If you had told me nearly five years ago that I would be advocating for people like me at the U.S. Capitol, I would have said you are crazy.
Local reps of Faces & Voices of Recovery meet with U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar to advocate for legislation that would support people who were incarcerated.
It was 100 degrees; the humidity was sweltering on the West Side of San Antonio on Aug. 18, 2018. I found myself on a soiled mattress under a bridge at Rodriguez Park, surrounded by trash and dirty syringes. I hadn’t eaten in days or showered in weeks, but all I wanted was to numb the guilt and shame my actions had created.
I was arrested later that night for possession. It took me a couple months in Bexar County jail to decide I was really done with that life; and on Oct. 15, 2018, I decided to change my life and maybe share my journey to help at least one other person change their life. After 10 months in jail, I returned home to start building my recovery, digging into the principles of a 12-step fellowship and focusing on home, health, community and purpose.For three years, I explored careers that would allow me to use my experiences. I began volunteering in recovery projects and advocating for folks returning from incarceration. In March, I found a role in Faces & Voices of Recovery, as an advocacy and outreach assistant.
On June 7, more then 300 people from around the country spent the day at the U.S. Capitol meeting with legislators and staff as part of a National Hill Day. We asked our legislators to support the Re-Entry Support Through Opportunities for Resources and Essentials Act, or RESTORE ACT, and the Reentry Act.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Democrats reintroduce legislation to remove remaining Confederate statues in U.S. CapitolThe Architect of the Capitol said 11 Confederate statues remain on Capitol grounds today.
Read more »
Commentary: U.S. Soccer's decision to bring back Gregg Berhalter is the right moveAfter U.S. Soccer reviewed allegations of domestic violence, it is bringing Gregg Berhalter back to coach the men's national team.
Read more »
Commentary: Dads, pen a letter to your children this Father’s DayWriting letters to your children offers fathers a way towards a new, honest conversation.
Read more »
Commentary: Investment in Our Graduates Is Vital to Denver's Prosperity'As a city, we must lift and celebrate our young people, acknowledging their strengths and demonstrating our belief that opportunity opens unlimited possibilities.'
Read more »
Florida man gets 4 years, 9 months for attacking officer at US Capitol insurrectionA Florida man has been sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison for storming the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and attacking a police officer.
Read more »
Florida man gets 4 years, 9 months for attacking officer at US Capitol insurrectionAccording to an indictment, Mason Joel Courson participated in an assault of a Metropolitan Police Department officer who was beaten by a group armed with a baton, flagpole and crutch
Read more »