Welcoming Calvin and Paul to Ignacio House!

In one of the busiest months for Ignacio House, we welcomed a new resident scholar, Paul. Paul  is determined to find a new life for himself in society beyond the walls. He recalls his story of incarceration and reintegration with us:

The day Paul found the need to turn his life around was the day of his sentencing. 

“I realized that the next 15 years of my life had just been decided for me.” 

Since then, he spent his time in prison focusing on getting help, and preparing for the day he would be released. In his search, he found out about Thrive For Life and Ignacio House, through our retreats and  newsletters, which he was more than thankful for.

“Thrive For Life was a beam of positivity in my life in prison, and prayer was really important to keep me going in there.”

His determination only grew with Thrive For Life’s continued ministry behind the prison walls, with the newsletters playing an especially important role.

“It’s great to hear the success stories. On the news, you just hear about the parolees that end up going back. Thrive For Life’s newsletter kept me hopeful, and informed about those who did succeed.”

Ignacio House, he finds, was the perfect answer to his hopes in prison. 

“Ignacio House covers the important things in getting back into society. Housing is important, and referrals from Fr. Zach take you a long way.” 

He finds the House’s family to be stronger than he could imagine, appreciating not only the help they give, but the sense of home they provide.

“The guys at Ignacio House really help, especially with the small things, the things you forget in prison. I can come home and all my toiletries are all there, and better than they ever were in prison. The family really is the most important part. I’ve heard about all the positive stuff they do, like the garden, and these guys really do nothing but support each other.” 

Most of all, he is thankful for the support Thrive For Life continues to provide for men in his situation, and wants to see it grow to touch more in the low points of their lives.

“I’m grateful that Thrive For Life is doing what they’re doing, and prayer is important for guys’ mental health. It helps keep them positive.”

Paul is not the only new face at Ignacio House. This last month, we welcomed Calvin to our community of resident scholars doing the good work of education beyond the walls. During his incarceration, Calvin found fulfillment in education, understanding the transformative effect it has on so many folks behind and beyond the walls.  

While behind the walls, Calvin took part in John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s Inside Criminal Justice  program—a joint initiative of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Institute for Innovation in Prosecution, and the Center for Justice at Columbia University. The course follows a seminar-style format in which folks behind the walls engage in in-depth and thorough conversations with prosecutors, academics, and other community leaders concerning the criminal justice system. Calvin, along with his classmates, worked together to complete a jointly-authored policy proposal that aimed to forward goals of community public safety, while also considering important factors such as equity and rehabilitation for those impacted by the legal system. This past March, Calvin and his classmates received recognition and commendation for their work in the program. Reflecting on his experience, he shared with attendees the powerful effect of conversation and in-depth analysis that included not just prosecutors, but also folks directly impacted by the system who have unique insights. These insights, he says, can help shape responsible and equitable policy. 

Calvin continues his pursuit of education at Ignacio House, where he currently studies at Columbia University’s Justice-in-Education program—a gateway course for folks returning home from prison that prepares students to succeed academically in a higher education setting. He has interest in leveraging his education to explore topics including psychology, while also exploring avenues for professional and career development. His thoughtfulness and capacity for reflection enliven our community as we work to support the transformation of folks coming home from behind the walls. 

We look forward to seeing Paul and Calvin flourish and celebrate all they do to empower their fellow resident scholars at Ignacio House!