A New Beginning—Part 10

Marcus stood outside his apartment, heart racing after a close encounter with some old associates. Their invitation to join them in an “easy money” scheme had nearly tempted him, but he managed to walk away. This brush with his past left Marcus shaken, acutely aware of how fragile his progress was.

Remembering a flyer from his PO, Marcus decided to visit the GEO Reentry Connect website to register for their mentorship program.

Seeking A Mentor

The site offers a simple contact form to request more information about mentorship. Marcus filled it out, briefly mentioning his interest in finding a mentor with experience in construction and family reunification.

There are many benefits of having a mentor such as:

• Guidance from someone who’s successfully reintegrated
• Support in dealing with challenges and emotions
• Accountability to stay on track
• Networking opportunities
• General support and encouragement

The Close Call

While waiting for a response, Marcus reflected on the incident that had prompted his decision to seek guidance.

He had been walking home from work when he encountered three former acquaintances from his old neighborhood. They were excited to see him and immediately started talking about “opportunities” they had lined up.

Marcus felt the familiar pull of his old life—the promise of easy money and the sense of belonging. For a moment, he was tempted to hear them out.

But then, he remembered everything he had accomplished since his release: his job, his improved relationship with his kids, and the legal help he had received. He firmly declined their offer and started to walk away.

One of the men grabbed his arm, insisting that Marcus was “too good” for his new life. Marcus felt his anger rising, his fists clenching involuntarily. The old Marcus would have reacted violently, but he knew he didn’t want any trouble.

Marcus took a deep breath, removed the man’s hand from his arm, and said, “I appreciate the offer, but I’m on a different path now. I hope you understand.” He walked away quickly, his heart pounding, knowing how easy it could be to ruin everything he’d worked so hard to achieve.

A Mentor Found

A few days after submitting the form, Marcus received an email from a GEO Reentry Connect mentorship rep. They found a potential mentor match—a man named Chris who had also been formerly incarcerated but had successfully reintegrated and now owned a small construction company.

The website rep facilitated an initial virtual meeting between Marcus and Chris. As Marcus prepared to meet Chris, he felt a sense of anticipation and relief. He knew that with the right guidance and support, he would be better prepared to overcome the challenges he faced and build the life he envisioned for himself and his family.

Marcus was grateful for the resources available to him and the opportunity to connect with someone who understood firsthand about reentry and the barriers many returning citizens face.

Alternate Mentorship Resources

In addition to the GEO Reentry Connect mentorship program, Marcus became aware of these additional mentorship resources:

• Local reentry programs: Many communities offer mentorship programs specifically for returning citizens.
• Faith-based organizations: Churches and other religious institutions often provide mentorship opportunities.
• Professional associations: Industry-specific groups often offer mentorship programs for those entering or re-entering the field.
• Online mentorship platforms: Websites dedicated to connecting mentors and mentees across various fields and experiences.
• Alumni Networks: Some prisons and reentry programs have alumni networks that facilitate peer mentorship.

Come Back Next Week

Sign up for email alerts below to receive the next and final article in this series as Marcus takes steps to rebuild relationships with his family and children. We’ll explore the challenges and joys of reconnecting, and how Marcus’s new mentor, Chris, has offered valuable advice along the way.

Also, download our free Get Started Workbook for more information on family reunification strategies and building a strong support network as a returning citizen.