After serving nearly four decades in prison, Mr. M stepped back into a world that had changed completely. He had never used a smartphone and computers were beyond recognition. Reentry was daunting but he was determined to rebuild his life – however, with no identification or important documents, limited digital literacy and no local support system, the challenges ahead felt overwhelming.
That changed when a friend told him about VOADV’s Camden Navigational Resource Center.
“He said, ‘Go over there. If they can’t help you, they’ll help you get to someone who can,’” said Mr. M. “And that’s exactly what they did. They listened, they cared, and they helped me take the first steps I needed to move forward.”
Mr. M had already been residing at VOADV’s Aletha R. Wright “Vision of Hope” shelter for men but was looking for more specialized reentry assistance – exactly what VOADV’s Safe Return program is designed to provide. When he first stopped by the Camden Navigational Resource Center to explore his options, Mr. M was welcomed with care and respect. After listening to his story and completing a Safe Return program intake, the staff connected him with Sean O’Laughlin, a Legal Navigator with VOADV’s Safe Return Legal Navigator program.
The Safe Return Legal Navigator program provides clients with access to appropriate legal resources and simplifies complex processes. Designed to ensure participants are empowered to make informed decisions about their options, they offer one-on-one consultations, legal assistance referrals and procedural guidance.
While the program focuses on guiding clients through legal barriers, its impact often stretches further. Mr. M had been released without basic documents like a birth certificate or Social Security card and was running into roadblocks with every step he took. For example, he tried to get his non-driver’s ID card but did not have the six points of identification necessary. When he attempted to apply for jobs, almost all applications were online or over email – something Mr. M has no experience with.
“I know how to build a house from the foundation all the way to the roof, but don’t know how to work a phone or computer – and that is what is important in today’s world. After spending so much time in prison, the world moves on but the streets stay the same. That is what gets you in trouble again.”
Mr. M desperately wanted to take advantage of his second chance at life, but the world he was released into was discouraging and overwhelming. He felt that opportunities were out there for him, but couldn’t figure out how to get to them.
“Things like getting identification or benefits are everything when you’re starting from scratch,” said Sean. “We’re here to answer questions, help with paperwork, set up appointments – anything we can do to simplify that process so clients can keep building on their progress.”
Safe Return Legal Navigator works side by side with other VOADV staff and visits Navigational Resource Centers, municipal courts, warrant recall events and more, all while utilizing their mobile unit to meet clients where they are.
“We all collaborate to make sure clients are getting the help they need and nothing slips through the cracks,” said Sean. “It’s great because if an IMPACT Specialist has a client with a legal issue we’re in the next room or, at most, a phone call away. It also goes the other way where a client may come to us for legal guidance but we can also say ‘What else do you need help with?’ and connect them with those resources. We’re able to provide a full continuum of care.”
That collaboration is exactly what helped Mr. M begin building a stable foundation.
His birth certificate was ordered. He received help applying for a non-driver ID. Steps were taken to reinstate Social Security benefits and the SRLN team was by his side to help navigate the phone call confirming they had been reinstated. When Mr. M needed mental health support, Sean arranged an appointment with VOADV staff that same day.
In a letter Mr. M shared with VOADV leadership, he wrote:
“I had been paroled after serving 38 years straight… and did not know anything about technology. I was extremely depressed and had terrible thoughts of giving up because I had no one to turn to for help. Sean has been there for everything that I needed. He has either helped me or if not, directed me to somebody that can help me. He gave me the hope I needed to move forward in a positive manner in this new and much more complicated world. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be lost.”
As Mr. M achieves his goals, he consistently sets his sights on what is next. His parole is set to conclude in August, and his next goal is finding permanent housing — something he is already working toward with the support of the VOADV team. In the meantime, he’s spreading the word to others.
“Programs like this and reentry help should be mandatory. It’s been wonderful. I tell the guys at the shelter, ‘Get off your butt and go over there,’” he says with a smile. “Just take that first step.”