Building Blocks to Successful Reentry After Incarceration

For many people with justice involvement, particularly those who have just gotten out of jail or prison, something as seemingly simple as getting a meal to eat can be a dehumanizing experience.

Before coming to The Fortune Society – a Long Island City- and West Harlem-based nonprofit that helps people with criminal histories get back on track and regain their lives – Stefon Luckey faced his share of obstacles when asking for help. He can recall applying for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits on his own at a local center. The people there were patronizing and condescending. When he did apply, he got a letter back saying he was ineligible.

And even though he really needed help, this negative treatment made Mr. Luckey want to resort to other methods of securing food, like just going out there and asking for food or going to a food pantry.

Luckily, a friend told him about The Fortune Society. After six months incarcerated and a rocky start on the journey home, he finally found a community that genuinely cared about his wellbeing. At Fortune’s Benefits Application Assistance, a Single Stop program, he met a Benefits Coordinator who carefully walked him through each part of the SNAP benefits application process and outlined what he was entitled to. Within two days, he received confirmation of his SNAP eligibility.

Mr. Luckey said, “It really helped me out. Now, I can provide food for myself. There was a time that my mom didn’t have anything, so that made me feel good to help her put some food in the house.”

Food security is a key part of a person’s ability to thrive. With less worry, he can now pursue my passion for mentorship and use his life story to help others not repeat similar mistakes. He has also distanced myself from negative people, instead choosing to be surrounded by positive influences who empower and help him lead by both insight and example.

“Every week, I put this new path to practice as a mentor on Rikers Island. As a mentor, first I start establishing a relationship with the person to earn trust, let them know that I empathize with them because I’ve also been incarcerated. I also used to be in a gang and grew up without a dad. I tell the people I mentor that if I can get through it you can get through it, too,” Mr. Luckey added.

Each day, he is learning new ways to inspire and ways to invite success into all aspects of his life. Fortune’s holistic services help him every step of the way.

Speaking of Fortune’s services, he said,” In addition to getting help with SNAP, I learned invaluable career skills from Fortune’s Employment Services program. In mock interview sessions, for instance, I discovered the importance of a good handshake. I always knew about the eye contact, the posture, but I didn’t know about the proper handshake. I also learned important interview skills. And, along the way, I picked up certifications, including Social Services 101.”

Equipped with new job market techniques, Mr. Luckey went to Fortune’s Family Services program where he strengthened connections between him, his child, and the child’s mother, too. A Family Services Specialist led him to parenting and conflict resolution classes, which helped him see his family with new perspectives.

“I learned how to listen to my children because they have feelings, as well. You can’t just be a dictator saying, Do this, do that. I know, now, to support them in making choices on their own—well some choices, anyway,” Mr. Luckey noted.

With greater sensitivity to others, today, he is a better listener to those closest to him.

From food to family—even financial credit counseling—The Fortune Society has offered Mr. Luckey solutions for every part of his life after incarceration. For over 50 years, Fortune has worked to transform criminal justice from the inside out, inspiring people like him to be principal catalysts for change.

Mr. Luckey, a St. Albans resident, mentors young people who are released from incarceration, while working on his reentry at The Fortune Society in Long Island City.