Onesimus Workbook

A PPENDIX • 57

Be open and honest with your parole agent! Call him often and ask a lot of questions! Be persistent and don’t take “no” for an answer! Use the library and career center to help you. Learn to use computers and the internet. Above all, get hooked up with God’s people. Find a good church home. I hope this was helpful. Be thankful to God for your freedom. Do God’s will and let him guide you through his Holy Spirit day by day. Kevin’s Story This is from an ex-lifer that just did twenty-seven years in California. I have been out six and one-half months. I do not have all the answers, so let me share with you what I do know. I will tell you everything has changed. I will tell you that the worst day out here, is still better than the best day in there. Just as you worked for your parole date, you also have to work to be on parole. The best advice I can give to you is to keep a tally of all the money you spend because it doesn’t last long. If you were in prison for less than twenty-five years, you just pay a renewal fee for your driver’s license as it is still active. If you were incarcerated for over twenty-five years you are no longer in the system. The first thing you have to do then is to acquire a birth certificate at the county hall of records. Then second thing you will need is a Social Security card. A DD-214 will work if you are a veteran. In acquiring your California I.D. you will need a birth certificate, and you will have to take the CDL written exam and the driver’s test with a vehicle. Once you have done this you should receive your CDL + Social Security Card within a few weeks.

When you are released you will also qualify for Medical. Always remember to try to have a positive attitude.

We are more concerned about what people think of us or about us than they actually do.

Remember the Word of the Lord – it will always help you through if you are sincere about your new walk in life. There are an abundance of people that want to help; just ask. Be humble, honest, gracious and patient.

One day a couple weeks after you get out, it will hit you that you’re truly free.