BEYOND THE COUCH
HELPING RETURNING CITIZENS
Build Lives of Purpose BY WILLIAM FREEMAN FOUNDER OF PEOPLE OF PURPOSE
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efore I came to terms with my better self, my life journey was rough and rocky for many years. I have a strong personality, and despite my loving family, I learned many hard lessons through bad choices in street life. I began stealing to support my crack addiction habit and served four prison terms as a result. Each time I left prison without a sense of direction and was unsuccessful. I was sick and tired of failing. While incarcerated that final time, I attended all available programs and training to help prepare myself for a life with purpose. Christine Handy, author of “Walk Beside Me,” came to the prison and spoke on purpose. Virginia, the assistant county commissioner, also talked about purpose a month later. After that, I went back and asked God what my purpose was. Pastor JR Thicklin then taught a class, and I became his aide. Over a while, I began to feel better about who I was, and I started to like myself because I was helping other men in prison with me. I started each morning with affirmations and learned to love myself. Before my last release on December 19, 2019, I promised myself that it would be my final incarceration. To become more responsible, I knew I needed to find mentors. I asked Virginia, who agreed. Later, through a lay-led, interdenominational, Christian prison ministry known as Keryx, I met a man named Bill D. Bill later became my friend, spiritual mentor, and financial advisor. I was fortunate to have these treasured mentors who guided me for reentry and continue to encourage my recovery today.
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a while, I began “ Over to feel better about
who I was, and I started to like myself because I was helping other men in prison with me. I started each morning with affirmations and learned to love myself.
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I realized that once I allowed love and support into my life, I began to feel self-worth. As a result, I recognized my deep sense of compassion, and I wanted to give back to society. Knowing by experience the challenges and pitfalls of reform and reentry, I have dedicated my life to assisting other returning citizens on their path to decent and giving lives, thereby seeking to eliminate recidivism. Today, at age 53, I am grateful and humbled for I am now the proud executive director and founder of People of Purpose, Inc.
