by Sophaon Som, API RISE
My journey through reentry has been one of the most challenging yet meaningful chapters of my life. After spending 23 years incarcerated, I was released with the hope of rebuilding my life, but the reality of reentry was much harder than I imagined. One of my greatest challenges was finding stable housing. After being released, I experienced homelessness and moved from one housing assistance program to another, trying to find stability and a place I could truly call home.
Along that journey, I was blessed to cross paths with Willing 2 Move Forward, and that changed everything for me. Ms. Carolyn, Michelle, Elysia, and Lori, have been there every step of the way. They didn’t just help me find a place to live—they helped me understand what it means to live independently and responsibly. They taught me about credit, budgeting, saving, and living within my means. They encouraged me to believe that stability was possible and that I could build a future for myself.
Their rental assistance played a major role in helping me get on solid ground. Because I was able to save, I eventually purchased a used car, giving me the mobility I needed to work, take care of my responsibilities, and continue moving forward. Today, I am proud to say that I have a full-time job, a rented room, reliable transportation, and a stronger sense of independence.
What started as a professional relationship grew into something much deeper. The support, compassion, and genuine care they showed me went beyond their job responsibilities. They became people I could trust and people who genuinely wanted to see me succeed.
I am incredibly grateful to Willing 2 Move Forward for being such an important part of my reentry journey. After 23 years of incarceration, homelessness, and uncertainty, they helped me find stability, independence, and hope. They played a huge role in helping me reach this stage of my life, and for that, I thank them from the bottom of my heart.My journey is still continuing, but today I am no longer just trying to survive—I am building a life. I am willing to move forward.