Ignacio House Scholars Talk About Transformation

Tommy’s Interview: https://secondchancesmatterpodcast.com/

Wilfredo's Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rYfv4ilbco

Thrive For Life has the privilege of accompanying many folks on their journey of transformation. In that vein, we are happy to share two recent interviews with two members of our Ignacio House of Studies family: Tommy, an alumnus of Ignacio House who has since transitioned to permanent housing and works as a fitness trainer; and Wilfredo, who currently lives at Ignacio House and works for the Center for Justice at Columbia University, focusing on restorative justice education, outreach, and programming. 

Appearing on the podcast Second Chances Matter, Tommy recounts his story and the challenges he and others face beyond the prison walls after release. In his conversation, he speaks at length about how a crucial part of re-entry is coming to terms with the past and working tenaciously toward self-forgiveness and atonement. From there, folks can begin the next chapter in life that looks past the debilitation and often hopelessness that overcomes people behind the walls. Tommy came home and spent time transitioning  to life beyond the walls at Ignacio House. He has since gone on to get his own place and has found tremendous success as a highly-sought after fitness trainer at UniBody Fitness–a personal training company that values social engagement and empowerment. According to his biography, “Tommy began his journey into fitness, yoga, and meditation as a means to battle the debilitating depression he suffered since childhood. In time Tommy went on to train other prisoners as well as facilitating Aggression Replacement Training courses and leading the Youth Assistance Program to help at-risk youth. Today Tommy’s passion for fitness and wellness has allowed him to touch the lives of hundreds of clients and he is one of New York City’s most sought after trainers.”

In his interview with UIL UNESCO, Wilfredo spoke at length about the transformative impact higher education had on his life behind the walls. “It saved my life,” he explained. “Education is a form of violence intervention.” Like all of our resident scholars, Wilfredo believes that his coursework opened up brand new opportunities for growth and development that oftentimes were not accessible to most folks in his community. Now, after having obtained his college degree, Wilfredo is working hard to contribute meaningfully to society. Through his work with Columbia University’s Center for Justice, he works on a variety of projects focused on restorative justice, youth engagement, and community building that all aim to make people assets to their cities instead of disruptions. In doing this work, he hopes to be a model for other folks, young and old, to be contributors to society and justice. 

We are tremendously proud of Tommy and Wilfredo and look forward to all they will go on to achieve for themselves and their communities!