San Quentin Rehabilitation Center residents reflect on what it means to give back by drawing inspiration from the previously incarcerated. Formerly incarcerated individuals come back to SQRC to mentor residents on the values of growth, service, perseverance, and hope.
“To be able to see those who once walked within the same walls as me and come back to be of service lets me know how far I can go,” said resident Jordan Junious.
Junious said during his time in prison he has observed formerly incarcerated people return to prison and bring about change. Those mentors, who Junious said led by example, taught him change starts with him. In turn, Junious tries to lead others by example.
“Having an outlet and resources to fall back on is motivating to persevere through struggles [while in prison],” Junious said.
He reflected on a quote that takes a different approach, which makes all the difference to him.
“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood and I took the road less traveled by,” from the poem “The Road not Taken” by Robert Frost.
Vernon Evans, who has been incarcerated for three years, said he has similar sentiments.
“For so long I have lacked the ability to have hope because I didn’t see any evidence to rely on,” Evans said.
Tommy “Shakur” Ross, a formerly incarcerated mentor, returns to SQ weekly to facilitate the self-help program Guiding Rage Into Power.
Evans said words from Ross and other facilitators helped him learn how to deal with his emotions. “I have gained the tools necessary to stop the violence while confronting my anger, shame, and their ripple effects.”
“It’s been huge having Tommy ‘Shakur’ Ross in my life as it has added value to my insight,” Evans said. “It lets me know I am on the right track.”
Ross has been helping his community here at San Quentin by being a peacemaker and creating a space to bring it together with these traits.
Evans hopes that one day, he will be able to come back and be of service to make a difference. These opportunities in these spaces “create what it means to be pro-social.”
Resident Robert Belfield said when he has the opportunity to spend time with a formerly incarcerated person, it is similar to being in recovery because he has learned that being of service is the right thing to do. He added that the principles of honesty, integrity, and accountability have become “near and dear” to his heart.
“Even though I made mistakes, I believe I can continue to succeed through my struggles,” Belfield said. “I can endure my struggles when I see formerly incarcerated people return to lead the path.”
