At The Fortune Society, dedicated staff members work closely with participants to help them successfully navigate the transition from incarceration back into their communities. Through discharge planning, case management and access to wraparound services, Fortune offers participants the resources necessary to thrive during reentry.   

John arrived at Fortune in 2023 after spending years cycling through the carceral system. While incarcerated, he connected with his case manager, Anthony, and received lasting support throughout his reentry journey. With his help, John was accepted into an in-patient drug treatment program as the first step after release.  

 “My case manager came and interviewed me while I was getting ready to come home,” John explained. “We had a conversation about what help I needed. I told him I was trying to get accepted into a drug treatment program, and he told me about what it would be like going from prison to rehab. It wasn’t an easy journey, but I knew it was something I would be able to accomplish with the right support.” 

After completing the drug treatment program, Anthony assisted John in obtaining affordable housing and referred him to Fortune’s wraparound services. However, John expressed that, more than anything, the support he received from Anthony and other staff profoundly impacted him while navigating his transition back into the community.    

John now works as an intern at a harm reduction center, where he conducts outreach work for vulnerable individuals in his community. Through this work, John pulls from his lived experience and the knowledge he gained during his time at Fortune. John mentioned that Anthony is a significant role model, and he follows his example while working in the community.    

“I do outreach work three times a week,” John said. “In this internship, I use my experiences to bring other people up with me. It’s not an easy job, but I want to reach out to people. I’m over two years clean, and I am doing well for myself. On this side of the fence, things are a lot better.”  

Overall, John is proud of his progress since first connecting with Fortune in 2023. He expressed gratitude for Anthony and other staff members who motivated him throughout his reentry journey.