I paroled this past February after 4 years in prison in West Virginia. I was very fortunate to have been able to parole to my sister's home, however, I struggle everyday to try to find some kind of transitional support. Although I am educated and have employable skills, I am unable to find work. I have registered with job service and vocational rehab with no sucess. Even my parole officer has no suggestions. A condition of my parole was to receive one-on-one counseling, but because I do not have a drug or alcohol history, the community mental health center is not sure what to do with me. I am currently enrolled in college majoring in business administration. Although, I have no objections to renewing and updating my knowledge and skills, I have to admit the main reason I am in school again is to appease my PO, and for the financial assistance of student loans.

The unemployment rate in West Virginia is very high; add a felony record to that and it makes finding work impossible. To make matters worse, two weeks ago my sister lost her job after 9 years with the same organization!

I have found that even the area churches are not supportive or understanding. I spend hours and hours and hours on the Internet searching in the hopes of finding infomation that may be pertinent to me.

I am at a loss. Even the West Virginia Forum on PTO is inactive. Because my fiance is incarcerated in California, I spent most of my time in that forum.

I thank God every day for the gift of my restored freedom. But, I also struggle with it on a daily basis. Who would have ever thought home was some place I don't seem to belong?

Vicki,

This is very disheartening to hear and part of the reason that we opened this Forum. We are hoping that we will get some interest going with exactly the challenges that you are facing and folks will offer support and advice.

I don't think that we have many members in WV which is why that Forum is inactive... but hopefully that will change in the near future.

I will search for WV programs but since you have indicated that you have searched to find nothing, I am not hopeful but will try.

Have you ever contacted some of the networks that are more National in scope?