I will be released back into society [soon] this being my third parole from prison, totaling 15 years of incarceration. This will also be the first time being released that I have an opportunity to be part of something that, as a convict, I feel I understand and benefit from - that being PHOENIX RISING Transitions. The training I received while in prison through PHOENIX makes me feel as though I can be a part of society rather than an outcast. I was taught skills of communication that will help me immensely in the future, along with many other skills that I would have never received without PHOENIX training. Through this training I became a facilitator for classes here at Columbia River Correctional Institution. I feel as though a transformation has occurred. With PHOENIX's help I hope to become a mentor for other convicts being released back into society.

 

—W.S.

From a graduate of Relational Culture Strategies. He will be released in early 2008.