Turon

Turon was one of the first clients at OpenDoors, then known as the RI Family Life Center. He was part of our employment program when he got a job at a wholesale warehouse. Since then, he has been promoted twice, and is now a floor manager. His success eight years later is testimony to the lasting effect that OpenDoors has on many of our clients.

“I got tired of struggling because of my old ways. Before, I was living day to day. Now that I have a job, I can live for my family. Sometimes I work 105 hours in 2 weeks. Life is still a struggle, but it is a good struggle now, and I can manage it.”

William

“When I moved to Rhode Island, I didn’t know anyone. I was homeless, I didn’t have a job, and I didn’t have $5 to my name. OpenDoors helped me get a vender’s license, business license, and tax ID number to start selling natural beauty products online. I am a certified licensed welder, and with OpenDoors’ help, I was able to get a welding job in June. Now, I am working five days a week, with 10-hour shifts.

Paul

Paul became an OpenDoors client in 2009.

"When I got out, I started working with Jesse from OpenDoors. He was instrumental in getting me a job as a roofer. I started working at a car wash one day a week, too. Eventually, I was able to take a welding class and become a crane operator... For me, it was about learning that anything is possible, getting out of bed each day, and putting the right foot forward.”

Charles

Charles became an OpenDoors client in 2010. Below, he explains his experiences at the Resource Center, and his goals for the future.

“I first heard about OpenDoors from a friend who had been in prison. He said that OpenDoors had helped him find his first real job. So, after I got out, I came to the job training course, which helped me deal with all of the pitfalls between finishing your resume and getting a job-- things like interviewing, follow-up, and how to explain gaps in your work record. I also took the computer class.

"I first heard about OpenDoors from a friend who had been in prison. He said that OpenDoors had helped him find his first real job."

Noah Kilroy

Board Member Noah Kilroy talks to the Newport Daily News about his aspirations of becoming a public interest lawyer.

Changing Sides: Former Law Breaker Will Study to be a Lawyer

April 12, 2010 - 2:15pm

By Sean Flynn

Daily News Staff, The Newport Daily News

April 3-4, 2010

Noah Kilroy was sitting in a prison cell for each of his birthdays between the ages of 19 and 23. Now, as a recent graduate of Salve Regina University, he will enter law school in September with high aspirations of becoming a public interest lawyer. "I know there are a lot of youth out there struggling," he said. "I'd tell them never be afraid to dream. I'd like my story to be an inspiration."

Andres

A Vote Restored

By Andres Idarraga – 03/04/08

Originally published at the Brennan Center for Justice's website.

I just voted! For first time in my life, I stepped inside the polling place and "completed the arrow" that selects the candidate I think would best run our country. It was a simple action that took only a few minutes, but far too many years to achieve.

Koren

"If there is one thing that shouldn't be taken from someone-- ever-- it is voting. Isn't the point of the criminal justice system to return responsible, law abiding citizens back into their communities? Voting is a way of being a responsible, law abiding citizen. Voting should be something everyone has to do.