BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — On Saturday, dozens of people came out to the convicted conference at the Ten Mile Christian Church to learn more about life after prison.
Over 33 speakers came to talk about a variety of topics, some were incarcerated and others spoke out to family members or loved ones who know someone incarcerated.
Travis Richey, the organizer, was previously incarcerated for 15 months. Now he's been working for almost ten years to help provide resources for former inmates.
"We go in and we teach the inmates really how to communicate with themselves, and what it does is it develops and narrative or an identity for them, and so when they get out, it's no longer about here's what I did here's who I was. It's more about I have a blueprint for where I want to go," Richey said.
Two-thirds of those released from prison will be arrested within three years, according to the Department of Justice. That's because of the lack of resources for inmates.
But events like today are held to combat issues like this.
"Individuals like Travis and other people, they're wanting to bless these people's lives and allow them not to be incarcerated again. Over and over again, and give them that avenue to be able to succeed in life, and that's what I've seen today," said Denese Nelson, event attendee.
Attendee Kayla Luper's mom has been in prison for almost seven years, and she says programs like this have changed her and her mom's life.
"It's hard for me to talk with other people and tell that story, but coming here today, it's just been like really emotional because I get to meet all these people who first-hand know my mom and tell me all the amazing things she's doing. It's amazing and just being able to share her story and talk to other people about that. It's amazing," Luper said.
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