“I always say that I’ve done a life sentence– in...

“I always say that I’ve done a life sentence– in installments. My behavior funneled me into the criminal justice system at the age of 17. I’ve done three state bids and numerous stints at Rikers. The cycle of recidivism is difficult to break. When you come out of prison, you have nothing: no home, no family, no money, and no job. The only thing you have is your social standing. And if your social standing in jail is perceived as higher than that on the outside, sometimes it’s preferable to go back. In prison, they called me ‘Pops.’ I got privileges. People respected me. I felt valued. When I got out, I had to start over.”

———————————-

Charles is a former client and current program leader at The Fortune Society. The Fortune Society’s mission is to “create a world where all who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated can become positive, contributing members of society.”