A New Beginning—Part 1

Freedom’s Weight

The heavy steel door shut behind Marcus, and he took a deep breath of fresh air. After years behind bars, he was a free man, but the weight of uncertainty pressed down on his shoulders. Where would he go? What would he do? The world he once knew had moved on, and he felt like a stranger in his own life.

Ghosts of the Past

As Marcus walked down the familiar streets of his old neighborhood, memories flooded back—some
good, some bad. He knew he couldn’t dwell on the past, but the future seemed
like an endless maze of obstacles and challenges.

Overwhelmed by the Journey Ahead

Marcus was surprised by the sheer number of tasks and responsibilities he needed to tackle, from obtaining identification documents to finding housing, transportation, and healthcare. It was overwhelming.

A Guiding Light

Marcus attended his first meeting at the Day Reporting Center, a requirement of his probation. There, he learned about GEO Reentry Connect, a website with resources to help individuals navigate the reentry process, one step at a time.

Taking the First Step: Getting Identification Documents

Marcus downloaded the free Get Started Workbook and began the work to get his identification documents in order. He learned that individuals reentering society often face additional barriers when obtaining housing and employment due to difficulties acquiring identification.

• Only 21 states have laws aimed at helping individuals previously incarcerated get identification either at release or immediately following. But these laws vary.
• The laws for each state can be found on the National Conference of State Legislatures website by clicking here.

Since Marcus is from Florida, the state requires the Department of Corrections to provide every Florida-born inmate with a certified copy of their birth certificate and a state identification card before release from prison.

To find your local DMV and know what documents to bring, click here.

Upon release, Marcus got a replacement social security card for free from the Social Security Administration. Information and the application can be found here.

If you did not receive a copy of your birth certificate before leaving prison, this website tells you how to obtain in each state and territory.

Renewed Motivation

With determination, Marcus conquered his first few tasks. It wasn’t easy, but he knew he wasn’t alone, and he felt ready for what’s next.

Sign up for email alerts below to receive the next article as Marcus tries to find housing. You can also download our free Get Started Workbook here.