From Prison to Passion: Paying It Forward One Person at a Time

Ryan Grant grew up with a loving family but found himself going down a dangerous path that eventually landed him in prison. After serving his 20-year sentence, Ryan reentered his community in December 2022 and was given a real second chance to live a life of personal success through the reentry services provided by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES).

The wrong choice can change a person’s life, starting or continuing a damaging cycle of incarceration that not everyone can escape. Recidivism often occurs when an individual leaves prison without the tools they need to be successful. After witnessing the multigenerational and community impacts of recidivism, the State of Arizona launched Second Chance Reentry programs in 2017 to better position inmates for success after prison. DES and the Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) partnered to provide clients like Ryan a second chance by working together to eliminate barriers and equip participants with critical resources prior to and after release from prison.

During a mandatory check-in with his parole officer, Ryan was connected with DES Reentry Employment Counselor, Carole Grijalva. Carole is one of the State’s many Reentry Employment Counselors stationed at a parole office, reentry center or prison who provides reentry clients with workforce services.

Carole also happens to be a former inmate and participant in Arizona’s second chance program.

"I was afforded a Second Chance to give back," explained Carole. "My experience allows me an opportunity to truly relate to my clients."

Reentry clients are provided with comprehensive workforce training that spans from the basics of creating an email account and learning how to use a computer, to actual vocational training and warm connections to background-friendly employers. However, in order for a client to truly achieve success, they have to work hard and utilize the provided resources, which Carole says Ryan did.

"He was already determined to reclaim his life, and he wasted no time in taking the needed step to do that," said Carole. "From employment to furthering his education, Ryan hit the ground running when he was given his second chance in 2022."

Carole explained that helping clients who were previously incarcerated requires a different approach than other job seekers. "Positive support and connecting them with activities that are conducive to a healthy transition is imperative," said Carole. "Each client has a unique situation, so the approach must be to first acknowledge their basic needs. Do they have a safe place where they are residing? Are they eating? Do they have clothes, hygiene, and transportation?" She says that it’s essential that she and her fellow reentry employment counselors build a sense of trust with their clients through non-judgemental human compassion.

Ryan remarked that Carole’s accepting attitude paired with her employment assistance gave him hope during his transition back into the community: "Carol was like a mentor to me. She was always so kind and helped me set up my resume, my bank account, and email accounts–she helped me with everything."

Ryan is now working full-time as an ironworker and working toward an associate's degree in metalwork. In addition to metalwork, Ryan plans to give back to his community and help others as much as he can.

As for Carole, she continues to live her passion to help others restart their lives after prison. "DES and ARIZONA@WORK have given me the opportunity to use my life to give back to each and everyone that comes into my path. It brings great joy to know that my journey is bringing hope and inspiring someone's life. The beauty of a true second chance doesn't end with that person. It is a ripple effect that brings hope to others."

Learn more about the DES Reentry Program.