Dillon Believes You Earn Second Chances
“I hope that my success is able to serve as motivation for others. It is proof that happiness - as well as redemption - are always achievable.” Dillon
Dillon (pictured) was incarcerated at age 18 and served over 14 years before being released to the Spokane Residential Reentry Center. Returning citizens in Washington state who have served the majority of their sentence in federal prison, are either released to one of the four federal residential reentry centers that Pioneer Human Services operates to serve out the remainder of their sentence, or they are placed on home confinement also managed by Pioneer. The reentry centers serve as a bridge from incarceration to living back in the community, offering a comprehensive array of services and assisting them in navigating the barriers that formerly incarcerated individuals face.
The Spokane Residential Reentry Centers serves individuals who are in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, or under the supervision of the US Probation or the Pre-trial Services. The reentry centers’ services include: job-readiness training, marriage/parenting classes, GED classes, victim awareness education, anger/stress management, substance abuse assessment, intensive outpatient treatment/aftercare and relapse prevention education, domestic violence counseling and community transition skills.
Dillon shared, “I spent many years defining myself by the poor choices I made in my past. It wasn't until I decided not to accept ‘No’ for an answer, and instead focus on the important and positive things in my life, that positive things started to happen and I was able to redefine what I saw as success.”
Dillon focused on the fact that he had some previous knowledge of automotive engine work. He diligently went after employment using his previous engine experience as a base when he applied at the Hot Rod Company in Spokane. The Hot Rod Company not only gave Dillon an opportunity by offering him a secure position, they have embraced his potential by inviting him to help grow their company.
Dillon started at the company by using his skills to tear down old motors for rebuilding. While he worked, he chose to continue his education of DYNO engine training which is a computer performance specification system after the engine is built. Dillon’s eagerness to learn more has impressed his employer to the point that they are putting a DYNO shop in the building at significant expense once he is certified.
From the start of his employment, Dillon has advanced his knowledge of engines and has been asked by Hot Rod’s management to take on more and more responsibility. His work ethic was instantly recognized and it was acknowledged that Dillon will "do whatever it takes" to get the job done well and to help out in any way possible. He recently was promoted to shop foreman.
Dillon commented, “I've learned that it's actually quite simple to overcome your past. It is your choice of actions that you make today and tomorrow that define who you are and who you choose to be. I simply choose to strive for the positive.”
Dillon added, “That being said, I would not be where I am today if I didn't have the support system that I was blessed with by my family, Pioneer case manager, and employer. So, I'd like to thank all the people who have pushed me, and wanted better and more for me over the years. Especially, the people who didn't give up on me, even when I had given up on myself. I do not believe that anyone is just given a second chance. A second chance is something that you have to make for yourself.”
Dillon has a very positive family support system that he continues to strengthen daily. He made an important decision to change the people he interacts with and who he chooses as friends. Even though Dillon has a required life on probation, his future is looking very positive. Because his engine work employment is going so well, Dillon was able to save up and purchase a vehicle for getting back and forth to work, and is paying it off in record time. He is also planning on saving more money to eventually buy a house.
John Barrett, Pioneer’s Spokane Residential Reentry Center case manager, stated, “The success Dillon is experiencing is based on his desire to move forward. As his case manager, it is great to see the amount of growth and success he has achieved. It is my belief that Dillon will do great things with his education and future growth within The Hot Rod Company and in his life back in the community.”