save money for an apartment, and develop life skills around finances. I had a safe environment where I felt accepted and knew I had people rooting for me. For the first time in a long while, I was able to experience what a home and community is.

I now have an apartment for myself and my teenage children. We are a family! My housing is affordable and I can access additional support through the Family Self-Sufficiency Program with Homes for Good. My longer-term goal is to purchase my own home! Before Sponsors, I had experienced chronic homelessness but now I get to experience the life-changing benefits of stable housing.

And I get to help others! I work as a Certified Recovery Mentor at Sponsors where I follow my passion to empower others in overcoming barriers related to having a criminal history. Supporting people in the reentry process allows me to offer something that many formerly incarcerated people have never received: Acceptance, hope, empowerment, and community support.