Keeping a Positive Attitude
One of my friends in prison informed me that he is going to be paroled soon. He asked for advice on what he should do upon release. I asked him where he plans to live and sent him a list of meetings in his area with contact phone numbers. I asked if he had transportation to his location. If not, I suggested that he find a local bus service or transportation service.
It would be helpful if he could find someone who can transport him to the area where he plans to reside. If he has a family that he can live with, that is helpful so long as his parole restrictions allow him to live there.
It is also advisable to contact the welfare office so he can start collecting welfare and receive food stamps. He should find the local food bank where he can get food.
If he does not have a place to stay, I suggested that he contact the local Salvation Army and see if they can find him temporary shelter.
He should start looking for day labor work or community service programs. Also, I suggested that he look for job training programs primarily in construction or warehouse work. Other areas of employment could include local delivery and working in a kitchen. Jobs that require contact with the public may not comply with his parole restrictions.
The most fundamental and crucial thing, for him, is to keep a positive attitude by going to SA meetings. SA meetings offer the best opportunity for emotional support and a network of friends and contacts. Besides prayer and meditation, daily readings from Sexaholics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous are paramount.
Paul Z., Georgia, USA
Our Meeting in Print
This touching letter was sent by Arturo G., one of the many friends in prison who gets free Program literature from SAICO, as well as the bimonthly ESSAY magazine. Arturo gave his permission to publish this letter as a way to express his gratitude to the Central Office, the CFC, and the whole SA Fellowship. His desire to be of help testifies of the “spiritual awakening” (SA 143) he has experienced as a result of working the Steps.
Like Arturo, many friends in prison get the beautifully printed bimonthly editions of the ESSAY magazine sent by SAICO and call it their lifeline. Many consider ESSAY their “meeting in print” because the articles and photos give them the closest connection they can have today with members from all over the world, members living the same one-day-at-a-time, working the same solution to overcome their daily lust temptations and character defects.
Read all about the SA CFC (Correctional Facilities Committee) on our Fellowship’s website: sa.org/corrections/
Please consider carrying the message by giving a print subscription to a sexaholic in need: essay.sa.org/get-involved/carry-the-message/
