STRIDE

Destiny Hamlin

The eighty minute ocean crossing can either be a smooth cruise or rough going, depending on the weather. But Destiny Hamlin is well-prepared for whatever may come. She has traveled across Long Island Sound so many times she can’t begin to estimate the number. But there is one personal “trip” she believes is noteworthy: her journey out of jail and back to the working world.Destiny arrived in the STRIDE Program in February of 2007. She appeared distrustful of any attention and reluctant to participate in the group. Destiny was serving a two-year sentence on a First Degree Assault charge. During the initial intake meeting with her case manager, Destiny proudly shared that she is Native American, a member of the Eastern Pequot Tribe.

After numerous one-to-one sessions, she began to reveal the inner voice telling her that prison was not her “destiny” at all. Over time, she began to open up and share the quiet wisdom she had gained during hard times Destiny approached STRIDE and asked if they would put in a good word with her former employer. STRIDE Job Developer, Elisabeth Cooper and Destiny discussed the benefits of being honest about her incarceration and recovery. Just days before her release in April 2007, Destiny came back to compliment the STRIDE Program for their good work “within the walls”. Two weeks after walking out of York Correctional Institute, Destiny resumed

Tracy

Tracy is waiting on the porch of her temporary home in Storrs, CT for her new car to be delivered. She doesn’t have all that much time to talk since she needs to get to her fulltime job as a beverage server at Foxwoods. The next day she is scheduled for her Certified Nursing Assistant shift at St. Joseph’s Living Center in Willimantic. Sounds like another ordinary day in a busy life trying to juggle the American dream. What’s remarkable about this story is six months ago, Tracy was in her bunk at York Correctional Institute (YCI).

She would soon be released and worried about the world that was waiting for her back in
Waterbury. After twenty years on the streets, she knew she had given too much of her life away. Desperate for change, Tracy decided to sign up for STRIDE, and hoped she might get a resume out of it. What she received was far more. Tracy ended up in the“Farmhouse,” a recovery living center in Storrs, CT. Tracy dragged out the curriculum materials from STRIDE and began working through the exercises on self-esteem, skills building, positive
attitude, honesty and self-respect.With new found confidence, Tracy asked STRIDE to forward a resume and reference on her behalf to several local nursing facilities. STRIDE responded
talking with the administrators to promote her potential. Tracy was called in for an interview and was told she had the best interview presentation they had ever seen. She was stunned when they offered her a position. Tracy said “STRIDE is working in my life.” She credits her success with the continuity and consistency of contact after her release. “I knew I could pick up the phone and call anytime, and I did. More than you think,” she said. Tracy has good reason to celebrate. She is a first time car owner, has full benefits and plans to be a permanent resident of Northeastern Connecticut. “I wasn’t there for my daughters,” Tracy said with regret, “but I’ve been given a second chance and I plan to be there now.” Tracy takes special interest in the young women who show up on the doorstep of her recovery home, gratefully taking on the role of nurturer and caregiver. Tracy also volunteers by calling recovering addicts who, like herself, need to hear a voice of concern on the other end of the line. It’s a far cry from the vision of the woman in drab burgundy prison garb who first greeted us. Now Tracy stands tall, a woman of poise who proudly states, “Thank God for STRIDE! It’s made all the difference.”