No Going Back: A Former Inmate's Guide To Success Beyond Bars
About this book
Over 600,000 people are released each from prison each year and sent back out into their communities.Over half will be re-arrested.In his passionate book, No Going A Former Inmate's Guide to Success Beyond Bars, Douglas Stone pulls back the curtain on the difficulties these inmates face once they are released and lays out the keys to remaining free. His unflinching look at the harsh reality of reintegration, along with his inspirational message of hope to those who face it, serves as a guide to success for the men and women who are discovering a new life of freedom.The message contained in these pages is designed to show those who will be released one day how they can overcome the challenges and adapt to the changes that they will soon have to face. But his message is more than just instructions for those who are locked up. It offers insights to families and communities as well.Douglas also understands the challenge of getting people to care about those who are incarcerated. As he notes in the "...it’s hard to garner much sympathy for felons. Some people feel that every felon ought to be put in prison and left there to rot. And left alone, there is a good chance that’s exactly what would happen. Considering, though, they will one day be released, all we have ensured is that this “rotten fruit” will get out and affect their families and infect our communities."Having walked this road himself, he is uniquely positioned to help families, friends and communities who are looking for ways to support the people they love. Success on the streets begins with support while they are locked up and this resource will show many of the ways they can help keep their loved ones grounded during their incarceration and explains what they can do to prepare them for the streets. He includes helpful insights into prison life, with everything from what they spend their money on to why surprise visits may not be the best idea.But the heart of the book is aimed at showing those who are incarcerated how to prepare themselves for the streets and gives them everything they need to know about transitioning into their life of freedom. Part inspirational, part educational, Douglas motivates inmates to examine their baggage and gives them practical advice about their new life.Covering everything from being codependent to creating a budget, he challenges their worst fears and exposes their toxic relationships.No more sticking your head in the sand and hoping for the best. His instructions give the tools needed to carve out a new path and to enjoy a life of freedom.In the last part of his book he issues a challenge to the communities they are returning to and offers ideas of how churches and organizations can influence and impact the lives of these men and women once they are released.No Going Back is designed to support families, challenge inmates and inspire communities. This resource serves as a valuable aid to every Parole Officer in a prison or on the streets who is trying to make a difference in the lives of these men and women and the communities they protect. It also offers those studying Criminal Justice want to see prison reform an inside look at the complicated issues involved reforming inmates and reintegration.There is something we can all learn from those who have risen from the bottom, faced incredible odds and seemingly insurmountable hurdles. It's time to stop making excuses, face your demons and take action toward your goals.