One day in late summer, Jason* stepped onto the sidewalk outside Mission Institution. The wildfire smoke had cleared over the weekend, and steep, green mountains were once again visible in the distance. If you ignored the fences and guard towers, this valley could be pretty. Either way, leaving this place felt good.

The plan was for his father to be there, but Jason was released earlier than expected, and his father’s flight from Manitoba was arriving the next day. Instead, Jason’s NOLA Case Manager, Steve, met him at Mission and drove him to the transition house in New Westminster. This was their first in-person meeting. Usually, NOLA managers visit new members in the institution as they prepare for release. Due to the pandemic, Jason had spoken to Steve only over the phone.

In NOLA—that is, No One Leaves Alone—each member, like Jason, gets connected with volunteers and a Case Manager who provide mentorship and practical support during the transition from prison. 

Jason had sought out NOLA while in prison. “I was trying to set up a support base and get help finding housing,” he said. “A friend of mine spoke highly of M2/W2’s mentorship program and how it can help you connect in the community.”

From Plan to Action

As they drove to New Westminster, Steve and Jason talked about his family, his goals, and the steps he’d need to take. In particular, Jason expressed a desire to learn more about mentorship. Leaving prison can be an overwhelming experience. Jason knew that a few extra people on his side would help make his transition a successful one.

The first step was finding a job. Thankfully, Jason had already lined one up with a municipal subcontractor: demolition, construction, renos, landscaping—all stuff he’d done for years.

“We hadn’t seen each other outside a jail in about six years. It made the old guy’s day and mine too.”

Now he’s looking for a place to live. The transition house is a good starting point, yet Jason wants to live independently, and his parole conditions allow it. As Jason searches for a place, Steve and his NOLA circle are there to support and encourage him. Once he settles in, Jason plans to get his driver’s license and finish his education.

“Jason is motivated,” Steve said. “He has family in the area, and that’s a source of support. He also wants to bring others, including his NOLA volunteers, into his life.”

While the circle is just getting started, Jason sees the benefits of being involved with NOLA. “Steve helps me break the ice, to look outward.” Jason said. “I’ve always been the type to go out and get things done. I’ve never discussed where I want to go and how to communicate that with others.”

Jason is interested in networking, both in the community and in business. “I’d like to learn how to put together a business plan,” Jason said. “My family has property in Manitoba, and we’ve talked about starting a business there, building lightweight travel trailers.”

“Jason has a lot of things going for him,” said Steve. “Once he finds a place, we can support and encourage him as he works on achieving his education goals and more.”

Family Matters

The day after his release, Jason met up with his father. “It was amazing,” he said. “We hadn’t seen each other outside a jail in about six years. It made the old guy’s day and mine too.”

Jason is eager to reconnect with his daughter; she too lives in Manitoba. “I got FaceTime, and we talk frequently. I write her letters, and her mother prints them out. She’s scared of losing me again.”

In time, he hopes he can get a temporary absence to visit her. “She hasn’t been able to see me since I’ve been out,” he said. “I want to let her know that everything is going to be okay.”

“It’s hard for people to look outside their groups for support,” Jason said. “NOLA has helped me build more positive relationships in my life.”

Next March, the NOLA project will be at a crossroads. Our government funding will end, but the need to support those in transition will continue. Consider Jason and his plans to achieve stability and consistency for himself and his family. His circle is new, and we’re excited to see where it will go. Please donate to M2/W2 so we can continue to build positive relationships and provide practical support to people like Jason, who embrace change with courage and hard work.

*Some details in the story, including names, have been changed.