Transitions Clinic Network (TCN) is a network of community health clinics that serve returning community members. TCN clinics are led by Community Health Workers (CHWs) with lived experience of incarceration who support people with their health care and reentry. TCN hosts a monthly Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) column to empower individuals to prepare for healthy reentry. This month we are hearing directly from TCN CHWs who are sharing about their personal experiences with reentry and their words of advice for success.
What was your greatest reentry challenge and how did you overcome it?
“Believing I had value was my greatest challenge. The stigma of incarceration/addiction had me believing no one saw me as [anyone] other than a felon/drug addict. I’ve overcome that by education and learning how to use my voice to advocate for those like me. I must also add therapy! Talking through my trauma and pain transformed my self-concept and ideas regarding my worth.” — Cynthia, Minneapolis, MN
“My greatest reentry challenge was myself. Sticking to the goals I set for myself. I opened my mouth, cried, and got help. Short term goals for long term success.” — Monique, San Francisco, CA
“Getting employed. I was older when I paroled, [so] persistence and a willingness to start anywhere allowed me to keep growing into my current position.” — Jim, San Diego, CA
“Trying to get meds. I went to the community clinic and asked for help.” — Dwight, Charlotte, NC
“Staying clean and sober. I had to go through enough drama and lose everything to finally surrender.” — Alisha, Vallejo, CA
“Rebuilding relationships with family members strained by incarceration and separation. Adjusting to societal norms, technology advancements, and cultural changes during my absences. How did I overcome the challenges? By asking for help – No question is dumb!!! Reaching out to those that support my goals and desires.” — Sharon Fennix, San Francisco, CA
What is something you want to share about reentry & health with someone still incarcerated?
“Don’t give up! …Kindness, accountability, determination are three tools for long term success.” — Monique, San Francisco, CA
“Health is wealth! Prioritizing health care is a choice, a proactive step you can take to gain control over your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.” — Cynthia, Minneapolis, MN
“I have known people who have died following release, I personally nearly died of a heart attack. Your health is your most important asset!!” — Jim, San Diego, CA
“It gets better if you stay off the drugs. It’s tempting to want to see old friends, but it’s easy to get caught up.” — Alisha, Vallejo, CA
“There is support and resources available to make sure you have all you need to succeed, but 90% of the work is done by your decision and willingness to do what’s needed for yourself.” — Bryan, Los Angeles, CA
“Health clinics are available to establish primary care and you don’t have to rely on Emergency Departments to be seen.” — Juan, Durham, NC
“This will work for you if you trust that you don’t have to do this alone. We have [an] awesome team that will help all areas.” — Keith, San Jose, CA
Thanks for reading! If you have healthcare-related questions about reentry. feel free to write us at: Transitions Clinic Network, 2403 Keith Street, San Francisco, CA 94124. Or call our Reentry Health Hotline today at (510) 606-6400 to speak with a CHW and to see if there’s a TCN program in your community of return. We are open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
