Barb's Story-Part III

Interview by Patty Katz

This is our third and final interview with Barb documenting her challenges and successes after leaving prison. The two previous interviews can be found in the Spring 2009 and Summer 2009  issues of Justice Matters. We hope this series will give you a glimpse into the barriers faced by people re-entering our communities.

Justice Matters (JM): Hi Barb, how have you been? What’s going on with you?

Barb (B): I have been fine and busy. My PO had me apply for a volunteer position with ARRP (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act), and it looks like it is going to lead into a paid position. I knew if I could just get a chance to prove myself, I could prove valuable to the workplace.

JM: That sounds great, Barb. Are you still at your uncle’s house?

B: Yes, and that is working out fine. It is great to live with family that cares about me as a human being. It is great being able to come home to family.

JM: I know transportation had been a barrier for you. How are you getting around?

B: I spend several hours per day on the bus. It takes me three busses and about an hour and a half to get to work, and then it takes four busses to return home and another hour and a half. Three hours on the bus each day – sometimes it seems like a long time.

JM: When are you getting a driver’s license?

B: Well, that takes funds and I just don’t have extra money at this point. It has been hard to live in this world with limited funds. My uncle is helping me. I needed to have a computer table and he bought it for me.

JM: A computer table—does that mean you have a computer?

B: Not yet, but I am enrolled to start school in November in business management, and the school is sending me a computer and my books.

JM: What are you going to do with that degree?
B: Hopefully, I will be able to start my own craft business; that’s my goal. I’m researching financing for entrepreneurial opportunities that is specifically for formerly incarcerated people.

JM: Well, it sounds like you have a plan. Good for you! Barb, let’s talk about the biggest barriers you have had to face and overcome. If you were to reach back and share information with someone about to get out of prison, what are the most important things that come to mind? How has this first year out of prison been for you?

B: I think one of the biggest barriers has been looking for employment. I have had a hard time just getting my foot in the door for a real interview. It has been so disheartening to face rejection day after day, month after month. I left prison with such high hopes and good intentions, and the constant rejection has been hard to overcome.

Learning how to navigate the transportation system was hard. I never knew which way to go or if the bus would be on time or how long I would have to wait for the next bus. I was trying to keep appointments for my job search, and just figuring out how to get there was confusing at the start. Now, I have mastered the system and am a regular commuter on public transportation.

Going to the grocery store totally by myself was hard. The adrenalin from the anxiety would flare up. I didn’t know where anything was, and sometimes I just felt overwhelmed.

JM: I bet the prices had changed a lot since the last time you shopped. Was it hard to stay within your budget?

B: No, actually it wasn’t. Remember, I had been on a pretty strict budget with my canteen buying. (Laughs) What I do is take a list and my calculator. Cooking for myself has proven to be one of the things I enjoy the most. I love cooking, and now I get to cook for my uncle as well.

JM: So what else is new in your life?

B: Well, I get off parole in three months: January 17th.

JM: Then what? I guess it will be the first time in over 27 years that Department of Corrections has not been in charge of your life. Whatever shall you do?

B: Well, it will be a relief! I will have my business degree in 18 months. I have also been involved with University of Oregon. I am working with a student intern. I am her project! She is getting her degree in counseling, and I am her client. She gets to meet the requirements of her class, and I get to work with her instead of going to group. I am mandated to take 52 weeks of counseling. I like working one-to-one more than in a group. I feel it is better for me.

Oh, also, my uncle takes me dancing about four times per week and that has been great fun! It keeps me active and I have lost 55 pounds!

JM: OHMYGAWD!!! Will I recognize you?

B: Yes, you will! You’ve known me for most of my adult life. I am taking it off slowly by eating well and exercising, and I feel very good about that.

JM: So Barb, if you want to leave folks with one thought, what would it be?

B: Getting out of prison after a long time is hard, but just keep on keeping on! It is so worth it!

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2009 issue of Justice Matters.