Guest Writer, Kaitlin Mullinix
A few months ago, I sat in a circle of 15 people in a prayer chapel. We had gathered on a Tuesday evening for an institute called Challenging Stereotypes where we discussed the misconceptions society as a whole tended to place on marginalized people. As the weeks passed, the institute exposed us to the warning signs of a world poisoned by paradigms of judgment at all turns. The institute also encouraged and taught us how to actively enact compassion for others; for that, we were grateful.
It was the second Tuesday in. We were told that a recently incarcerated man named James would be sharing his experience with societal re-entry. No one could have predicted what type of story we were to hear. Drugs? Violence? Would we feel threatened by him? Would he feel uncomfortable with a group of strangers staring at him? Would his story be too painful for him to share? Too painful for us to hear? Would we leave feeling sympathy towards the incarcerated or apathy towards seemingly unsolvable world problems? Read more...
Mentor Orientation
We are very excited to share that last night marked our 2nd Mentor Orientation! We had 9 mentor prospects who gave up their Wednesday evenings for the last 2 weeks to learn more about connection, emotional and physical boundaries, and what helping our population looks like. We will now follow up with each to get to know them better and screen them for mentoring and other volunteer positions. We are honored to stand with these individuals and look forward to our growth together!
If you have questions about what it takes in order mentor please contact us at n2lifeproject@gmail.com or 816.282.6312. If you know that you would like to proceed, you can go here to complete an application, and we will contact you.
Industry
Over the course of our existence, Art and I have wrestled with what is appropriate and how much to communicate as it relates to finances. We have a strong value for being transparent and we also hold strongly to an abundance mentality. We trust that there is more than enough resources, money, people, etc, out there and available. It's a matter of approach
Nevertheless, we want people to know where we stand and the struggles of the industry. We are aware of at least two vital organizations that are currently struggling to make ends meet. They have each been around for many years doing much needed work, yet are facing the possibility of closure. It is heartbreaking to see individuals who are already giving so much, make additional sacrifices to keep things running. Both organizations have laid off several employees and those still working are taking on extra jobs – taking away precious energy and time from their primary work.
Art has also had to make some adjustments. We are currently each drawing a small salary from N2LIFE Project through those who have so generously given. Nevertheless, in order to make ends meet and provide for his family, he has also begun additional part time positions. Some are still in line with reentry. We choose to see these as opportunities that this will grow our networks and our knowledge. Having said that, it is certainly still a stretching exercise. Please keep us in your thoughts as we navigate these waters and decide what is best for the clients, ourselves, and our families.
Up and coming:
New Look
John Raux is in the throws of Middle of the Map but continues to work out our logo, and overall new look. Stay on the look out!501c3
We've submitted the paperwork and are now waiting on the review and hope to have the official Non-Profit status by summer. The bylaws have been completed and reviewed with our Advisory Board.Classes begin
Due to some restructuring inside Lansing Correctional facility we have not been teachingGetting Motivated to Change for the past few months. However, beginning in May we will be on a new schedule to teach this class quarterly in the maximum facility.continued
James arrived. He was polished and cheerful, dressed in casual business attire as if prepared for an interview. He didn’t seem nervous at all. He discussed his youth and the games he loved to play as a child. Nothing stood out as unusual and his description of his teenage years seemed relatable -- filled with confusion and frustration. James shared stories of friendship, love, and hardship.
While imprisoned, James studied continually and worked to get his GED all with the support of his mentor who was a vital part of his life. James’s mentor became his sole support for pursuing college upon his release. As James’s story continued, he spoke hypothetically about a day in which he would hold a prestigious job and become a motivational speaker for high school students. He would walk into an auditorium dressed to impress and would tell all of the students of his accomplishments in life including his beautiful family and steadfast career. As the students’ admiration towards James would grow, only at the very end would he reveal how drugs and prison almost ruined his life and shot at true happiness.
James’s dreams to one day encourage high school students mirrored the unconditional encouragement he continues to receive from those who care and support him. Above all, James seemed most thankful for his support system who continues to aid him in the struggle societal re-entry has proven to be. His past of incarceration would seemingly steal bits of his future forever, but James never stops striving for a better life. After witnessing James’s story, my greatest fear when I left the church that Tuesday evening was that my over-whelming desire to help would coerce me to apathy.
If you would like to share a personal story or thoughts on the matter of reentry and the struggles of those in or coming out of incarceration, please contact us at n2lifeproject@gmail.com.
