Student Spotlight
Each month we'll highlight people, events, or projects that inspire us.
This transcript is a candid response to the questions. Minor formatting adjustments have been made
What was your experience like at RFC?
This is my first time going to jail and to prison. RFC helped me to deal with the stress and adjustment to being in jail. It gave me hope and a new set of life skills I may have never learned. It turned a very traumatic situation into one that I was able to deal with and have a bit of normalcy day to day.
What was the best thing about your experience at RFC?
The whole program is very valuable. It gives you a new set of life skills that most people don't and wouldn't have had access to in the real world. It helps you deal with the stress of being in jail. It gives you hope and a sense of self worth and confidence. I believe RFC gives a chance to people who thought they would never get an opportunity to achieve something.
What is it like being home?
I looked forward to my freedom, coming home and seeing the few friends I have. I looked forward to starting over at the time.
Everything has changed for me. My outlook on the future, and trying to make the right choices to stay home. I found out I have an illness that can be cured and I was looking forward to treatment but even that is hard to get.
What's the most challenging thing since coming home?
Life since being released has been a struggle, it's been even harder with the pandemic. After being released I have to start from scratch. I lost my home, clothes and every possession going to prison. I have no family and no one to turn to for help. It's hard to establish everything I have lost. I keep hope and pray for help to continue to get through everyday.
The struggles I have may seem small to others but it's even hard to keep food in the refrigerator. I can't get medical treatment, financial help, a stable living environment, staying away from people using drugs, clothes, personal hygiene, everything is a struggle. There are very limited resources for anyone in my position. If you're starting over, stay strong, it's been 4 months I have been home and still struggle for the basic necessities.
What do you look forward to most?
My goals for the next 6 months is to get through each day. To try and keep building my life from the ruins and not letting the struggle beat me. Keep the hope alive. That is all I can do is keep trying.
Any advice you have for people about working/ coming home/ cooking / etc.?
My advice to participants of the program is to cherish the opportunities it gives you. This program gives you life skills and job skills. Learn everything you can and always keep it with you. It's not just a culinary class, it's a chance that only you can make happen. I am grateful for this program. It saved me and gave me my worth back when it was stripped away.
I am one of the women from the first RFC Women's Program and I will forever be in contact with this program and with all the people that made it possible. Thank you to everyone who makes this program possible.
- Sara
