I have been an inmate at Florence West for the past four years and I have one year remaining. Since working for United Fiber for the past six months, I have been able to re-polish and apply myself on working hard and acquiring good work ethics for when I get out next year. Being on the yard doesn’t compare to working and developing skills. 

People skills also get brushed up on because of the interaction with civilian personnel on a daily basis. The money is decent so it really helps with getting commissary on a weekly basis. The retention (savings account) helps when it’s time to leave- you’ll have some nice pocket change to help with a place to live (or for whatever reason). I feel blessed to be asked to work here, and very thankful.

The Success of ACI

I would like to shed some light on an ongoing problem we face in this state and many others. The recidivism rate of convicted felons returning to prison has remained around 76.6% within the first year of release. This is because a lot of ex-convicts get release with dormant skills, no money, and a dusty resume. Unfortunately, because of these obstacles, a lot of ex-cons fall back into their old habits, hence the 76.6% recidivism rate.

Thanks to ACI/Trapp Technology, I will not face many of these same obstacles most ex-cons do. During my employment through ACI, I’ve learned new skills, received extensive sales training – from a very talented sales director – and practiced being in an everyday work environment. In doing so, I’ve gained valuable experience and work history to fill the gap in my resume. These skills and experience are a huge contribution to my early and future success.

The monetary benefits of ACI will allow me to save enough money to get on my feet and feel stable upon my release. This eliminates a lot of the early challenges most ex-cons face. Working for ACI/Trapp Technology has been a wonderful opportunity. It has benefited me greatly and prepared me for an easy transition back to society with a bright future ahead.

Due to this program, I can confidently say I will not contribute to that large percentage of re-offenders. 

How Working for Televerde and the ACI program has changed my Life

First and foremost, I want to thank you all for the welcome that you have given me for short time with you. This is a smart shop and pretty impressive. 

To begin my story, I come from a small town called Holbrook, AZ where there isn’t a Wal-Mart and we have only one grocery store to choose from.  Most of the work that I have done comes from small “mom and pop’s” shop that only have one person that is in charge of it all.

So when I came to Televerde in 2010, I was excited and nervous to learn, I had cried many times and if you know me, I’m already sensitive. But the anxiety was overwhelming as I didn’t even know what a department was. We not only learned about technology, but this company has also showed me the ends and outs of a company and how a mission statement comes into play, especially ours “To improve the lives of our employees, our clients, and the communities in which we operate.” Right there, the ACI program has taught me to speak to authority. I have always had a situation with people telling me what to do and that probably comes from being an only child with my mother who was my mom and everything. This program means so much to me. It has given me chance after chance to improve myself, but I take in high regard to keep it running and presenting myself not as a person coming from delinquency but as someone who has made mistakes and can still be given respect. The relationship between DOC and ACI must be kept, not only for my chance but for the chances of others. So learning to communicate has been crucial to this.

At first, it was very difficult for me to get on the phone and speak to someone without the non-verbal clues I am accustomed to. Now, I am able to speak with high level employees or people, whether on or off the phone. Still, I prefer to speak face-to-face and with that being said, Televerde has shown me what skills I can apply for my future. I have also learned that communication is not only in practice at work, but also on the yard in our personal lives because no matter where we are “you play how you practice.” I strongly believe in that coming from my MRI that shows laces around my heart like a baseball, play hard or go home.

I want to mention that Televerde has shown me to never give up. There are endless opportunities in life, and when one door is jammed, that doesn’t mean there aren’t tools around that can make it work in order to keep moving forward. Then if all else fails, jump out the window and not give in. Televerde not only means to me another chance, but it means to me family. We contradict the saying “ do not do business with blood.” I have worked for the Santa Cruz call center the longest, but have also had the opportunity to be at Pedro and now San Carlos and we watch each other grow. It has shown me that no matter where I am, I have you all. It’s hard to say goodbye, so I am just going to say thank you.

Thank you, Televerde for changing my life in the most positive ways, professionally, personally, and emotionally. I know now that I am the only one that so hard on myself and I can only allow one true Judge in my life. I have to let go of the self-doubt and realize, like you all say, “Brenna, you’ve got this.” I will make a difference because there are those, like our APM’s and VP and CEO that have built a foundation for us to make our lives happen and make changes for the best. Time for me to show them.

