As always with an initial Post-Release Services (PRS) call, you can never quite know what challenges you may need to work through for the individual on the other side of the phone. The first PRS Call with Mr. Timothy Jackson was no different. Because of the uncertainty surrounding his impeding release, having absolutely no support from within the community, and a need for transitional housing, the first PRS call with Mr. Jackson ended on a somber note.
Now let’s fast forward to Mr. Jackson’s second PRS Call. Now usually, this would’ve been the second time we would’ve seen one another but due to technical complications we were unable to conduct a video call during his first call. Once we started our call Mr. Jackson immediately recognized me and began by saying "Maaaaaannnnn I knew I recognized your voice from somewhere when we had our first call!”
Our call evolved into me letting him know that with the assistance of GEO’s Post-Release Services he will be able to connect the dots once released. I began to remind him that at a certain time in our lives, I had the privilege of literally being in the same building with him daily. I then went on to remind him that he and I spoke many times and the resolve with which he spoke with then can still be heard now. I also shared with him a quote from the legendary Nelson Mandela: “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
It was now time to tell Mr. Jackson that I had been able to secure him housing in Palm Beach County, which is where Mr. Jackson's daughter lives. One of Mr. Jackson's goals prior to his release placed a high emphasis on bridging the gap between he and his daughter. Mr. Jackson grew quiet as I spoke and then thanked me for believing in him and having his back. It was at that moment he raised his head, squared his shoulders, and looked me in the eyes and stated, "with an opportunity like this I will not fail, you will see.”
However, I still was not done bolstering the morale of Mr. Jackson and had yet another pleasant surprise for him.
While at South Bay Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility (South Bay CRF), Mr. Jackson prepared for his release by engulfing himself in opportunities to acquire a higher understanding of any and all subject matters. One such instance involved another individual who is now a Post-Release Case Manager, Mr. Rashod Wiggins. Mr. Jackson enrolled in a University of Florida initiative to license incarcerated men in the application of pesticides, a course he passed with flying colors A big part of his success was due to the instructor, who just so happened to be Mr. Wiggins, who at that time was serving a 10-year sentence.
At this point Mr. Jackson had no idea that he was about to be reunited with another comrade who he had also done time with and shared a mutual respect towards. I asked Mr. Jackson if he remembered Rashod and he did, so then I asked Mr. Wiggins to come into my camera view and say hello.
The joy that overtook Mr. Jackson's face was truly inspiring and reminded me of why we do what we do as a Continuum of Care Post-Release Team! Mr. Wiggins began to impart points of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding from his own lived experiences. Everything Mr. Wiggins said to him resonated deeply with Mr. Jackson, which led him to say how he wished he could see both of us on the day he was released. According to Mr. Jackson, we are his true brothers in a world where he is almost alone. As the saying goes, be careful of what you wish for…
On day one of Mr. Jackson’s release from South Bay CRF, Mr. Wiggins and I had the privilege of surprising him by coordinating with Post-Release Services Director Craig Spatara and the housing provider where Mr. Jackson would be staying. As the housing provider pulled up to meet Mr. Jackson and give him the keys, so did Mr. Wiggins and me. The pride that Mr. Jackson stood there with could only be compared to that of a man who had been broken yet was repaired. A euphoric feeling took over me as I witnessed Mr. Jackson’s transformation. It was at that moment I took great pride in my job and the company I work for.
Mr. Jackson was released on February 1, 2023, and within the first week of being released, he was employed at Two Georges Waterfront Grille in Boynton Beach (special thanks to Mr. Kenneth Garner, Director of Vocational Programs, with resume and employment support). He has been reunited with his daughter, while navigating a fair resolution with her mother on his accountability plans to be a consistent presence in his daughter's life. Mr. Jackson states, "Never before have I come home to such a loving and supportive situation, and I truly give thanks for it."
