Instilling Change: Michael Monroe

Michael Monroe is the middle child of two siblings. He grew up with the guidance and love of his mother, grandmother and great grandmother. While growing up, Michael enjoyed playing sports, with baseball being his favorite. At the young age of eleven, his mother met and married his stepfather. To Michael, this was the time in his life when family felt normal and traditional. He remembers his stepfather as a wonderful provider and all-around good man.

However, at the age of 22, Michael’s life drastically changed. He became a new father to a baby girl, and stress was starting to take a toll on him. He was laid off, and the bills were piling up. He needed money. He had a family to feed, and rent was due.  Things for Michael would change in an instant.  In 1983, with one huge mistake, Michael would spend the next several years in and out of incarceration.

While incarcerated, Michael began to learn and understand the responsibilities of a man and what that entailed. He attributes this change to his strong Muslim faith which he began to study further.

Michael made good use of his time while incarcerated, participating in classes and programs such as Youth and Wellness, Anger Management, Positive Mental Attitudes, and Transactional Analysis. He took college courses and obtained his associate’s degree in Sociology. He was just 18 credits away from earning his bachelor’s degree when he was released in 2023.

Upon his return to the community, Michael faced many barriers, including overcoming greed, and dealing with the loss of family members. The loss of his brother hit the hardest, as he was Michael’s best friend. In addition, getting back into the work force was challenging because of his age. Michael was not sure if he would be accepted back into the workforce.

Michael was eventually introduced to Second Chance by a graduate of the Second Chance program. After Michael attended orientation, he decided this was the program for him. He would soon meet his Resource Specialist who would push him toward his goals and encourage him to stay on course.  His Resource Specialist guided him through the most recent technology and how it is used.

The most impactful component of the program for Michael was the effective communication he had with his Resource Specialist. It was real and it was genuine.  Eventually, using what he learned in the Second Chance program, Michael gained employment and confidence. He received incredible support from the Second Chance staff.

Michael is most proud of maintaining employment and taking his own steps in becoming a renter. He went through the process alone, but attributes God’s help and love with being able to sign his own lease.

The advice Michael would give to someone in a similar situation is to develop a personal relationship with God. The foundation of true change must start there. In addition, you need to stay positive, focus, and never give up. The process and journey are both necessary to make real changes. Michael believes everything happens when it is supposed to happen. He truly believes each step developed him into who he is today.