After 31 years in prison, I was released in October 2016 with few resources. I had to adjust to a drastically different society and needed help making it on my own.

After my release, I stayed at a men’s shelter, but knew I couldn’t stay there long. I was ready to change and move on. Eventually, I wrote a letter to The Fortune Society asking for help. They responded immediately. The same day I stopped in, I received a room at their transitional housing unit, The Fortune Academy. I now live in my own apartment. 

In addition to housing, I now have access to health care, and can talk with staff to avoid making mistakes that may lead to further justice involvement. For the first time, I’m learning to open up, and it feels good.

Fortune also showed me that it’s never too late to pursue my goal of obtaining a High School Equivalency Diploma. I plan to participate in Fortune’s Education and Culinary Arts programs this year. Looking forward, I hope to become a professional in the food industry. I’m excited for the journey that lays ahead and, with Fortune’s help, I know I will succeed.