A Man in Transition
– © 2005 by Scott Foster

I am a group member of the re-entry group. Our group began to grow last year as more and more brothers were released from the confines of the institutions in Minnesota. We have become a family of men that join together to discuss issues, and or problems that each other are facing. In my nearly fifty years of life on this planet, I have not had the opportunity to be a part of such a meaningful brotherhood of men that are totally unafraid to "share" their feelings.

I look forward each week to attending this group because it gives me a comfort zone where I can speak freely about anything that is on my mind. I was also released from prison nearly one year ago and have taken every advantage to try to make my life a better place since my release. In the years before my offense, I lived a secret life which I hid from my wife, my family, and my closest friends.

Today I no longer have to live that secret. I have nothing to hide from anyone and feel free in the fact that I "choose" not to be an offender towards any people. Life is not an easy road on the outside of the razor wire. Finding a meaningful job can be extremely tough especially when the employer has a company policy against any felonies on one's record. It is not to say that good jobs cannot be found. I persevere and maintain that I am as capable, if not more, than most others that apply for the same position dually because as an ex-con on ISR, I am required to work a full time job, and because I have not had a work history for nearly six years. When these types of issues surface in our group, group members offer support and ideas to find other work, or are there simply to listen to your concerns

We do not limit the group to those that have offended against others. It is open to any men that choose to attend and participate in the brotherhood that we have become. I find it to be a very healthy retreat from the everyday stresses that life has to deal men. PO's, ISR, conditional release, rules and restrictions that seem unfair and unjust, girlfriend problems, housing concerns, jobs, lack of jobs, roommates, health, and we even talk about fun things!

The group is still in it's infancy stage and is experiencing tremendous growth. I see the critical need for what we offer as support to the community of men. I have looked for this type of specific needs group and have had no success in finding anything like our group. The Men's Center is "THE BOMB" for support and I highly recommend its offerings to any and all who feel the need for that little extra that society has never been willing to offer men. Real true help and companionship.

Scott Foster is currently a attendee of the Men's Community Re-Entry-Transitions support group. The Transitions group meets every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., and every Saturday at 1:00 p.m..

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