This was only supposed to be a page, but I could go on and on about Televerde, so to cut it off now I will say, I will take away with me the belief. I will believe in myself as Mr. Cortel, Mr. Doug and the women have believed in me. I will keep with me that there is always room for growth and improvement. I will allow myself to get out of comfort zones and keep moving forward. I will be what I was meant to be, and this is being the best and good at what is yet to come. And I have learned that it begins with, just being me.

I do feel that the ACI program should be expanded, because it will provide a better chance for people getting out of prison to start over. Many people, like me will have nothing when they get out. If I were to get out with only the $100.00 gate fee and had to find a place live, then find a job to pay for the place it would be very difficult.

If you took Stiner Unit for example; there is twelve hundred men housed with only six hundred jobs available. I feel more jobs would be beneficial.

What Has ACI Done For Me?

I’ve been incarcerated for a long time. In 2008 I was given the opportunity to work an ACI job. This work program has in some ways helped me to make the changes in my life that needed to be changed, and has made my time a bit easier to do. ACI has given me the opportunity to prepare for my future out there in the world. This program has given me a chance to learn different job training in many areas, and to earn money to provide for myself to reduce the burden on my family. I am able to provide things for my children, like school supplies, clothing, and shoes. I’ve also been able to save up and purchase additional things for my boys. ACI has allowed me to grow, mature, and get away from prison life and habits. I’ve earned and saved money for my release. This will help me get what I need: a car, place to stay, clothing, and tools. It will make my transition back into the world a bit easier and not so stressful.

I’ve met a lot of people over the years that really care about helping us, and bettering us for the real world. The possibility of providing opportunities to work for them upon release means a lot to many of us. Knowing that I have a job leaving prison is a real big relief and a good feeling. Working for companies that trained us and who are willing to give us inmates another chance that we would not get in too many places out there is a really big thing. Trusting us that we will not fail them is a really good feeling. That we are truly not alone and that there are people looking out for us, but it’s up to us to make this work for us and change our lives, to educate when possible and not be afraid to dedicate our time to learning as much as we can so that one day we can help the next person out when they need it.  This program really does work for those who are really ready for a change in their lives; and those who are looking to go in a different direction, rather than the one that keeps bringing them back to this place.

So, yes, I trust and believe that ACI work programs have had a big impact on my life. In its own way, it’s given me the opportunity to gain more work skills, help change my ways to better myself, and to have a better chance out in the world. When it comes time for me to be released I’ll be effective out there in the work force and not go back to any illegal activities that would bring me back to this place.  I can also take what I’ve learned and pass it on to my children once I’m home with them.

I have had the distinct pleasure of working for the Safety Services Company ACI contract here at the Yuma Complex. I have been employed since August 5, 2013 and during that time I have enjoyed working here and developed life skills to help me succeed upon my release. My job has kept me in contact with the general public (via telephone to companies throughout the country) as well as the civilian staff. Without the increased socialization, I believe I would have not have been as prepared to get back into the real world. Not only that, but it has also kept up on my computer skills, as technology is such an intricate part of today’s society. Of course, the bonus of getting paid for these perks allowing me to save for my release via retention funds will only help me succeed even further.

On behalf of myself and my family, thank you for this incredible opportunity and I look forward to continue my employment until my release.

Thank you for your time.

I have been working for ACI-Safety Services for the past fifteen months. While it is not the easiest job and it has definitely proven to be “work”, I truly believe that my job has made me (and will continue to make me) a better man.

Waking up at 5 AM every day, getting dressed, eating, and then heading in for a hard days-worth of work has given me a purpose for my time here. I have a job that requires me to follow directions, be reliable, be dependable, and to converse with others. All of these are life skills that will benefit me in the future.

I feel that I have been blessed with this job because it is providing me with financial security for my release from prison. As prisoners, it it’s not an easy task to get out, start from scratch, and build a life - especially a positive life. ACI is giving me a head start on release, because I will leave prison with enough money to get me started in the right direction. A big chunk of my restitution will be paid off before I walk out these gates. Knowing that I will have the finances to find a place to live, buy food and clothes, and to focus on finding a productive job and working on my relationships with other, relieves a lot of stress. Even though I am in prison, I am accomplishing so much, and I thank God every day for providing me with my job at ACI-Safety Services.

