Too hard to start over, a life of crime may be easier

Hey Buddy,

I haven’t been convicted of a crime and put in prison, but I know lots of guys who have and are in prison. I go once a week to a prison in portland to lead a discussion on the Bible. I see the struggle and hopelessness in these men and I encourage them. When they get released more of them stay away from crime than those who end up in prison again. Some of these guys have good parole officers and some have jerks that are on a power trip. In AA we say, “This too shall pass.” When my wife died I was very hopeless and thought about going back to my old life. What kept me from doing that was I know that God loves me and had a better plan for my life. The bible says, ‘I know the plans I have for you and they are good, not evil.” So no matter what I felt, I believed God instead. It was hard. Being an addict by nature I thought about drinking and using the drugs I used to get. But how would that be better? I don’t know much about your state and how they work for the ex-convict, so all I can do is pray for you and encourage you. God bless you, provide for you, and keep you safe, in Jesus name. Amen

I got to say if I were you I would re locate. not to try to hide or anything for a fresh start in life. new area new friends ect.

I’m not from Toledo, so I can’t give you any specific advice, but I do believe there are people out there willing to give someone a second chance - don’t give up!

Can you travel? Maybe even to a different country? If so then there ya go! Once you have travelled you can lie on your CV (or whatever most countries call it) and just say whatever they wont check up because theyre not going to ring overseas. Unless its a high paying job.

OR you could stay, get a job at a supermarket or petrol station. Or a labourer. Find friends who own a trades business (bricklayer, car mechanic etc) and you should be able to get a job fairly soon as a labourer. Once you have done that for maybe a few years, move on, your chances have inceased.

its very hard and your going to have to try everyday all day if needed however you can try EOPA, greater toledo urban league, and the goodwill they all specialize in helping felons find jobs in addition the best thing you can do is get a business degree find something your good at or like and start your own busines then maybe you can hire felons