Testimonials and Stories

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Stories

CRI's logo was designed by Eddie.

Eddie was orphaned as a child, turned to the streets and gangs, became a tagger and proficient at tattoos. He entered the Juvenile system at the age of 9, went through the Youth Authority and entered prison at 19 with two life sentences. He was paroled in 2005 at the age of 43 having turned his life around. He has worked with Ms. Carroll for over 10 years inside prison and out. He is now a college graduate, married to a school principal, father to a stepson, journeyman sheet metal worker, homeowner and artist using his talent for good. He is spreading the word that there is a different choice that can be made, working with youth at the CDCR DJJ and working with people in the community. Eddie is a member of the CRI team.

Testimonials

Following are excerpts from testimonials we have received.

"Prison life hammers home the false notion that "who you are IS the worst thing you have ever done". In my experience, by example and by word, Collette and Roland have been about the business of rebuilding broken lives and reminding men both returned and returning to our communities of “who they really are.” They have helped me and countless others to see this essential truth. It is vital for people to feel they have a place in community and that their contributions are important. California Reentry Institute is crucial to the many former prisoners building a new life as well as to the community that receives them.” Tim – prior inmate San Quentin

"My reentry into society has been a difficult and eye-opening experience for me. I was paroled after serving a 23 year sentence to a transitional housing facility that was not sufficient for my needs. I was the first life term prisoner there. I spent 100-days there, and was still treated as a life prisoner. The California Reentry Institute (CRI) has been there since day one, providing financial, clothing, transportation, emotional and spiritual support to assist me with entering back into society. They have also assisted me with pursuing employment and starting a business plan. I can't begin to put it into words how the California Reentry Institute, Collette and her colleagues made this transition much more feasible for me to endure. I am truly appreciative of all the assistance and support I have received." Demetrius - former CRI client

“It is my belief, through experiences and extensive conversation that most men who come to prison do not want to re-offend upon their release to society. So many men are ill-prepared and released in worse shape than they were prior to incarceration. Even when exposed to some life-changing information, without a proper support system in place they are more likely to re-offend for survival. CRI offers this support. I know Collette to be extraordinarily diligent and when she believes in something she sees it through. I wholeheartedly support the CRI program and cannot overstate its need within our prison system.” Chris, (Inmate)

“As far as being released from prison, I was relatively unprepared. Collette & CRI understood many of the things that I felt, but just couldn’t express. She understood that I needed to find a job, not just for the money but for the improvement in my self-esteem. My self-esteem was in the tank. It’s still a struggle but it’s getting better. And a lot of that comes from the compassion shown in our conversations. When I felt I was whining about my inability to “get on with it” the steady assurance that it takes 3-6 months. It has been five months now and I feel that I am getting my feet on the ground and they’re moving in order -- left, right. left, right. The concrete suggestions also helped me move towards constructive improvements in my day-to-day life and attitude. I wouldn’t have made it without CRI’s help.” Steven, CRI Client February 2010 - now working and independent…doing great.