JPAP's Success Story: Empowering Mr. W with Technology and Support

Announcement
August 8, 2024

In October, we shared the exciting news that the Jail and Prison Advocacy Project (JPAP) helped Mr. W in his re-entry process by providing him with an ORCAM MyEye. This innovative, voice-activated device is designed for people who are blind or have low vision. It enables users to read menus, identify dollar bills, read street signs, tell the date and time, recognize faces, identify products, and much more. Thanks to this device, Mr. W can now grocery shop, read the newspaper, and perform daily tasks with greater ease and independence.

Robert (left) and Mr. W (right) stand together in front of a cake that says "Congratulations," as well as a case of pastries, drinks, and a card.

The journey didn't stop there. Just a few weeks ago, Mr. W fully completed JPAP's re-entry program. His progress has been nothing short of remarkable, thanks to the dedicated support of his reentry counselor, Robert. Together, they worked tirelessly to ensure Mr. W had all the tools and resources he needed to rebuild his life. Mr. W had been working with JPAP since his release in fall of 2022, and found ULS through a prior friendship with Robert, who ultimately ended up working with Mr. W as his case manager.

One of the first steps was recovering Mr. W's identifying documents, a crucial step for accessing various services and opportunities. With Robert's guidance, Mr. W began receiving mental health services, which provided him with the support needed to address any emotional and psychological challenges he faced during his transition.

Finding stable housing was another significant milestone. Through persistence and support, Mr. W secured a place to call home. The journey to secure housing involved overcoming many obstacles, but with persistent effort and Robert's assistance, Mr. W was able to obtain a stable and secure residence. This new home not only provides Mr. W with physical shelter but also offers a sense of stability and security that is crucial for his ongoing personal development and success in his new life.

Mr. W's journey is a testament to the power of comprehensive support and innovative technology. The ORCAM MyEye has not only enhanced his independence but also restored his confidence in navigating the world around him. The dedicated assistance from JPAP and the collaboration with A Wider Circle exemplify the positive outcomes that can be achieved when organizations and individuals come together to support reentry. When asked about Mr. W, his case manager, Robert, said that he was one of the most self-driven clients that he had ever worked with. Mr. W was deeply dedicated to completing JPAP's re-entry milestones, and we are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and grateful to have been part of his journey. His story inspires us to continue our mission of empowering individuals through technology, support, and community resources. Stay tuned for more success stories and updates on how we are making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Mr. W and the JPAP team at his celebration! From left to right: Tammy, Natasha, Mr. W, Robert, Cami

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