On a personal level I can relate to this topic. My dad was locked up for something that he did not do when he was younger. Getting arrested can have crucial consequences that can change a person's life forever. You can lose your job, family, and everything that they have worked so hard to get. After this incident my father dedicated his life to helping people who have recently come out of jail get back integrated back into society. We need more programs like this in society that help build up the confidence of those who have been released from jail instead of forever labeling them as an ex-convict. Labeling people who have just been released from jail can break down their confidence and their pride. I think that if us citizens take a peaceful approach and get petitions signed for better opportunities to be given to inmates who are trying to prove their innocence.
As featured in A Life Suited Blog, Howard is the Program Manager for Patrick Allison House inc. and the director of The Ex-Offender Mentoring Academy and Training Center through Living Classrooms Foundation , a non-profit dedicated to fighting recidivism amongst male ex-offenders returning home after being released back into society. Which he founded in August of 2012 after receiving a grant from the state of Maryland for $1Million. The Academy is tucked quietly away in Baltimore City’s Mt. Vernon neighborhood. Part of keeping these men out of prison is ensuring that they are able to have employment so that they are financially independent. This can be a difficult thing to achieve when being released back into society with virtually nothing and no support system. Howard through The Mentoring Academy working hand in hand with Sharp Dressed Man, a non-profit set up by Christopher Schafer through The Baltimore Fashion Alliance seeks to help these men overcome that first hurdle by providing them with donated business attire to wear to job interviews. Today Mr. Wicker gives us an inside look into the program and what drives his own personal style.
A quote from my dad about why he helps those who are released from jail
“Something in me just wants to help people , I don’t know what to call it , but I do know where it comes from (GOD).. And the need to help men coming home from jail is big. More importantly is the need to help them not to go back. Did you know that over 50% of the people in Baltimore who come home from jail go back to jail.. Unbelievable”
Howard Wicker Jr. - Interview with style profile: https://alifesuited.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/style-profile-howard-wicker-the-sharp-dressed-man-behind-the-mentoring-academy/
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