Getting out of jail is a huge relief, and it’s the first step toward fitting back into society and getting your life back on track.
You have a long road ahead of you, to be sure.
But there are many people and organizations that can help you navigate life on the outside.
In fact, help for released prisoners comes in many different forms, from your family and friends to halfway houses to non-profit organizations that help prisoners.
Whatever the case, there are many resources to assist you.
Here are five tips for building a solid support network after your release from prison.
Reconnect With Your Family
For most ex-offenders, immediate family is the primary means of support.
Whether it’s your spouse, a sibling, parents, or grandparents, reconnecting with your family will go a long way in making your transition to freedom a smoother one.
Having close ties with your family isn’t just about easing your transition back to a free life.
Prisoners that have strong family ties are at a much lower risk of reoffending.
Having a strong bond with your family can help decrease the chances of using drugs.
Reach Out to Friends
It’s very possible that you have lost friends because you were in jail.
But the people who have stayed with you even after you were found guilty are definitely worth keeping in your life.
Being known as a former prisoner or someone on parole is seen in a negative way.
You might feel bad or uncomfortable about the crime you were found guilty of.
Having a criminal record is seen as a bad thing in society.
Because of this, it might be tempting to stay alone and not spend time with other people.
This is a mistake, though.
The more connections you have with other people, the greater the support network you will have, and the more people that will be there to help you along on your journey.
Get Involved in the Community
After you leave prison, your family and friends will be the most important people who can help and support you.
But you should continue to build relationships beyond that point.
In fact, it’s important that you make an effort to get involved in the community.
You might join a church or volunteer with a local charity.
Maybe you join a recreation league.
You could also seek out support groups for former inmates and other organizations that help prisoners.
Whatever the case, getting involved in the community has many benefits for you:
- Improved socialization
- Feelings of belonging
- Opportunity to do good
Participating in positive community events shows others that you are valuable and worthy as a person, instead of just seeing you as a label of an “ex-convict”.
Give Back
Many people who used to be in prison feel very sorry and wish they hadn’t done their crime.
Looking for ways to help your community can make you feel better and make you realize that you can do things that are helpful to others.
If you have particular skills – carpentry, for example – you might volunteer with a local organization to clean up and repair the homes of older residents.
If you’re skilled in auto mechanics, perhaps you do what you can to help someone in need get their vehicle back in running condition.
Helping others can make you feel happier, more confident, and even though it can’t change what you did wrong before, it can help you make amends and start to become a respected member of your community.
Ask for Help
If you find that you’re struggling after your release, be willing to ask for help – and accept help when it is offered.
Pride isn’t a bad thing, but don’t let it get in your way of building the life you want for yourself. Additionally, don’t wait too long to ask for help.
You don’t want to be in distress when you reach out to others for assistance.
Instead, stay in tune with your needs and with how things are going, and if you find that you’re spinning your wheels a little bit, it’s time to seek help for released prisoners.
