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deckard

One of my longest and most dear pen pals is getting released mid next month, possibly earlier. Out of all the people I write, I can say with 100% certainty we will keep in touch. That being said, I am concerned with her welfare.

I want to try to help connect her with some resources to streamline the process. She may be paroling to an old neighborhood, so I am concerned because the extent of the charges were drug related, so that's a huge trigger for any addict. Also, of course getting back to work ASAP is key.

Can anyone recommend any re-entry assistance in the Central Texas area that would be worth exploring? Does Texas Workforce Commission have any special grants?

I did a bit of googling and found a few hits, but of course there is no way to determine the effectiveness so I am really hoping that someone has or knows of someone that utilized any resources in Texas so I can help prepare her for reintegrating. Thanks in advance.


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deckard

Sorry to hear that Deckard. Did it fizzle out or was there a clear agreement to move on? If you don't mind me asking.

We just didn't connect anymore. It was awkward. It felt forced. None of us really addressed the elephant in the room, we just kind of went our separate ways. This wasn't her first rodeo, so hopefully she has been able to keep her act together because the dynamics on the outside weren't very favorable at the time.

 
Sporadium

Sorry to hear that Deckard. Did it fizzle out or was there a clear agreement to move on? If you don't mind me asking.

 
deckard

Wow, I had to do a double take on this thread. I had no idea who the heck I was talking about for like a nano second. Needless to say we no longer keep in touch :/

 
Sporadium

Update.

My friend got out two weeks ago and found gainful employment in just a few days!

 
Sporadium

Wow, seems like ages since I started this thread.

By the way, how did things go with your pp once he/she got out? Do you still keep in regular contact?

 
Sporadium

Wow, seems like ages since I started this thread.

I have two suggestions:

If hard physical work is the primary vocation. Something like Labor Ready would be a good start. There is one on 5525 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50131. There is also a Labor Finders 6777 Hickman Rd; Des Moines, Iowa 50322.

My other suggestion would be to go to the local one stop in Des moines.

430 E Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309-1920

They have recruiters who can help with job placement at no cost and they may have a re-entry department that works closely with employers who are felon friendly.

Superb. Thanks Deckard

 
deckard

Wow, seems like ages since I started this thread.

I have two suggestions:

If hard physical work is the primary vocation. Something like Labor Ready would be a good start. There is one on 5525 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50131. There is also a Labor Finders 6777 Hickman Rd; Des Moines, Iowa 50322.

My other suggestion would be to go to the local one stop in Des moines.

430 E Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309-1920

They have recruiters who can help with job placement at no cost and they may have a re-entry department that works closely with employers who are felon friendly.

 
gooddog

I've never been to Iowa but my take on it is that outside of Des Moines and a few other cities it is extremely rural. Sounds like he is a jack of all trades. Craigslist is a place sometimes people look for workers. Sometimes you do run into a backround check being required before being hired for the town or county and sometimes that can be a detriment. People are prejudiced against ex felons for work, many times. If he knows someone who can give him something just to begin? A family member that needs some stuff done to give him a chance? Or a family member that knows someone who needs a worker?

There must be lots of physical work available in rural Iowa, just... how do you get the right connection with someone who will give you a chance?

 
Sporadium

My main PP is getting released from a federal prison in 2 months and will move home to Iowa. Like most people who do not live in Iowa, I know very little about Iowa and it has never been a subject of conversation between my penpal and I...... because it's Iowa.

Anyway, I would like advice on ways to help someone moving back to Iowa from prison and who desperately wants to get into work. Preferably physical work - mechanic, snow ploughing, driving work, assistant welder etc.

Any advice about making relocating and reintegrating would be welcome.

 
A Driver For Hire

Unfortunately she is going to have to deal with all that on her own for the most part. She'll have to go to AA meetings,, a requirement for Parolees. The Workforce Commission does nothing to help, they throw them in with everyone else. It's all too easy to get caught up in the downward spiral. Best of luck to her.

Thanks for sharing your first-hand experience, Natalie!

Deckard - have you discussed what sort of help your pen pal might be looking for?

 
natalieandjames

Unfortunately she is going to have to deal with all that on her own for the most part. She'll have to go to AA meetings,, a requirement for Parolees. The Workforce Commission does nothing to help, they throw them in with everyone else. It's all too easy to get caught up in the downward spiral. Best of luck to her.

 
wildart

I can't help with the question but I love Maynard.