I served time in prison

I served time in prison. People like me need more help to succeed in Oklahoma. My story, like so many others, begs the question: What can be done so others don’t encounter the same issues I did when I was released?

I thought my criminal record would haunt me for the rest of my life.

I served time for credit card fraud. Upon being released, I was saddled with fines and fees from my case. I worked two jobs to help cover those added costs. Like so many who return home from prison, I was stuck in a perpetual cycle of poverty.

In this upcoming legislative session, Oklahoma lawmakers should prioritize reducing court debt and eliminating unnecessary roadblocks so returning residents can rejoin their communities effectively.

When I left prison, I faced numerous obstacles that made it harder to successfully reenter society, including restrictions that had no bearing on public safety.

Mental and emotional stress of reentry after prison takes a toll

In addition to weighty fines and fees, the mental and emotional stress of reentry took a toll. Constantly thinking about the next court payment, on top of paying rent and buying groceries on little income, can be taxing on any person’s health. Paying court costs while trying to support my family often meant spending more time away from my kids. I worked nights and weekends and still struggled to make ends meet.

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Some people may not even know how to locate their total court costs. This was my story. I had no idea I owed over $700 when I applied for a pardon years after I thought I had satisfied all my obligations.

I never had trouble finding a job before prison. But even after I served my sentence and tried to show that I’d changed, I was held back at every turn.

My story, like so many others, begs the question: What can be done so others don’t encounter the same issues I did when I was released?

As lawmakers prepare for the 2025 legislative session, guest columnist urges them to help former prisoners be free from a never-ending cycle of financial, mental and emotional turmoil. Wildpixel, Getty Images/Stockphoto

What will change about incarceration in Oklahoma?

Lawmakers in Oklahoma have taken great strides in recent years to pass reforms that improve second chances for Oklahomans with a criminal record. Despite this, challenges like court debt, employment and housing still remain.

Narrowly tailored policies on fines and fees benefit all involved. Victims of crime are able to collect what they are owed, while those responsible for paying restitution are able to fulfill their obligations and move forward with their lives.

Gainful employment and stable housing also greatly reduce the risk of recidivism. By having paths to securing these critically important resources, people can succeed and not return to a life of crime.

By putting people on a path to success, we affirm their God-given dignity and allow them to live out their second chance at life.

I started Walter’s Way to help people like me

We have all benefitted from second chances. I know I have. I know what it’s like to make the most of a chance to do right by myself. I also wanted to give back to my community. That’s why I started Walter’s Way, a reentry organization that helps those exiting incarceration secure basic needs like housing.

In his 2024 State of the State address, Gov. Kevin Stitt said, “We believe in second chances.” He also added, “We need to focus on limiting fines, fees, and court costs to only what is needed for restitution.”

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Our lawmakers should follow his lead and continue to unlock second chances. It’s better for everyone when people with a criminal record are allowed to leave their past behind, find gainful employment and support their families.

As lawmakers prepare for the 2025 legislative session, I urge them to reduce needless barriers for our brothers and sisters who dream of a brighter tomorrow — to help them be free from a never-ending cycle of financial, mental and emotional turmoil. Let’s create opportunities for Oklahomans to prosper when they are ready to move beyond their past, once and for all.

Joy Block-Wright is the found of Walter’s Way, a Tulsa reentry organization
that helps those leaving prison with housing and other needs.
She also serves as a Prison Fellowship® Justice Ambassador.
Provided by Crystal Perez

Originally published 12/12/24 in The Oklahoman