Marshall
Before leaving prison, Marshall went through a re-entry program to prepare him for life on the outside. Marshall arrived in Carlinville 4-22-22, homeless, after being incarcerated for 7 years. Marshall met John at Catholic Charities who guided him through the process of obtaining a State ID as well as possible assistance with rent when Marshall found housing and employment. Marshall came into the Carlinville Job Center to search for jobs.
Since he did not have his own phone, he used the Job Center phone to look for housing. John was still a big support to Marshall and allowed Marshall to sleep on his patio when he couldn’t find shelter. Marshall also had issues with his feet from being on the streets and his only means of transportation was to walk. Marshall continued to look for a job and housing. During the heavy rains, we, as a group, would try to find shelter for Marshall and continued to search for housing assistance. Until Marshall obtained his own phone and found safe and secure housing, it would be hard to for him to obtain permanent employment.
Debbie, with IDES, assisted him in creating a resume and job search on Illinois Job Link along with the Job Center staff assisting with his job search. Marshall took the train to Springfield for a job opportunity, but that situation did not work out. While in Springfield, Marshall received medical treatment for his feet. He returned to Carlinville where he had to register with the police within 3 days as mandated and then unfortunately Marshall was back living on the streets.
Back to the housing and job search, Don Adams from Express Personnel was hosting a Job Fair at R&R Bindery in Girard, Illinois. Marshall applied, interviewed, and was hired on the spot. Marshall had one more obstacle to overcome, HOUSING! The Job Center staff started to search again and a staff member told Marshall about a family that tries to help the “underdog.” It was a weekend and bad weather was expected again. The staff provided drinks, snacks, gift cards and made a make-shift bedroll from whatever items they could find in the center. The staff left work Friday night giving Marshall access to stay outside the building if needed. Marshall proceeded to stop by and see the caring family in Carlinville. The family offered Marshall temporary shelter at their home. Marshall then started his new position with R&R Bindery on 5-17-22. Marshall started working full-time, found an apartment in Carlinville and was subsequently offered a permanent position after a 90-day probation period.
As Marshall reflects on the process, the biggest obstacle he met was the housing crisis and the lack of an advocate for ex-offenders. Marshall would be a positive mentor for an individual facing the same hardships because he plans to pay it forward! After all his challenges, Marshall stayed positive, remained strong in his faith and focused on the future. We wish him well!