From Incarceration to Independence: The First Steps of Your Recovery Journey
Starting a new chapter after incarceration can feel overwhelming. At MentorWorks, we believe that a successful transition begins with a warm welcome and a clear roadmap. From the moment a staff member meets you at the gate, our goal is to provide the stability, resources, and community needed for long-term sobriety and success.
The Intake Process: Your First Day at MentorWorks
The life-changing journey begins with personalized support. Our staff assists with the immediate logistics of reentry, including transportation from prison or jail and coordinating with parole or probation officers.
Once at our offices, we focus on clarity and connection:
The Handbook & Contract: We review the MentorWorks Healthy Transition Home Handbook together, ensuring everyone understands house rules and program expectations.
Individualized Success Plan: You will collaborate with staff to create a “My Sobriety Plan”—a personal roadmap based on your specific goals.
Safety & Boundaries: We establish clear boundaries to ensure the sober living environment remains a safe space for everyone.
Clinical Care: A program supervisor schedules your intake assessment with a counselor to determine the best level of care for your Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
Breaking Barriers: Cost, Insurance, and Targeted Adult Medicaid (TAM)
Many individuals returning to the community face significant dental, physical, and mental health challenges. Without insurance, these needs often go unmet, which can lead to self-medication and relapse.
To bridge this gap, we utilize the Utah Targeted Adult Medicaid (TAM) program. This initiative is designed specifically for:
Individuals involved in the justice system (probation or parole).
Those experiencing chronic homelessness.
Individuals requiring court-ordered substance use or mental health treatment.
TAM covers medical, dental, and behavioral health treatments at no cost to the participant. Upon intake, our case managers help eligible clients enroll in TAM immediately. We also provide basic essentials, such as fresh linens, food, and clothing, so you can focus entirely on your wellness.
Success Story: Casey T. struggled with chronic pain and turned to substances because he couldn’t afford medical insurance. Through the TAM program at MentorWorks, he received life-saving medical care, including Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT), and eventually received the support needed to taper off safely.
Building Independence Through Employment
Finding a job is a cornerstone of a stable life. Employment provides more than just a paycheck; it offers structure, purpose, and financial independence.
We recognize that a criminal record can make the job search feel daunting. However, you aren’t alone. Our case managers, mentors, and peers provide hands-on support. By developing strong work habits in entry-level positions, most of our clients quickly transition into higher-paying careers as they grow in their recovery.
The RISE Method: Measuring Your Growth
Success is built on small, achievable milestones. Our program utilizes two overlapping frameworks to help you track your progress:
MentorWorks Riser Levels (RISE): Standing for Recovery in Sober Environments, these 7 levels focus on healthy living and peer support.
Redwood Recovery Progression Levels: These 7 levels focus on processing the psychology of recovery and shifting your mindset.
Level 1: “Mentee” and “Soil”
In the first few weeks, clients enter the Mentee (Riser) and Soil (Progression) phases. This is the “preparation” stage where you:
Identify triggers and remove unhealthy contacts from social media.
Commit to regular drug testing and attend group sessions.
Begin working with recovery mentors.
Focus on “softening the ground” for change—balancing medications and finding a primary care provider.
The Garden of Life: Preparing for Change
Think of recovery like a garden. Before you can plant a seed, the ground must be cleared of weeds and the soil must be turned. In life, this means moving away from the habits, places, and people that fostered addiction.
By creating a Success Plan, you are installing the “irrigation system” for your new life. While the work can be difficult, watching the transformation from “disturbed soil” to a flourishing life is a privilege for our entire community.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
The first week of reentry is a whirlwind of new rules, new faces, and new responsibilities. As Gordon S., a recent graduate, shared: “I felt completely supported… I knew that at any time I could call anyone and they would be there.”
Whether you are a prospective client, a loved one, or a community member, we invite you to be part of this supportive network.
How you can help:
Connect: Reach out to a loved one currently in recovery.
Share: Spread awareness by sharing this post on social media.
Support: Comment below with your own story of recovery or encouragement.
References
- Pappas, S. (2020, October 1). The toll of job loss. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/10/toll-job-loss
- Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390-395.
- Targeted Adult Medicaid Program. (2017, July 1). Utah Department of Health Medicaid. https://medicaid.utah.gov/targeted-adult-medicaid-program/