<p>D is enrolled in a curriculum that entails spending one day a week at a prison for incarcerated youth. It's a successful program and the young men earn college credit. Only the "creme de la creme" of the prisoners are allowed to participate. D shared her story with one young man who will be released in a few months. He is 17 and his first arrest was at age 11. He really wants to change his life around. </p>
<p>This young man would like to go to college and be a productive member of society. He wrote his life story and shared it with D because he felt her empathy. D is not stupid, she keeps her boundaries. His gang buddies are taking care of his sick mother and baby right now. The military is out because of his criminal record. Finding a job will be very difficult.</p>
<p>D is terribly upset at the criminal justice system that punishes but does not provide support when the sentence has ended. </p>
<p>I guess what I'm asking is, does anyone know what kind of government or other support this young man can get to turn his life around? He might be eligible for community college or other scholarships. What about $$ for rent, food, clothes? Mini, do you know of any aid agencies in Olympia?</p>