After an almost 10-year stint in prison, I was within a week of being released. For several months I had been working to find an approved house to move into when released and had no success. During this time, my aunt had been frantically trying to help me, also receiving one rejection after another.
One week before my release, having heard from my Parole Officer and my counselor that I would be living “Probably under a bridge in Albany”;I received a hastily written email from my aunt. It was simple and only a couple sentences long: “Call me when you get the chance! I have news!”
I called her the next day. As soon as we were connected these words, which will live within my heart for the rest of my life were said,“Thank God for His Helping Hands! You are going to a place called Helping Hands! It is in Albany. Your PO already approved it!” I could hear the tears of joy in her voice as tears began to stream down my face also.
On April 29, 2019, my aunt and uncle picked me up from prison and took me to Albany Helping Hands. Within a week I had settled in and was volunteering at their thrift store. I fell in love with the environment and the people I worked with became my “Heart Family.”
Within a year of being at AHH I was promoted to Janitorial Manager. It came with a stipend and a feeling of being needed and wanted. Less than a year later I was asked to fill in on the business desk. It was there that I blossomed doing a job I very much enjoyed. My stipend quickly was replaced with an actual job and a new title. I am now the Office Assistant and Resource Coordinator.
My goals are simple. Serving God to the best of my abilities and in so doing helping those around me achieve their goals. I owe Albany Helping Hands so much. They have given me more than just a place to stay and a job. They have reminded me that even though I made mistakes in my life, I am still worthy of love and acceptance. They have shown me God’s loving forgiveness and been a constant reminder of His Love. It is my honor to now be a part of this team and pay it forward to others as they move through their journey.
