Q&A

Finding Freedom Within: A Journey of Personal Growth After Incarceration

By Rhonda Fitzgerald-Hunter

Recently released from the Willow River Challenge Incarceration Program, he emerges with newfound skills and a determination to rebuild his life.  Having served as the facility’s cook, Johnathon Smith discovered a passion for culinary arts that nourished his fellow inmates and ignited a spark of hope for the future.  Johnathon’s journey is a testament to his resilience and his pursuit of redemption.

Now as he navigates the complex landscape of life outside prison walls, Johnathon faces the daunting challenge of finding stable employment.  The stigma of his past looms large, making the job search an uphill battle.  Yet, he remains undeterred, actively engaging in community service as a cook at a homeless shelter to give back and forge connections that might open doors to new opportunities.

But Johnathon’s story is not solely about career aspirations; it is also deeply personal.  After three years of no contact, he is desperately trying to reconnect with his children, who live out of state.  The longing to bridge the gap in their relationship adds another layer to his journey, as he seeks to mend the bonds that were strained in his past.

In this Q&A, we will explore Johnathon’s experience, motivations, and the obstacles he faces as he embarks on this new chapter of his life.  His story is one of hope, illustrating the complexities of reintegration and the power of second chances.  Readers will be inspired by his determination to not only change his own life but also reconnect with the family he cherishes.

Can you describe your initial feelings upon being released from prison?

My first initial feelings of being released from prison were overwhelming because you’re going from having so much structure, especially in the CIP boot camp program I was in, to now being out here into the world.

What personal challenges did you face during your time incarceration?

Personal challenges I faced were relationship issues. Getting readjusted back to living in the prison system again. My freedom to move around when I wanted to. Trying to find my place.

How did your experiences in prison change your perspective on life and personal growth?

The perspective on life it gives me now is that it’s not worth it. None of that is worth it to me and I need to find a better route to maneuver [in life].

Were there specific programs or activities in prison that contributed to your personal development?

I was already established before I was incarcerated. I know a lot of people aren’t, but I was already doing good. So going back to prison was more of a setback.

How did you cope with feelings of regret or guilt about your past actions?

I didn’t really have the ability to cope with it. My outlet in the world would be to smoke weed and in there [prison] you can’t do that. So, I just had to deal with it and suppress all of that in me and it’s causing issues in my life. When I get out of incarceration because then I don’t know how to talk or handle certain situations.

What goals have you set for yourself since your release, and how are you working towards them?

The goals I’ve set for myself:  complete community service, get a job, and save up enough money to get to Florida. The ways I’m doing it right now are I found a place to do community service, I’ve been applying for jobs, and I’m going to do my best to save as much money as I can so I can move back down to Florida and re-establish myself.

Can you share an example of a significant change you’ve made in your life since your release?

A change I made in my life since my release would be not going back to the same or similar things. Usually, when I would get out of prison my first inclination would be to hit up old friends and go back to old habits and this time around, I’m not doing that.

How have your relationships with family and friends evolved since you came back to society?

My relations with my family are pretty much the same; wasn’t necessarily super close to none of my family members. My kids, I don’t really get to talk to them much because once they found out I’m in prison, they’re older now and kind of understand what’s going on, so they disowned me for now.

What advice would you give to others who are currently incarcerated and seeking personal growth?

I would say get rid of the relationships that you have on the phone that are causing you a bunch of anger and arguments.  You got to focus on yourself – while you have the structure, you have to try to find a good better routine for your own life because when you get out into the world, you may think that you got everything under control but what about the temptations are around you? It’s a whole different ball game, so you have got to find restraint and learn to find better ways to cope with your issues.