CAROLYN

Carolyn is a 47-year old African-American female who was referred to Unlocking DOORS™ by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). She is a 7-time offender who has been in and out of the criminal justice system since she was 22. Her first offense was possession of a controlled substance. Immediate prior to coming to Unlocking DOORS™, Carolyn was released from the TDCJ/Woodman State Jail Unit in Gatesville, Texas,in December 2015, where she served every day of her 6 month sentence for a drug conviction (possession of a controlled substance).She was not under supervision upon her release.

Demographic Background

  • Number of offenses - 7
  • Marital Status – Single
  • Children – 6 (do not live with her)
  • Education Level Achieved – 10th Grade; GED
  • Certifications: Plumbing/Pipes Certification

Risk/Needs Levels

  • Criminal History – High
  • Education, Employment, and Social Support – Low
  • Substance Abuse – High
  • Criminal Attitudes and Behaviors – Low

Previous Work Experience/Skill Sets

  • Housekeeping
  • Warehouse worker
  • Waitressing
  • Cashier
  • Childcare
  • Food service
  • Janitorial

Future Employment Goals

  • Short-Term Goals: Become a warehouse worker or housekeeper
  • Long-Term Goals: Become a veterinarian assistant

Primary Goals

  • To obtain employment
  • Change her life-style
  • Become self-sufficient

Carolyn’s Reentry Broker™ referred her to the following Network Partners/Providers to assist with her various barriers:

  • Clothing

Carolyn was enrolled in a job readiness workshop and obtained a business suit, shoes, purse, and casual clothes from Attitudes & Attireand Unique Boutique

  • Dental Work

Cornerstone Baptist Church - Raymond had a bad tooth that needed to be pulled and was immediately referred to the Charitable Dental Clinic for a free tooth extraction.

  • Employment

Carolyn was referred to the following for assistance in securing employment:

  • Results Staffing
  • Labor Works, Inc.
  • Reliable Staffing
  • A Fresh Start Career Fair at St. Luke Community United Methodist Church
  • Mental Health Services

Carolyn was referred for MHMR services/medication to Metrocare Services, Inc.

  • Vision Exam and Glasses

Carolyn was enrolled in the vision program for an eye exam and glasses at HIS BridgeBuilders

Carolyn’s Status

With the help of her Reentry Broker™ and the staffing agencies listed above, Carolyn filed out an application online with Tom Thumb/Safeway and was hired to work in the Deli Department. Not wanting to settle, Carolyn continued her quest for the job she desired. She has now landed that job – working for a cleaning company that contracts with DART Transit to clean its buses and trains. To this day, Carolyn remains independent and self-sufficient, maintaining her employment and her own residence, all without any entanglements with the law. We feel that Carolyn has the potential for a great future that is crime-free.