“Daniel” arrived as a transfer to the Volunteers of America of Minnesota Residential Center (RC) from the Federal Correctional Institution at Sandstone, Minnesota to serve the last three months of his 81-month sentence for distributing cocaine.
Daniel’s life prior to his conviction was difficult and his troubles started at a very young age. His father had numerous arrests and was currently serving time in a federal institution. While Daniel’s mother attempted to support her family, she became addicted to crack cocaine and could not care for her children. Then, Daniel was raised by his grandmother. Soon after his 14th birthday, Daniel dropped out of high school and began a life of deviant behavior that eventually led him to a career of crime. As a teenager, his criminal activity started with breaking and entering. As he grew older, his crimes escalated to state and federal charges for possession and distribution of crack and powder cocaine.
While in federal prison, Daniel began to turn his life around. He obtained his GED and participated in a drug treatment program. The RC offered continued aftercare treatment and career counseling to support his transition back to the community. Daniel took his sobriety seriously and dreamed of working in the chemical dependency treatment field. Although he had no related work history, the RC provided training and support for his job search. Additionally, RC staff was able to provide him a referral to Rebuild Resources, a chemical dependency aftercare provider. Much to his delight, Daniel was offered his dream job.
In just six months of employment, Daniel impressed his supervisors so greatly that he received three raises. Daniel secured an apartment of his own and has obtained legal custody of his two children. Now, rather than using his free time for criminal activities, Daniel has the tools, education and opportunity to parent to his children and be a positive role model.