SUCCESSFUL SECOND CHANCES

“You’re kind, caring and patient–I don’t know why you haven’t given up on me yet. I would have given up on myself a long time ago if I was you.”

You often get a glimpse of life stories from the people we serve—a quote, a few paragraphs, rarely a full story of their challenges and successes. Joe’s life story answers why our vision is that all people in South Dakota will be healthy, safe and accepted.

Joe received support through LSS Re-Entry Services’ Family Violence Program. It addresses domestic violence and the use of power and control in intimate relationships, using a 24-step approach that requires weekly group gatherings to share progress.

Step 17 required Joe to identify someone with whom he would want to trade places, and name the qualities he appreciated about that person. “Joe bristled at the thought,” says Jay Marchand, Director of LSS Re-Entry Services. “He grew up in a chaotic environment and witnessed consistent violence most of his life; he couldn’t think of anyone he could trust or count on.”

Instead of moving through the steps and checking them off, Joe took a two-week pause. He wanted to talk the task through before he agreed to give it a try.

“I guess I would want to trade places with you,” he said.

Stunned, Marchand asked him to elaborate.

“You’re kind, caring and patient—I don’t know why you haven’t given up on me yet. I would have given up on myself a long time ago if I was you.”

The program is typically designed for completion within six months. Joe didn’t give up on himself, and Marchand didn’t give up on him either. Step 17 was a breakthrough and he graduated seven weeks later—eleven months from when he began.

“Thanks for not letting me give up on myself.”

WE BELIEVE IN SECOND CHANCES

LSS Re-Entry Services provides assistance that leads to successful second chances for individuals transitioning from jail, prison, group homes and chemical dependency facilities into their home communities, families and the workforce.