Liberty Shines
With help from the Community Transitions Program (CTP) Liberty made her transition home in 2020. Coming home, Liberty had the hope and aspiration that she would succeed this time in her recovery- having made a plan and developed a pathway that would lead to victory. Coming home was a big deal for her because this would be the first time she had her own place. By working with her CTP Case Manager to set goals and continuing to work the plan, Liberty secured an apartment, got off parole, gained employment in what she feels can be her career, got her license and got a car, all while living what we strive for with CTP- a self-directed and self-motivated life.
Still, there were obstacles. Earlier this year Liberty was given a 30 day notice to vacate premises due to what her landlord said was a “conflict of interest”. She had to move because her landlord didn’t understand the needs of her autistic stepson. She felt the ripple effects of collateral sanctions– judgments and behaviors imposed on those who transition home, that carry on after a sentence. Liberty met the discouragement with commitment and devotion to not let this set her back. Having been in the program for over 2 years at that point, she had saved enough money to pay her own deposit with a new landlord, which required her first and last month’s rent up front. Although CTP normally pays those expenses, this landlord in particular was unwilling to accept the financial assistance offered, without first “seeing if the client could maintain her housing on her own.” Liberty, understanding this was her chance to shine, showed up in one of the most confident and willing ways we have seen. Money order in hand, a plan for what was ahead, and a smile as bright and big as a rainbow, Liberty moved into her new unit, which accommodates her stepson’s needs above and beyond what the previous unit could.
Liberty has continued to excel and continued to show that successful reentry is possible, that goals are attainable, and that recovery is a reality. Liberty is proud to say that this is the first time since she can remember that she has been sober, off parole, in a place where she is on her own two feet. Stanley Frankart, Liberty’s CTP Case Manager, says that “we are blessed to have such an amazing example of courage, resilience, and commitment in our lives and to be a part of such a redemptive and transformative journey, in which we too learn that reintegration and restoration is possible. It is evidence that we are better together as a community, one who is willing to support people-giving them the room, the space, and the dignity to make choices and to be empowered with self-efficacy.”