2nd Chance Night with OpenDoors
Illustration from 2nd Chance Night by artist Katie Hay
Words by Christina Strachoff
Imagine thinking freedom is just around the corner, but discovering it’s actually far out of reach.
You made a mistake, a poor choice. You served your sentence, paying the lawful price, and a new start is just ahead. You think you’re finally free of the consequences of that poor choice. But instead, you’re met with barrier upon barrier, preventing you from moving forward.
This is the reality that the thousands upon thousands of people who have passed through Rhode Island’s prison system face. Patrick Westfall, Co-executive Director of RI non-profit OpenDoors, puts it this way: “Prison was the easy part.”
The transition from prison back into society, called reentry, is incredibly difficult. Things like finding a job or renting an apartment become almost impossible. With no income or place to live, people are left with few to no options to begin anew.
While reentry presents many challenges, there is hope. Since 2003, OpenDoors has been supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, also called returning citizens, as they reenter society. Their programs help men and women leaving the prison system in areas such as employment, education and housing.
We heard stories of successful reentry, of lives restored, from OpenDoors’ clients at an event called 2nd Chance Night, hosted at Renaissance Church. Through panel discussion and film screenings, this event raised awareness of the challenges our formerly incarcerated brothers and sisters face.
Three panelists, all clients of OpenDoors, took the stage that evening. It was clear their lives had been transformed. As they introduced themselves, they told us that they never imagined this would be possible. That they’d be there, before an audience of over a hundred people. Between moments of speechlessness, they expressed with great emotion that they were humbled and grateful.
One told how, with the support of OpenDoors, he secured an apartment. Now, he has a place to spend time with his daughter; he’s teaching her how to play chess. Another highlighted that community has been key for him as he faces the challenges of reentering society. He’s found hope and support at Renaissance Church, and more recently at OpenDoors, which is helping him with his job search.
No one referred to what they had done in the past that led to their prison sentence. Frankly, it wasn't important. It was a piece of the story, yes, but it wasn't the story. The story was that they made choices and paid the price, but now they’re heading in a new direction. They are moving forward.
The final discussion question was, “What do you want people to remember about you when you leave today?” One panelist had an immediate response.
“I’m changed. God changed me. OpenDoors changed me.”
Not only did this man experience practical changes in his life since the end of his sentence—finding a job, developing a support network, working towards securing housing—he himself was fundamentally changed.
“I’m changed. God changed me. OpenDoors changed me.”
He was no longer interested in his old habits of living. His identity was no longer defined by a crime he had committed. Through his relationship with Jesus Christ, he testified, he is a new creation with great hope for the future. It shows what’s possible through our God and through work that reflects His character—loving, pursuing and meeting the needs of our neighbors. Empowering them to move forward.
And that’s just what OpenDoors helps people in our communities do: move forward. Through programming like their Employment Services and 9 Yards, they help equip formerly incarcerated men and women to lead full, renewed lives. On a day-to-day basis, this looks like providing support with resumes, professional clothing for interviews, basic computer skills, positive self-development, and more.
OpenDoors is committed to change, not only on the individual level, but also the systemic. They advocate for justice and work to reform policies in order to help all people contribute to society in meaningful, dignified ways.
Like God, OpenDoors is all about second (and third, fourth, fifth…) chances and restoring lives. Providence is a greater city because of organizations like it.
Interested in learning more about OpenDoors or getting involved in their work? Head to their website to find out how you can help.
Christina Strachoff
Christina grew up in Southeastern Massachusetts and felt a pull to full time missions while in college at the Rhode Island School of Design.