Sharif's
EX-OFFENDERS' RESOURCE PAGE
HE DID THE CRIME, HE'S DONE THE TIME, NOW WHOSE TURN IS IT?
These resource pages are dedicated to people like Lakeith Amir-Sharif, people who have 'repaid their debt to society' and are ready to go home and try again, but who are dumped out the prison gates with $100 and the clothes on their backs. They are instructed to report to a probation officer within 72 hours and from there they are often totally on their own. Since they haven't been allowed to make a single decision during their incarceration, the 'newborn' citizen could be in real trouble without some extra resources. I once watched a newly-released man at McDonald's, trying to make a food order. It wasn't the variety on the menu that held him motionless for so long before he broke down in tears. "I can't decide," he wept.The general attitude toward the freshly released is "I'll catch you on the way back in!" The system has little to offer ex-offenders, except threats to send them back. Society won't admit it, but they don't want to be bothered either. They don't want to give jobs to them, nor welcome an 'ex-con' into their neighborhoods. So, once again, it is left up to us who care to reduce the recidivism caused by the overall unforgiving and hostile social attitudes, which may be the cause, but may be caused by currently popular legislative policies.
If you know of any resources for newly released or about to be released prisoners, please let me know about them. One day there will be enough help here to actually be worth something to the person struggling to overcome his past.
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Resources From Sharif
The attached booklets are very helpful for anyone trying to obtain public records/ gaining access to view certain
documents/information or just knowing your rights on matters of public
information, etc. The prices may have changed so it's suggested that you contact
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press before sending any money. Their last known email address is rcfp@rcfp.org.
Their last know web site is www.rcfp.org
Phone number (703) 807-2100 fax number (703) 807-2109. The physical mailing address is
1815 N. Fort Myer Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, Va 22209.
| FOIA BOOKLET 1 | FREEDOM OF INFORMATION | FOIA BOOKLET 2 |
Resources From Sharif
Here is info regarding having your felony records expunged. This can be valuable in many ways... Like finding employment, running for office, etc.
EXPUNGING YOUR RECORDS
Dear Kay,
I would have to say the average released inmate has LESS than "the baby emerging from his mother's womb". There is no nurturing available.
In many instances, he does not have clothes to wear, a family that loves him, or a roof over his head. If they had a car, it is gone. If they had a home, it is gone. $100.00 and out of the womb they go.
I am helping a recently released friend of my inmate, and the job he was PROMISED when he got out totally fell through. He does not have the tools for his trade, and has not been able to pay rent for the past few weeks. Besides renting him temporary housing, I have directed him to the best Thrift stores, and supplied transportation, and a few carpentry tools. He also is helping me. He is making small improvements to my property, (He does have a hammer and a few nails.)
When I last spoke with him, he was working through the Labor Pool. BIG DEAL. $40.00 a day, for a Skilled Worker. This man was used by DOC employees to build the boxes for the new handprint machines. He worked in DOC employees' homes making improvements. His brothers will not have anything to do with him, and except for the menial help I have offered, It will be a LONG HARD BATTLE.
He IS TRYING. Keep Him In Your Prayers.
Grace
ATTITUDE IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO MAKING IT ON THE OUTSIDE
LOOKING FOR ANSWERS...
Tue, 4 Jun 2002
You ask how can a ex con find a decent job?There are a lot of programs that help ex-cons once they are released. They have to take what they can get as we all do to make a living. How do they feel motivated when so many doors are closed ? They lean on their faith and turn it over to God and know at one point it was a lot worse. When you fall down you get back up.
People live with prejudgment. It happens to almost everyone every day . If you are black, people have an idea of what you should be like. If you are Hispanic people think you should act a certain way. We move past it and know it is how we feel about ourselves is what counts.
Freedom is what you make it. If you choose to close your mind to things then yes, of course you aren't free.
All you have to do is believe in you and stand for something good and the rest will follow. We some time lock our own self up in the past. No one has to do that because we refuse to let it go and live our life.
"LaTonya" <latonya@covad.net>
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"You state that you are my judge. I am not aware that you are such;
but I charge you take heed and do not judge me wrongfully, as in such case you will place your soul in great jeopardy.
Praying for blessings for you all.
Kay LeeEX-OFFENDERS' RESOURCE PAGE
My name is Lakeith Raqib Amir-Sharif. Thank you and the others for everything. You all are sorta making me believe in that saying "God don't make no junk". Much love and respect, "Sharif".
