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.