Thank you for this opportunity to work for Right Away Disposal. I have been here for one year, and the money I am saving will go a long way for my future once I am out of prison. I will use the money to prevent any chance of returning to this place (prison).  I believe that any prisoner who meets the requirements for ACI employment should work at their full potential in order to provide themselves a better life.

In order to tell you where I’m going, I must tell you where I’ve been. I’m forty-seven years old and have been in and out of jail and or prison for thirty years. As I write this I can’t even believe how much I have missed out on. Beside the pain I have gone through, I have hurt my family and friends like no other. When I came to prison this time I was a broken man in many ways. I needed to do something different in my life.

It all started with getting and staying sober. In one more month I will be four years clean. As a direct result I have stayed ticket free and was able to come to Bachman. I have been privileged to be able to work at ACI/Papa John’s for the past fifteen months and it is one of the best things that have ever happened to me. This is the longest that I have ever held the same job. I wake up every day with a sense of purpose and pride in what I’m doing and who I am.

My goals are all based on what I’m doing in the present. I have never owned anything that I worked for, but that is all changing with the money that I’m saving from this job. I’m going to buy a home for myself and plant my feet firm on the ground, so that I can be a positive part of this world. Just knowing, that upon release, I can have a job with Papa John’s is a hug weight off me. All I know is that I can make it this time and I will. There is so much more I could say but I will close with this; the best feeling in the world is finally knowing I took a step in the right direction, a step toward the future where everything that I never thought possible is possible.

Thank you for the opportunity and may God bless you all.

What ACI has done for me…?

I have been able to take advantage of the ACI inmate work program for the last five years. Each of my ACI inmate work program jobs has been extremely different from one another. I started working with the ACI Print Shop in 2013 and learned new computer programs such as Epicor. I was able to learn the daily operations and what it takes to be a successful employee.

In 2015, I worked for AquaChill and learned a new skill set in telemarketing. This opportunity taught me a lot about communication skills and how to perform in a professional environment. I am currently employed at Manheim Auto Auction and have been there for two years. This environment has taught me to be a part of a team and to accomplish set goals. I have learned to take on responsibility and to be a dependable employee. 

Each job has taught me a different life skill that I will be able to take with me upon my release. The ACI inmate work program has given me the confidence I need to be successful, and hope for a better future.

There are many positive things about working at Keefe while incarcerated. First would be the money that we make. Second would be the retention that we are building up gives us a chance to make it when we leave ADC- or to be financially responsible while incarcerated. We can use our retention to help our spouses and children at home with clothing, medical, utilities and bills. Third, it allows us to work as a team player with others that want to do good and better themselves.

How working at Keefe will help us when we get out of ADC- First, we know that we can work hard and work long hours. Second, we can move up in any company if we put our minds to it.  From getting forklift training, to stocking, or even managing our time; All these skills will benefit us for the future. 

Thank you for your time.

I have been incarcerated for the better part of fifteen years. I am currently working for the Home Town Hero Project at the Whetstone Unit in the Tucson Complex. I started out as a sales representative where I made cold calls and asked businesses to sponsor and advertise on our program to help veterans. I took the opportunity seriously and I applied myself. I was like a sponge, learning everything I possibly could. The hard work paid off; within my first year I became a trainer where I had the responsibility of training and helping the existing and newly hired agents. This was very rewarding and came with its own unique challenges. As I said I have been incarcerated for many years, and now I must communicate and explain in a way that best benefits the men around me in order to give them the best chance at success. To say this mildly it had its challenges, but again I took the responsibility seriously and applied myself.

I have now been with Home Town Hero Project for a little over three and one half years. The experience has been great; I have learned more real-world skills than I could have ever imagined when I started the program. I would like to believe that I have become a successful trainer and have a positive impact. I also have an opportunity to take what I have learned here at Whetstone to become successful with the same company upon my release. I am very happy to share that eight men from our program are currently having success and working for Home Town Hero Project after their release with many more to come in the near future.

