Joe Gets Help
The Long Way Home Male Book 2
About this Shellbook This Shellbook Life Story is based on true events in the lives of current and former offenders. It was developed for use in Peer Education Programs of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. After a thorough discussion about the story and its meaning, each peer group will have an opportunity to rewrite it in their own words. Then they'll be able to publish their version for their own use, and to share with family, friends, and others.
You can download a print-ready version of this Shellbook, or an adaptable version with complete Facilitator's Guide at: www.lifestories.shellbook.net To learn how your organization can partner with the Life Access Technology Trust to help offenders and their families adapt and print this and other Shellbooks please visit: www.ourcommunitylibrary.org
Joe Gets Help
By Lynn, Larry, Charles, Donovan, Ray, Matthew, Raymond, TC, and Donald Huntsville (Walls) Unit September 2010
Joe had been living with Aunt Lovie. Everything was going good. “I haven’t slept in days. I don't know what to do now that Aunt Lovie's dead.” 2
Aunt Lovie’s social worker calls. “Why did Lovie miss her last visit?” Joe says, “She’s passed on. But I remember how much you helped her. I could sure use some help now.” 3
Joe tells the social worker, “I was in prison. And I have HIV. I can’t find a job and I’m out of money.” “I know a case manager who can help you. He works with people living with HIV and AIDS.” 4
Joe’s case manager helps him start the forms to get his meds. He says, “I’ll send you to a special HIV clinic.” Joe thinks, “Maybe Aunt Lovie wasn’t the only one who cares.” 5
Joe thinks, “Why go to that HIV clinic all the way across town? I can go across the street to the Good Luck clinic.” But the clinic worker tells Joe, “You didn’t bring all your forms. We must have your ADAP form before we can give you meds. “What’s the big deal about ADAP?” Joe thinks. He gets angry and leaves. 6
But he doesn’t give up. He makes it to the HIV clinic, with his ADAP form. The nurse is concerned because Joe hasn't used up all of his meds. He should have run out months ago. “I was just trying to make them last!” 7
Joe’s doctor says, “You didn’t take your meds daily. So the HIV may be resistant. We’ll have to run some tests.You’ll probably need new meds.”
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Next, Joe visits the clinic’s dietician. She talks about the need for a good diet. Joe thinks, “She’s right! But I don’t even have money for food!” 9
Joe goes back to Aunt Lovie’s house. There his uncle shocks him. “Joe, your mooching days are over! You’re out of here! We’re selling the house. Your stuff is on the porch. Get it and go!” 10
A neighbor sees Joe walking off. “I don’t mean to get in your business. But I know you helped your aunt. And I think I know where you can get help.”
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The neighbor takes Joe to a church’s halfway house. The chaplain tells Joe, “We can help with food, housing and clothes. And we could use a hand around here if you need a job.” 12
Joe jumps for joy. “Now my life really is golden!”
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"Joe's" story is based on true life events. It was written and acted out by a group of offenders and public health experts after discussions in the Huntsville (Walls) Unit, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, in September 2010. After discussing "Bad Decisions", your peer education group may re- write and publish its own version of the story to share with family, friends, or others who may need to think about the same kind of things "Joe" did... Pass it on!
"... the truth will set you free!"
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About The Long Way Home Series These Shellbook Life Stories were developed for use in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Health Services Peer Education Program. They are a collaborative effort by: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Current and formerly incarcerated offenders in TDCJ Life Access Technology Trust TDCJ Health Services Division Texas Department of State Health Services HIV/STD Prevention and Care Branch University of Texas Medical Branch Correctional Managed Health Care TDCJ Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairment TDCJ Correctional Institutions Division unit staff TDCJ Parole Division TDCJ Chaplaincy Department Wardens, Chaplains, staff, and peer educators at the Huntsville and Crain Units Restorative Justice Planning Council AIDS Foundation Houston Ryan White Planning Council Center for AIDS Information and Advocacy Houston Regional HIV/AIDS Resource Group Carrell Word Wranglers The Shellbook Group GypsyCat Photography
The Long Way Home Series includes four illustrated Shellbook Life Story prototypes, two each for male and female prereleases. Book 1: Bad Decisions! (men's) Off to a Bad Start (women's) Book 2: Joe Gets Help (men's) Finding the Way (women's)
www.lifestories.shellbook.net