Supportive Networks

Challenges can fill a person's life when he returns to society after prison. I'd been incarcerated since 1987, before the world had made such everyday use of technology. I didn't know how to send a text message or use the internet, or even send an email. I had to transition, navigating my way through a different world.

Thankfully, during the decades I served, I built a massive support network. By reading books on personal leadership, I learned the importance of building connections and surrounding myself with positive role models. Those people believed in my potential and opened opportunities.

How does a person build a strong and influential support network from prison?

With deliberate effort and a willingness to grow. Today, I want to share the strategies I used to create a network of support and how anyone can do the same, regardless of where they are.

As I write this article, keep three things in mind:

1. I never ask anyone to do anything that I didn't do to prepare for success while in prison, and that I'm not still doing now.
2. I am always truthful.
3. I never ask anyone to pay me anything.

I offer work every day because I love sharing the lessons that leaders taught me. Those lessons helped me overcome adversity, and they can help others as well.

Why Building a Support Network is Essential 

Before we get into the “how,” it’s important to understand the “why.” A support network provides you with a foundation for long-term success. Here’s how it can help: 

• Guidance – A strong network connects you with individuals who have valuable insights and life experience. 
• Accountability – Surrounding yourself with people who hold you accountable is critical for staying on track with goals. 
• Opportunities – Many opportunities come through connections—finding work, accessing resources, or seeking mentorship. 
• Encouragement – Having people in your corner can motivate you during tough times and remind you of your worth. 

Simply put, trying to succeed alone is a harder path. Life after prison becomes more manageable and fulfilling when you have others by your side. 

Six Steps to Building Your Support Network 

1. Shift Your Mindset – Be Open to Connecting 

The first challenge after leaving prison is often mental. Fear of judgment or rejection can hold you back from reaching out to others for help. I saw how some individuals isolated themselves because they believed others wouldn’t understand their situation. But the truth is, you get what you give. If you approach others with honesty, openness, and a desire to improve, many will respond in kind. 

How to do it: 

• Practice vulnerability: Share your story. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but many people relate better to honesty than to perfection. 
• Own your narrative: Don't view your past as a barrier but as a lesson. Use it to show others how you've grown. 

💡 Reflection question: What are the fears stopping you from connecting with others, and how can you begin to overcome them? 

2. Reconnect with Family and Friends 

Start with people who already know and care about you. While some relationships may need time to heal, these individuals can often become your strongest advocates. When my prison sentence began, the unconditional love of family members like my father and sister became my anchor. Rebuilding trust wasn’t instant, but showing consistent effort made all the difference. 

How to do it: 

• Reach out to loved ones and express your gratitude for their support during hard times. 
• Be patient and acknowledge their feelings if the relationship has been strained. Consistency over time can rebuild trust. 
• Make time for regular communication, whether through calls, meetings, or even letters. 

3. Seek Out Community Support Groups 

Many communities have organizations dedicated to helping justice-impacted individuals reintegrate into society. These groups can provide both emotional and professional support while introducing you to others who share similar experiences. 

Examples of resources to explore: 

• Nonprofits that specialize in reentry support. 
• Organizations like The Fortune Society or Prison Fellowship that connect people with housing, career services, and legal aid. 
• Local church groups or faith-based organizations offering mentorship and community gatherings. 

4. Find a Mentor or Coach 

I cannot emphasize enough how life-changing mentors can be. While in prison, I reached out to business leaders and educators whose insights shaped my perspective and strategy. A mentor provides guidance and offers lessons from their experience, helping you avoid mistakes and accelerate progress. 

How to do it: 

• Identify individuals in your community or industry whom you admire. 
• Be proactive in reaching out. Explain your goals and how their guidance could help. 
• Commit to being teachable and receptive to their feedback. 

💡 Self-reflection exercise: Who are three people you respect in your desired field or community? What can you learn from them? 

5. Give Back – Contribution Fosters Connection 

Relationships are a two-way street. While it’s important to seek help, offering value to your network also builds deeper connections. When I served time, I mentored others in prison—a step that strengthened my own development while building goodwill. Even small acts of contribution can have a significant impact. 

How to do it: 

• Volunteer time or skills to help others in your community. 
• Pay acts of kindness forward whenever possible. Kindness builds trust in relationships. 
• Use your story to inspire others and offer hope to those in similar situations. 

6. Leverage Technology to Expand Your Horizons 

Today’s digital tools make it easier than ever to connect with others and access resources. While face-to-face interactions have their value, online platforms allow people to join communities, find mentors, and build your personal brand.  I build PrisonProfessorsTalent.com, and our nonprofit funds the platform so that anyone in prison can build a profile and memorialize their progress toward reconciliation and building a better life; we offer free courses and books to help.

Upon Release: 

• Join LinkedIn to connect with professionals who align with your career goals. Share insights and engage in relevant conversations to build rapport. 
• Search for virtual group meetings or webinars on personal and professional growth topics. 
• Create a free profile online with reentry-specific platforms like Honest Jobs to find employment opportunities. 

Final Thoughts 

Building a support network won’t happen overnight. It requires intention, persistence, and effort. But from my experience, the work is worth it. A strong network not only amplifies your chances of success but also provides a sense of belonging and purpose. 

Remember, life after incarceration is a marathon, not a sprint. Take the first step today—reach out to someone who could be part of your network. Transformation begins with connection. 

Self-Directed Learning Questions 

1. What’s one relationship—new or old—you can strengthen this week? 
2. What steps can you take to contribute value to your community or network? 
3. How can a mentor help you in your goals, and how will you find one? 

If you're ready to take control of your future, start putting these principles into action today. Your comeback starts now.

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