Daniel Lee Rodriguez

Project FREE client

Hi my name is Danny, and I'm here to tell you a little about my background and I how I got here. About 10 years ago when I was hanging out in the streets committing crimes and doing illegal stuff, I ended up getting arrested and getting sentenced to a 9 year bid. During my incarceration, I first started off pretty rough, and I had a hard time trying to adjust and figure out what was I going to do with my life.

I ran up to someone that introduced me to this program, so I took a shot at it and got involved. I started meeting new people and positive people that wanted to help me. After I finished graduating from the program, I was introduced to one of the counselors and we stayed in touch so they would give me a helping hand when I get out of jail, because being in jail for so long, it's kind of difficult to transition back into the community. I did not have much family, too much support to guide me in the right direction.

This place has really helped me out. When I got out, they helped me with food, clothing and the basic necessities you need when you get out. Because without this help, you might end up going back to your buddies and friends and your old neighborhood and places that you necessarily don't want to go, but have no other choice to. Upon my release, I met with a counselor and she helped me out a lot. From getting toothpaste and toothbrush and things you don't even think about when you are in jail, but that you really need when you are out here. Since I've been out, they have been helping me with my license, with getting some equipment for my barber school. I had nobody to turn to, and they have really, really given me that stepping stone and help me and continue to help me. With that I am also paying forward and help those that are new coming into the program. It really works, but you have to want it as well. You have to do the footwork like I did. Like I said, if you come out here and you end up going back to the same community you were hanging out with and hanging out with the same fellows, one thing leads to another and before you know it you end up back in jail.

The best bet is to stay positive, stay focused, and get involved in this program.