Introduction
- Getting out of jail can be a significant change.
- You might feel alone, but you’re not.
- It’s time to build a team of people who care about you.
- This is called a support system.
- Let’s talk about how to make one that works for you.
Family First
- Family can be a great start. They know you, and they often want to help.
- Talk to them. Tell them about your plans and how they can help.
- Be honest. If things are hard, it’s okay to say so.
- Listen to them, too. They have feelings and ideas that matter.
- Plan fun family times. It makes everyone feel good.
Friends Who Care
- Old friends might still be there. Reach out and catch up.
- Make new friends. Look for people who like the same things you do.
- Be picky. Good friends should make you feel happy, not sad or mad.
- Help your friends, and they will help you. It works both ways.
- Laugh and have fun with your friends. It’s good for your heart.
People at Work
- Jobs are not just for money. You can make friends there too.
- Be friendly. Say “hi” and ask people about their day.
- Work hard. People like being around someone who does their job well.
- Join work events. It’s a chance to know people better.
- Be on time and reliable. It makes you a good teammate.
Groups That Help
- There are groups just for people who got out of jail. They understand what you’re going through.
- Go to meetings. You’ll meet people who are like you.
- Be brave and talk in the group. Sharing helps everyone.
- Help in the group. You can make coffee or set up chairs.
- Keep going to the group. It gets more accessible and more helpful.
Learning and Growing Together
- Join a class or workshop. It’s a place to meet people and learn new things.
- Share what you learn. When you talk about new ideas, you and your friends grow smarter.
- Set goals with a buddy. It’s like a two-person team cheering each other on.
- Teach others. If you know how to do something well, show it to someone else.
- Celebrate learning. When you or a friend learns something new, do something fun to celebrate.
Giving Back to the Community
- Volunteering is a way to meet people who like helping, too.
- When you help others, you feel good inside. It’s like a happiness boost.
- Find a cause you care about. It could be animals, parks, or helping other people.
- Giving back makes your community better. It’s like planting seeds that grow into good things for everyone.
- Say thank you when someone helps you. Gratitude makes the community stronger.
Building a support system is like planting a garden.
- It starts small, but with care, it grows.
- Water it with kindness, pull out the weeds of bad influences, and give it plenty of sunshine with positive actions.
- Before you know it, you’ll have a garden full of people who help you grow.
- And remember, you’re not alone.
- There are lots of hands ready to help you build a solid and happy life.