Life after Prison for many former inmates is anything but a cake walk. Sure, they have their freedom back…. but they also face a host of challenges as they assimilate back into society.
The most widely known obstacles to re-entry are employment and housing discrimination; but, many former prisoners can also face roadblocks in the areas of public assistance and food stamps, voting, adoptive and foster parenting, and drivers’ licenses.
There are many ex-felons whose only wish is to be given another chance. A chance to get a good education, a chance to work, a chance to have their voting rights restored…and a chance to learn a skill….a chance to get another opportunity
Success stories like Dave Dahl and Mike Massey inspire others to “Never give up” and forge ahead. Their inspirational stories of hard work and persistence make the transition easier for others.
But the road is anything but easy….. Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence and determination. And Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny.
In America ex-felons carry the stigma of being convicted for life. A conviction is like the metaphorical scarlet letter. When people see you… they see your conviction because many folks in America will never let you forget that you committed a crime.
Today we are beginning to witness a paradigm shift in how ex-felons are treated. Today Ex-felons are visible in every facet of life. America and Americans are becoming more tolerant of ex-felons in sports, media, education, military and areas in which felons benefit organizations
There are many nationally known companies who make it a practice to hire ex-offenders. One of these companies, Embassy Suites, strongly believes in second chances and has hired many ex-offenders in different aspects of their business
Automotive repairs shops such as AAMCO are always on the lookout for hard-working employees with mechanical knowledge and a willingness to do manual labor and hard work.
Many retail outlets, such as Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Walgreens and Toy R’ Us are willing to hire felons for specific jobs. Most of the major cell-phones careers, including Verizon, AT&T, U.S. Cellular and Sprint hire felons
Today, when it is more important than ever to strengthen our work force, rejuvenate communities and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely, improving prisoner re-entry remains critically important.
On October 1, 2012, Attorney General Eric Holder announced a $58 million Second Chance Act grant to reduce recidivism, provide reentry services, conduct research and evaluate the impact of reentry programs.
Both former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels in 2012, and the current Indiana Governor Michael Pence in June 2013 signed into law “Second Chance Act” legislation to give those convicted of crimes some relief from their criminal past.
Today the INSIDER EXCLUSIVE “Goes Behind The Headlines” in Redemption – Journey from Prison to Success- Mike Massey’s Story ….. to meet Mike Massey, a success story in the making, and his lawyer Richard Steagall, Partner Nicoara & Steagall, to share Mike’s powerful story of hope, friendship, strength and perseverance.
Mike’s story is an amazing journey that is still evolving and inspires all those who look for meaning in the face of life’s challenges and adversities. With the experienced help of Mike’s lawyer, Richard Steagall is utilizing all Mike’s legal remedies to get the justice and the second chance that Mike so richly deserves
Richard has earned the highest respect from citizens and lawyers alike…. as one of the best Trial lawyers in Peoria…. In Illinois….. and across the nation.
He’s driven to fight for people who deserve and need second chances.
His goals….. Not ONLY To get Justice for his clients…but to make sure that everyone is treated with equal respect and dignity as guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States.
He has built a substantial reputation by consistently winning cases other law firms have turned down. His amazing courtroom skills and headline grabbing success rate continue to provide his clients with the results they need……And the results they deserve.
As Oscar Wilde once wrote…. “Every saint has a past and every sinner a future…”
You can contact Rick Steagall @ http://www.nicoara-steagall.com or 309 674 6085