Can Bad Men Change?

Recently time magazine asked this question.

We did not write the article, but it does represent a powerful view into one of the much maligned, misunderstood populations that we serve.

We think you will want to read the article in it's entirety.  

"They sit in the circle, the man who exposed himself to at least 100 women, next to the man who molested his stepdaughter, across from the man who sexually assaulted his neighbor. The group includes Matt, whose online chats led to prison; Rob, who was arrested for statutory rape; and Kevin, who spent decades masturbating next to women in movie theaters."

At Freedom Through Education, we are privileged to work with some men that are like the ones this story refers to.  Imagine living in a society where housing is hard to find for a normal person (there is a 6 month waiting list in Sacramento for apartments currently).  Now add convicted ex felon onto that.  It is now 8x harder to find a residence.  And finally, add that your crime was a sex offense and that you are a registered sex offender.  It just got near impossible to find a place to live. 

Even if you complete our (or other) programs for reentry into society.  Even if you have had no trouble with the law since being released.  Even if you comply with parole conditions so well, they lower your risk assessment.  And yes, even if historically there is little to no evidence nationally of recidivism for this type of crime.  Even with all that going for you, society still treats you worse than all other ex offenders.

​The link is below to the original full article.  We offer it to help you understand some of the men we work with better. See what you think.  And let's talk.  We could use your help in changing the way these men are treated.

http://time.com/magazine/us/5272326/may-21st-2018-vol-191-no-19-u-s/