The ACI program has been a critical part of my rehabilitation. I have learned valuable skills while in the ACI program. More importantly, I have found myself. I have acquired a wealth of knowledge and a skill set that I will be able to take with me upon my release from prison that will give me a real chance to be successful and have a positive impact, not only on my family but my community as well. I would like to thank everyone at Home Town Here Project, especially Scott & Denise Balsiger and the ACI program especially, Mr. Martinez and Mr. Holguin for the opportunity. It has been life changing.

ACI Hometown Here Project has been a huge stepping stone and also a big learning experience for me. Starting from never having any telemarketing experience to finding a skill inside me that I never thought existed. Hometown Hero Project means a lot to me considering I am a father of a beautiful five-year old daughter who will need me back in her life and have to work every day to provide for her. This job is keeping me proactive mentally and physically from waking up Monday through Friday from 0400 to 1530. This job is helping me provide for myself while at the same time saving money so when I’m released I will have a huge jump start on being able to provide for myself and my daughter. One of my biggest goals in life is to take my daughter to Disneyland or someplace special like that where she will have the time of her life. With this job and being able to save money on a retention account, I just may be able to fulfill that goal. The Hometown Here Project also gives you an opportunity to continue this career on the outside. My goal is to continue this job while being sober and proactive with society.

This is my second term in prison, and I am currently serving a six-year sentence. I have been working for ACI Home Town Hero for seventeen months. My first time in prison I did not have an opportunity like this. I wish I had, for I may not have come back.

Working for ACI has given me a sense of accomplishment, responsibility and pride. I am accountable for being at work certain times, and conducting myself in a professional manner- skills which will easily translate back into society. On top of that, at the end of a long work day I am able to go home tired and feel almost as if I am living a normal life. I do not find myself interested in what’s going on around me here; only in getting a good night’s rest and being ready to be back at work. When I call home I’m excited to tell my family about the work that I do, and the wages I make are enough for me to be self-sustainable and not rely on my family for financial support. Nothing feels better than saying I’m able to take care of myself; after all, I got myself here.

I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be employed here. I have spent the majority of my life making bad decisions, and for a long time felt a sense of hopelessness. I no longer feel that. The ACI staff has also shown a sense of involvement in our success, and it appears they genuinely care about our rehabilitation back into society. If we ever need help with anything, they are very attentive and involved.  I know that seeing us succeed in here and after release is something that matters to them.

Being in prison presents every person with a choice- You can either use it as a justification to continue to make bad choices, or you can look at it as an opportunity to grow as a person and better yourself. ACI offers us a chance to begin that growth and start to become men and make choices that benefit us and our families. I can speak for almost all the men that I work with- we are very thankful to have this opportunity and conduct ourselves in that manner in all affairs in our lives. I want to personally thank Mr. Martinez, Mr. Holguin, Mr. Balsiger, and all of ACI for making this opportunity a reality.

Thank you.

What ACI has done for me?

ACI has enabled me to succeed by giving me the opportunity to work with and for a respective business. This has allowed me to save a significant amount of money; money I will need upon   my release in order to strive and be a valued member of society.

What it means to me?

What ACI has done for me means a great deal. Not only will I land on my feet in a very real way, but I will also be in a position to both repay and help out my girlfriend and others who have been there for me.

How ACI has helped me to succeed?

ACI has helped me in numerous ways. For one, I obtained a solid and unquestionable work ethic, which is extremely important. Secondly, through ACI and my hard work, I have been offered a wonderful opportunity to continue working for Hickman’s Family Farms (and even housing). In short, ACI gave me the tools to succeed.

I would like to express my gratitude to Arizona Correctional Industries by stating I have a new found confidence finding employment upon my release from DOC. When I first found out I had the opportunity to work an ACI job learning a trade and saving money, it was a big relief.

I’ve been working at Fiesta Canning for four and one half years in the maintenance department as a boiler operator and pipe fitter. Coming into DOC I did not have a trade, now I have two that I can pursue as a career. Not only have I been fortunate to learn trades working for Arizona Correctional Industries, I have saved in my retention fund over $10,000 which will help me purchase a vehicle. With a vehicle I will have endless job opportunities. Thank you for this opportunity. 

