Self-Discipline, Determination and Hard Work Are Recipe For Success After Prison

We operate the four federal residential reentry programs across Washington state that serve as a bridge from incarceration to life in the community. The residential reentry centers help individuals with a successful transition back into the community, while serving out the remainder of their sentence, through an array of services focused on finding and retaining employment, reconnecting with families, overcoming a substance use disorder and other issues, and becoming productive members of society. 

In some cases, the individuals released from prison check into one of the reentry centers and are assigned to home confinement. April was a direct home confinement placement a few years ago after checking into the Spokane Residential Reentry Center (SRRC) and has successfully made the transition into the workforce while following all the Federal Bureau of Prisons requirements. 

Michelle Christie, case manager, at the SRRC, was proud to share the story about April. Michelle said, “Shortly after April’s arrival, she found employment with SVZ in Othello, Washington.”  SVZ has more than 150 years of expertise across the agro-supply chain. They are a fruit and vegetable ingredients supplier for leading food and beverage manufacturers across the globe." 

Michelle continued, “Since April’s initial employment at SVZ, she has worked hard and received a few promotions. Currently, she is the shipping and receiving associate in charge of assisting with trucks entering and leaving the work compound. Her employer is extremely pleased with her performance.”

Part of Michelle’s job is checking in with her home confinement clients and working with them on their needs and finding any available resources. Michelle also checks in with employers of her clients to make sure that the client’s conduct and performance is on target. After Michelle met with April’s employer, she received the following message from SVZ:

“Good afternoon Michelle, I wanted to let you know that it was great to meet you. It is great to see someone that believes in our April as much as you and your team do. She really has been an asset to this company and a joy to work with. I have loved seeing her growth and I don’t foresee that stopping anytime soon. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. As far as I am concerned, she is a model employee and I am excited to see her part of our team.” SVZ

April has continued to educate herself with an end goal of mentoring women as they enter and/or exit incarceration. She recently completed the Washington State Peer Support Certification program and passed the class and final exam, and her oral boards with flying colors becoming a Certified Peer Support Counselor. SRRC staff is very proud of April’s commitment and focus on achieving another goal she set since learning about the peer support program.

Michelle commented, “April has done amazing things while on home confinement with SRRC. She has maintained a clear disciplinary record; turned in all her budgets, paystubs, receipts, and any documents on time and complete. It is good to know that April also reconciled with her daughter and has contact with her daily. Family members are so in awe of the April that exists today - compared to the one they said goodbye to when she entered incarceration. Her family is standing by her side to cheer her on, support her, let her know how loved she is and how proud they are of her.”

April’s strength and determination are attributes that should be used as an example for anyone that enters a residential reentry center after federal prison. We are excited to announce that recently, SVZ (April's employer), announced that April was selected as 'Employee of the Month.' SVZ announced:

"April was rated as excellent to superior in all areas and received these very specific examples of why she was nominated:" 

• When I think of April I think of team player, she is one that is willing to help in any way, shape of form.  I know that I have personally had her help with several projects of which she does so efficiently.
• She goes above and beyond to help others, she is one person that I can say is looking for professional growth and has worked in both production and logistics, with the ability to hop on a forklift if necessary, and always willing to do so.
• She is always in a great mood, which is contagious. 
• She has recently taken on an additional role in working with the Quality department to help with some of the workload there as well. 

Michelle concluded, “Congratulations April! You are a role model. This really proves to others that when you want something and are willing to do the hard work to get it, nothing is impossible!”