Sharing His Story to Help Others
“My book has me ecstatic, as it gives me the opportunity to snuff out some of the dysfunctionalism that has been plaguing my family for generations. My hope is to positively affect this country's recidivism rates and to help the souls in the streets of lost dreams. Remember: Never give up on anyone. Not for any reason. If I can claw my way out of my self-imposed abyss – so can the next person.” Terry Hill
While incarcerated, Terry Hill wrote three books beginning with his early childhood, following with his life in the prison system, and ending with life today. He released the first book, Memoirs from a Prison Cell Trilogy (The Missteps of a Southern Boy) (Volume I) with great reviews and it is now available for purchase on Amazon. This book covers the poverty, hardships and young decisions that shaped Hill’s life to come.
Hill arrived at Pioneer’s Peninsula Work Release in Port Orchard from Cedar Creek Corrections in Little Rock, Washington. He had been incarcerated for the majority of his adult life, with his last time in prison serving approximately 13 years. When Hill arrived there was an open cook position in the kitchen. He had a pretty limited amount of previous experience as a cook, however, Pioneer’s director at the work release, Cindy Robinson, really wanted to hire him to give him a positive experience. She brought him on and had him train under the food service manager at the work release.
“Hill proved to be a fast learner and really excelled on the job. He was soon preparing meals for 60 residents – no easy task,” said Robinson.
The food service manager had trained many residents in the past and was on board to work with him. It was agreed that job training would enable Hill to learn to maintain steady work and help him to transition better back into society after his release.
Hill stated, “I was in a haze upon arriving at Peninsula Work Release. However, Cindy Robinson quickly assuaged the situation, within 48 hours, and offered me the cook position, relieving me of the stress of searching for employment in the community. I am fortunate to have had this experience mature into a permanent position upon my discharge from the work release. Thus, allowing me a seamless transition into society and the financial means to publish my book.”
“I became familiar with Pioneer Human Service “Chance for Change” motto through my many bouts of incarceration and residence at other work release facilities. Learning what they were doing in the community was impressive, to say the least. Today, it is my honor and privilege to daily don the dark blue polo-shirt of Pioneer Human Services at my job,” Hill concluded.
