A Hand Up, Not a Handout: Finding My Way with Go Further Release

My name is Osha, and I recently got out. Getting out of prison isn't like flipping a switch. You don't just magically become a productive member of society the moment you step outside the gates. It's more like being dropped in the middle of a foreign country with no map and no guidebook. That's why I'm so grateful for programs like the one I was in. They're a lifeline for guys like me who genuinely want to change but often don't know how.

One of the biggest hurdles after release is the lack of support. You're expected to navigate a world that's likely changed drastically while you were inside, often with little to no help. It's overwhelming, and the temptation to fall back into old, destructive patterns is incredibly strong. That's where Go Further Release really made a difference. It provided a much-needed support system, a community of people who understood what I was going through and were committed to helping me succeed. And for me, a huge part of that support came from my coach.

I truly believe a lot of guys inside want to do better. We want to get out and build a different life, a life we can be proud of. But the truth is, it's hard. The opportunities often feel out of reach, and sometimes, we're just so used to the old ways, the survival mechanisms we learned inside, that it's easier to stick with what we know, even if it's holding us back. Breaking free from those old habits takes work, and it takes someone who believes in you, even when you're struggling to believe in yourself.

My journey hasn't been a walk in the park. There were plenty of obstacles, setbacks, and moments where I questioned whether I could really make it. But my coach was there, every step of the way, helping me navigate those challenges. He was that extra voice of encouragement, pushing me to be better, helping me organize my thoughts and set realistic goals. He helped me see my potential, even when I couldn't see it myself. For that, I have the utmost respect for him. I benefited immensely from the program. It gave me the tools, the support, and the belief in myself that I needed to build a new life, a better life. It wasn't a handout; it was a hand up. And for that, I'll be forever grateful.

From the publishers of Go Further Connect: Go Further Release is a reentry program offered at only a few correctional institutions, where inside and outside reentry coaches assist individuals navigate reentry before release and up to 90 days post release. Services such as these may be available in your local area but might be called something different. 

If you or someone you care about needs reentry assistance, Go Further Connect is a community built specifically to support your efforts. Much of the media content on this site is provided by those with lived experience. Start with the Resources (FindHelp) section of  this site, type in your zip code, then narrow your search to your specific need(s), then apply for services or contact them directly by using the listed website and phone links in each organization's listing. 

Do not give up and do not be afraid to ask for help.