Welcome, Lawrence, to Ignacio House!

On November 1, Ignacio House welcomed a brand new resident scholar! Lawrence joins our community after his release from prison earlier this past fall. Currently, he is enrolled in a four-year degree program at New York University where he will continue his studies begun behind the walls. Lawrence took the time to share with us how he encountered Ignacio House and what motivated him to join our supportive transitional living community.

“From the first time I met Fr. Zach over Facetime, I knew this program was something I wanted to be a part of. The care that Fr. Zach displayed during that meeting showed nothing but pure admiration for Thrive For Life and what it represented. There were questions, but the most important one for me was: what are your goals? Not just about my educational goals, but life goals. And, even though he made it clear that it was a scholar living program, he cared about what actually mattered to me.”

A determined writer and creative thinker, Lawrence has ambitions to hone his storytelling skills so that he can pursue his dreams. He explains:

“I am a writer and an aspiring filmmaker, which I’m studying at New York University along with a minor in business. Thrive For Life put me on that path before even attending school by connecting me with a writing coach, Nancy Mendez-Booth who is a writer herself. She has continuously aided in my growth as a writer not only creatively, but also for formal letters and resumes.” 

Nancy, like so many of our volunteers, has helped students like Lawrence develop their writing skills so that they can more effectively deploy them in a range of settings. 

Most importantly, Lawrence firmly believes in that transformative power of education and how Thrive For Life is working to change the narrative around people behind the walls. In reflection, he says:

“There is a stigma that formerly incarcerated people are less deserving. Thrive For Life is aiding in changing that narrative. Thrive For Life is reshaping re-entry into a solid unit where navigation through reintegration is safe and less stressful for those returning to society, aiding in transforming men into their better self, and  bringing awareness to youth.”  

We are grateful for Lawrence and all he brings to our community and look forward to all he will achieve! Welcome!