My experience working for ACI has been both positive and beneficial. I’ve been working maintenance at Fiesta Canning for almost two years. I’ve always been a mechanic so I can’t really say that I gained new mechanical skills. I did, however, learn to operate in a fast paced work environment, which in itself is a valuable skill.

I’ve also developed a good work ethic. I wake up early every day and go to work. I very rarely miss work. On occasions that I do miss work, it’s never unexcused. 

It goes without saying I’m also saving money. I’ve been released three times from prison with nothing but a gate fee. This time I’ll have some money and real work experience. I’ll use both to start life over from someplace other than rock bottom. I appreciate this opportunity and I’m taking full advantage of it.

My opinion of working here has always been positive and I appreciate the opportunity for my voice to be heard beyond earshot. There are several reasons I value this job; intellectually, mentally, and of course, financially. Solving work related problems, striving to be efficient and maintain desirable people skills outside of the prison environment are advantages I do not take lightly. Being able to leave the prison each day and work with a team of people that rely on me like any other employee strengthens my self-esteem and confidence so that I can resume a positive life-style upon my release. Last but not least, by earning what I do here, I will have a solid basis for a payment-plan on my fines; step one in regaining my driver’s license. This opportunity in itself is the ground-work of becoming a contributing member of society again. 

ACI to me makes a positive opportunity out of a less than positive than positive time in my life. It not only gives you the opportunity to possibly learn a new trade, it also gets you out doing something positive. It has helped me to feel like I am a productive member of society. 

ACI has allowed me to be self-supportive, and not be a burden to family or friends. It has also put me in a position when I am released to have enough money set aside to get me back on my feet.

I feel ACI is a great program, it provides many opportunities. It gives you the chance to better your situation, not only now but in the future. 

It’s hard for me to explain or express how grateful I am to MVD for this job experience. I have no other means of support and without my job I would not be able to afford simple things (the so to speak “creature comforts”). Other than the simple pleasures, there are so many other things about my job that bring much joy. The interaction of helping others has built my self-esteem. I am able to say that if I had not received this opportunity I would not have grown as I have. This job has enabled me to actually look into myself and find values I had not known before existed. All that being said, I think the opportunity for these programs is one the best forms of self improvement there is in this prison.

This ACI job at ADOT Motor Vehicle Division has been such a blessing to me. Since starting here in August of 2016, I have learned so much- and it is all usable knowledge that will carry over when I’m released. This job has given me purpose and has given me my self-esteem back. I am also extremely grateful because I’m able to support myself without having to ask my family for help. Also, this opportunity keeps me so busy that I don’t have time for anything else really. My spare time is full of correspondence courses and letter writing. Everything I do in here is motivated by the thought of keeping this job and excelling at it. I also want to thank you for this job opportunity; I know it will help me succeed in the future. 

I would like to thank Arizona Correctional Industries, the Santa Maria unit, and Tracy my supervisor, for giving me the opportunity to experience civilization while in prison. This job has given me hope, stability, and belief in myself. Thank you and I appreciated all you have done.

I want to thank ACI for the opportunity for employment at the ADOT call center. It’s given me great customer service skills. It’s given me something productive to do with my time. Thank you.

I would like to thank ACI and MVD for allowing Santa Maria Unit inmates to have the opportunity to work for MVD while on this unit where there is not much opportunity for work.  I was fortunate enough to obtain a position and am very grateful. It has allowed me to be productive, stay out of drama on the yard, and support myself. Also, I now feel as though I have more job skills that I will be able to use when I get released.

I just wanted to write and tell you I have been doing so well since I left ACI. I want to thank you for the support you gave me while I was there. I also wanted to tell you that you gave me one of the best compliments and building blocks for my success.

I often tell people that I once had a manager that when I was leaving his employment told me to train my replacement in the same method that I had performed my job. You told me that you never had to worry about my role in your Customer Service Department and that was important for a manager. I used that compliment to do the best job I could do so my current employer did not have to worry about my position in their department as well. I have been working for Sprouts Farmers Market for 2 years. I started as a cashier and worked my way into the vitamin department. I was promoted to Assistant Vitamin Manager about 6 months ago and just last week offered a Manager position. I am so very happy and remember you often. 

Thank you for your support and encouragement that you gave without even knowing. Your one of the good guys Mr. Brown!!
 

