CHANGING LIVES
You may remember Michael from an article published in May 2020. Michael was incarcerated for over seven years for drug-related charges before securing housing at the Catholic Charities Ponderosa House Community Re-Entry Program. His housing placement came just four days before release. It was a blessing, as well as a condition of his parole. Without Ponderosa House, Michael would have immediately gone back into incarceration.
Michael’s also stipulated the completion of 360 community service hours. He put his crafty hands to work knitting scarves and hats for those experiencing homelessness. Then as COVID-19 progressed, Michael sewed hundreds of reusable masks that the Catholic Charities team distributed throughout Northern Arizona. probation
His story continues with a remarkable update: Michael is being released from probation SIX YEARS early!
He was on probation for just over a year and was able to successfully complete all terms and conditions in December 2020. This is an impressive six years sooner than Michael’s original sentence. The decision was made based on the outstanding efforts he showed to re-enter society and his potential for long-term stability. If that’s not enough to celebrate, Michael has also been awarded ongoing financial support by the Social Security Administration. This accomplishment comes after spending countless hours with the Arizona Department of Economic Security over the past year. Read more abut Michael’s story as he continues to support the community through his hard work and dedication to helping others by being a positive change.
10
FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2022
Powered by FlippingBook