Coming Full Circle - Maria D'Elana
It had been over 15 years since I last had contact with Bruce of New Foundations, and there he was, yesterday, still enthusiastically representing the organization that gave me my ‘start.’ Several Denver area organizations, advocates for ‘re-entry’ reform on a societal level, had gathered to share information and resources.
Surprisingly, the issues are about the same as they were nearly two decades ago. However, today this nation is facing ‘regression’ in addition to the increased numbers of people re-entering society after incarceration.
The questions are still the same: How can society better serve the people who are “at risk?” Society still needs to pull together and address the individual’s needs before and during incarceration. But, what about the people who are trying to re-enter successfully? Do policies need to be changed on a local or on a national level- to help them succeed? Where does one begin? Even if policies are changed, who will speak to the private sector, since many policy changes do not guarantee that: the apartment complexes, the neighbors, and the employers will allow the individual to re-enter society without the biased eye that prevents: renting, the choice of neighborhood, or employment. Those questions were asked yesterday, just like they were 17 years ago; it appears that some things have a chance at changing, in the future.
As for me, I believe the last time I appeared in this newsletter was 1992. I have come full circle, and yesterday I remembered how instrumental my volunteering as “an official visitor at DCJ” and New Foundations led me toward the Social Work field. I finally receive a Bachelor’s Degree…(p.s. "It’s never too late!"). My studies and my own Prison Ministry took most of my time, though, and I was not able to continue as a New Foundations volunteer. Yet, it will always be remembered my me as one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life.
I learned yesterday that I am still as determined as ever to see things change for individuals who are ‘trying’ against societal odds. Now that I have some added skills, maybe God still has plans to use me to be part of addressing those issues that still exist after all these years.
The meeting that we had yesterday did not resolve any issues, in just those few hours but I learned about new organizations that exist and are willing to be part of the change. It is nice to know people still care…like the Bruce’s of the world; who began (actually helped others to begin) this organization, years ago… It is nice to know it is still there and he is still as enthusiastic as ever, about it continuing. God Bless New Foundations.