Feeling comfortable in their body helped Alex to focus on communicating when they were frustrated, instead of reacting by damaging property.
“We were really good at fostering those conversations of ‘if you do property damage, we are going to be upset, but we are not going to kick you out,’” says Tamara.
The staff would often ask Alex why they would want to damage property, what was making them frustrated, and what was an alternative to property damage.
When Alex was frustrated because they wanted to go camping but couldn’t, the Windsor Park staff built a fort with them in the living room. This helped them release their anger and to understand there were alternatives to property damage when things didn’t go their way.
Moments like this during Alex’s first year at Windsor Park helped them realize there are other ways to express emotions.
Now, having learnt to deal with their frustrations about life in a healthier way, Alex is loving, happy and comfortable in who they are, and no longer feels the need to be disruptive.
*Client names have been changed for staff and client confidentiality
Liam* shares this advice from his experience of creating a productive and happy life after prison.
Prior to being released from incarceration in August 2021, Ryan accessed support from the CJHS Reintegration Support program to develop an achievable release plan and find suitable housing.
“I felt broken, lost and that I had wasted my years”, this is how Gary* describes his life while he was actively involved in crime which eventually led to him losing his permanent resident status.
Shortly after being released from prison, Jesse joined CJHS’s Building Bonds in the Community program; a volunteer-driven program offering support to individuals exiting prison.
