Corrections Corner / Ed Witulski

Trusted Mentors program assists those re-entering society

The archdiocese’s Corrections Ministery has learned that homeless people and those re-entering society from incarceration have a much higher success rate when they are paired with a skilled and trained mentor. We work closely with an Indianapolis-based organization called Trusted Mentors (www.trustedmentors.org), which matches trained, volunteer mentors with at-risk adults to help them remain housed and out of prison.

This story is about Barry, who has been mentored by Dan, a volunteer mentor with Trusted Mentors. Barry was referred to Trusted Mentors from a local homeless shelter seven years ago. Dan has visited Barry every week or two since. The two of them usually go shopping for groceries during those meetings. Dan has also helped Barry manage his funds and also assisted him with two moves to different apartments.

Barry has struggled with anger issues. His referring case manager at the homeless shelter told Trusted Mentors, “Barry has little income and no family or friends. He’s at risk of self-isolating and is fearful of building relationships and trust.”

Barry’s most recent apartment was filthy. His rent was increasing so that he likely wouldn’t be able to afford it anymore. Barry had confrontations with some of his neighbors. Dan consistently talks with him about this and how he might avoid them in the future. He had tried several different approaches to help Dan avoid these conflicts to little or no avail.

Recently, however, Dan decided to see what he and Barry could do to find him an affordable, safe and friendly apartment. During a two-month period, Dan helped him find places to investigate, followed by phone calls together to set appointments to meet with potential renters and living assistance agencies.

Dan accompanied Barry to three appointments. Barry was able to move into a nice, clean, assisted living apartment, with empathetic management and neighbors surrounding him. In addition, his monthly rent was reduced from $600 to $274, a significant savings that has eased his mind tremendously. It was hard work but extremely rewarding for both Dan and Barry.

Dan explained that Barry’s demeanor and attitude have completely changed. He has been connecting with fellow neighbors and has attended community social events. He has also organized his apartment and is taking pride in his new environment. He recently was able to save some of his money to attend a Beach Boys concert with Dan. Recently, Dan was happy that Barry had been able to pay for lunch for them both.

Dan’s consistent, long-term love and support for Barry during some tough times through the years have primarily brought about this change. It has not been easy, but Barry has told Dan that he is the “only person who has stuck with him.” Those words have been reward enough for Dan, who truly has a patient, servant’s heart. As Dan puts it, “It has been a labor of love for a good man.”

Please consider becoming a volunteer mentor to someone who could use a friend. Call me at 317-590-6970 or go to www.trustedmentors.org for more information.
 

(Ed Witulski of Trusted Mentors is a member of the archdiocese’s Corrections Ministry Advisory Committee and a member of St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis.) †