The Pathway Back to Re-Entering Society

Written by Eric Gracia, USF marketing student

For many leaving prison is a fresh start; it is filled with excitement about a second chance to re-enter society and change their old habits and make better choices. However, the truth is when most individuals are released from incarceration, they are confronted with a system that sets them up to fail. Due to their history, they find it difficult to find the necessities required to survive, such as a place to live and employment. Sadly all society sees when they look at them is the worst thing they have done; they don’t see their dreams, aspirations, and potential. All these people want is to return to society and move away from their past mistakes.

Given the housing and employment challenges, it can be challenging to get on their feet again. Additionally, opening bank accounts or credit lines are complex due to not having some of the essentials (identification, social security cards, birth certificates, and an address). As a result of these challenges, the cycle of incarceration is very difficult to escape, and many find themselves incarcerated again and again. This cycle can be quite discouraging both for the individual and for society.

As a society, we don’t do society any good by shaming these individuals for their previous actions. We would be better off as a society if we instead offer encouragement and support to turn their lives around.