I have been employed with ACI at Aqua Chill for four years. I have gained so much in the time that I have been here and I would like to share just a few things with you. First, I will touch on how ACI made it possible for me to work in a formal work environment.

Though I am an inmate, it had no bearing on me when I was given a chance to come to work in a professional establishment. I feel that because I was given an opportunity like this, I have the confidence I need to carry me through my other challenges in life such as my first job upon release. I must say, aside from my employment here I have only had one other job so I feel it has benefited me greatly in reintroduction into the work force.

Since I have worked here I have learned many skills such as customer service, the ability to work in a team environment and leadership skills. I personally tend to the needs of and set appointments for our potential customers in Illinois, Florida, Las Vegas, California, and Arizona on a daily basis. I work in a team environment and strive not only for my own success but the success of the nine others that I work with.

Leadership skills are something that came with time, not easily, but definitely one of the qualities I value the most. Part of the leadership skills entail training new hires and giving them the knowledge and the ability to grow as I have.

In conclusion, I have gained so much in regards to becoming more accountable and responsible as well as having been able to leave more financially stable. This is all due to the opportunity that ACI and Aqua Chill have given me.

Thank you for your time in reading this.

Having the opportunity to work Aqua Chill through the ACI Inmate Labor program has been a tremendous opportunity for me. It has not only given me the means to support myself financially and not be a burden on my family while incarcerated, but also to keep up with my professional skills. I have been with Aqua Chill for four years this May and I have been able to gain new skills I did not know that I was capable of. I had previous experience in marketing, but never in telemarketing. I never thought that working in sales/telemarketing was possible and it was a huge undertaking for me to take a step in that direction. Aqua Chill gave me the tools and skills needed to be successful in that new adventure and to carry on those skills to the Aqua Chill Corporate Office once I am released. I have learned a lot about myself and my abilities that I otherwise would have never known.

Within the four years here at Aqua Chill I have been the Team Lead for a little over two years. I have been able to teach the new skills I have gained to others as the Team Lead for the call center. Being able to pass on the encouragement and knowledge to new hires has been important for me. Watching and helping others grown into their new skill set gives me a chance to pay it forward.

If it were not for the opportunities provided by ACI I fear my computer literacy and professional skills that I had before coming to prison would have been lost over time. It has afforded me the ability to retain those skills and build upon them. The professional work place environment provided by ACI has made me feel productive and positive about my experiences while incarcerated. It has given me the confidence to return to the work force and be a productive member of society.

The ACI program has helped me in a multitude of ways. It has facilitated facets of survival that are crucial for success (for example: patience, communication, striving for excellence). It has challenged me to make myself better. It has re-introduced me to the person I once was. It has re-energized a tired soul to a youthful spirit. It has achieved this by simply employing me and expecting me to perform at a level society deems above par.

Just the day to day experience is loaded with a myriad of life skills necessary for success in the real world. The acquisition of as many life skills as possible should be the goal. To sharpen these skills is crucial. The workforce in the real world revolves around one thing; the bottom line. If you are good for this company, this company will be good for you.

A positive outlook and a positive approach are things I look forward to each and every day; this is due to the work environment I was cast into through ACI. Along with these aspects of ACI, I also have saved enough money for a good meager start. I thank ACI for all of its opportunities and hope others use this program to better themselves as I have.

First of all I want to thank Mr. Brown for always being supportive of me when I wanted to be creative or uncreative and being so pushy to get me motivated when I didn’t want to be! He has taught me many things over the years and I truly want to express my gratitude to him for everything. I was blessed to be able to learn so much while at ACI. The opportunities to grow were endless and I will always be grateful for this second chance.

This opportunity has taught me so much about myself and has renewed my spirit. When I started this job I didn’t know what I would be doing and still everyday was an adventure. To see my hard work in a printed publication and know that I was part of the Sublimation team that designed the ACI logo is an awesome feeling of accomplishment.

To all the ladies who have been given the opportunity to work for ACI, take advantage of all that you can learn while you are here. Thank you to Mr. Radecki for your encouragement, to all the Sales Representatives, Customer Services Representatives, Business Development team, and Marketing for believing in me to get the job done.

I wish everyone the best.