07/18/2023
Despite what some may think, there are several aspects of my Parole gig that align with or help me be a better Realtor. One of the hardest parts of parole is finding a parolee housing as they have almost all the cards stacked against them. Felonies, major breaks in employment history, no-or minimal money, poor credit. The list goes on.
A few months ago one of my parolees came to me and just didn’t know what to do. I could see in her eyes she was about to just give up. She was homeless living in a hotel with her 5 children. After meeting with her I was like ok I have to find her something, and I have to find her something FAST.
I contacted every program I knew and was getting no where. I started contacting landlords, even the ones I know didn’t allow kids as I was hoping they might know someone or know of a program that I didn’t. After getting lots of no’s I finally got a “I might be able to help”!!!!!
The starts aligned and my girl Kelly, with Steps of Strategy was able to not only get my parolee an ENTIRE house to rent she also hooked her up with a better job as well! Hands down one of my favorite calls I got to make was to my parolee telling her that I found her a place, and her kids would have their own space as well. Hearing the relief in my parolees voice on the other end of the phone was something I’ll never forget. She was like “Kate are you for real?!”
And today. I Got to read her testimony on the Steps of Strategy website.
If you are able and want an amazing program to donate to please consider Steps of Strategy.
https://www.stepsofstrategy.com/
Parolee’s testimony:
My name is Prestina and I am a 36 year old woman. I was sentenced to 65 months with a mandatory Minimum in Shakopee women’s prison for drug sales back in November 2019. In July of 2020 I volunteered to joined and completed phase 1 of the challenge incarceration program (C.I.P) where I was eligible to get out of prison and return home to my children in February of 2020.
I got out of prison where I would be serving 2.5 years on intensive supervision release and Lord I didn’t think at the time that it would be the best thing that ever happened to me but when I returned home to my children I faced lots of challenges. I lost my home, connection with my children, my sister passed away from Covid, a friend murdered, and my mother and niece overdosed from drugs.
I was afraid, tired and stressed out in an hotel with my children for ten months I almost gave up, in hope I reached out to my agents since I was still on Intensive supervision release and asked for help (by the way the greatest tool to put to practice) and within 72 hours she connected me with this great women named Kelley founder of Steps of Strategy.
Kelley provided me with not only a home for me and my children in which DOC funding covered with no questions asked! I also got a job that’s worthwhile in the community helping others. This woman and her collaborations with the DOC have truly opened doors for me.
I now have a new beginning. I am so grateful and it feels good to know that there is such a thing as second chances and good people in the community that will help you on your journey to being a great person in society. –.
Steps of Strategy got started in May of 2012 as a homelessness prevention service. We specialize in eviction prevention and mentorship programs.
