Family support center helps inmates prepare for freedom Published Oct. 6, 2005 By Raymond V. Whelan 37th Training Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Sue O’Neal believes a repentant Airman who has committed a crime and is serving time in a military confinement facility here deserves a second chance. “We all make mistakes in life,” Ms. O’Neal said. “Some people end up paying for those mistakes -- some don’t. But in my view, no one is a throwaway.” Ms. O’Neal is a transition assistance specialist with the family support center here. As part of the center’s family support program, every two weeks she goes to the Lackland Regional Correctional Facility and conducts classes to help inmates prepare for the job market after release from incarceration. “I don’t see the inmates as different from the rest of us,” said Ms. O’Neal, who has worked previously with inmates and parolees as a social worker in California and New Mexico. “All of us have a stake in their success. If they are supported and encouraged to address their problems, they have a chance to become a productive member of society.” Ms. O’Neal covers various topics during her classes, including how to handle the touchy subject of past incarceration on an application resume or during a job interview. “Many of the inmates have families and will need to hit the ground running when they are released,” Ms. O’Neal said. “They need to do job searches and prepare resumes.” The center also assists the inmates through Sylvia Flores, a community readiness consultant and licensed social worker. Ms. Flores holds group-counseling sessions and classes on anger management, parenting, building successful relationships, self-esteem and other behavioral topics for the inmates. “The inmates teach me about life and its hardships,” Ms. Flores said. “They increase my world perspective and remind me not to be judgmental when I’m working with others.” Master Sgt. Jose Martinez of the 37th Mission Support Group also teaches “Four Lenses” classes at the facility, which help inmates understand values and personalities. Ms. O’Neal established the instructional program for inmates five years ago after the facility asked for her help and expertise. “Before the program started, none of the inmates had any access to classes or information on how to prepare for employment,” Ms. O’Neal said. “Another difficulty was the lack of opportunity for the inmates to network with potential employers, employment agencies and human resources personnel at various companies because of telephone restrictions at the facility.” Recently, facility officials have allowed some inmates to leave confinement temporarily to visit the center once a week and begin job searches and contact potential employers. A personal computer has been set up in the facility to help inmates work on cover letters and resumes. Ms. O’Neal said she would like to see the facility install more computers, as well as a library. “I love and believe in this program,” Ms. O’Neal said. “These inmates are still part of the Air Force family, and many served honorably before getting into trouble. Over the years, I have had many inmates who have been released call, write letters or e-mail me to let me know they obtained jobs or got into college.”