Lamar M.
Lamar’s life story – from prison to provider – is a striking illustration of redemption and resilience. Formerly incarcerated, he now thrives as a responsible father and a highly successful over-the-road trucker, earning $100,000 annually. This transformation, a testament to the human spirit’s capacity, was significantly aided by Fathers & Families Support Center’s (FFSC) Re-Entry Project. FFSC helped Lamar reconcile with his sons and ignited a passion to give back and combat homelessness.
His journey began amidst the harsh realities of Chicago, where, as one of thirteen children, he navigated a childhood marked by instability and a profound lack of parental guidance. “I was without purpose, had no plans, I was like a leaf blowing in the wind,” he recalls. The emotional wounds of abandonment ran deep, leaving him grappling with a fundamental question: “If my mother and father didn’t care, I wondered who cared about me, who truly cared?” His words echo the enduring pain of a childhood devoid of consistent support and affirmation.
This emotional turmoil manifested in a series of challenges, leading to drug involvement, escalating mental health issues, and ultimately, a 15-year prison sentence at the age of 22. Despite the stark reality of incarceration, Lamar’s paternal instincts remained strong. He sought to maintain a connection with his sons, a desire that, though well-intentioned, initially resulted in discord. His attempts to guide their lives from behind bars were met with resistance, leading to a painful five-year estrangement from his son, Damien. Yet, he found solace in the simple act of reading bedtime stories to his son Davontae, a small gesture that became a lifeline in prison.
Upon his release after a decade, Lamar was determined to build a stable foundation for his family. He acquired his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a tangible step towards a brighter future, and secured a job as an over-the-road trucker. However, his path was fraught with obstacles. A subsequent conviction led to an additional 17 months in state custody, followed by probation at the Transition Center St. Louis, where he encountered the transformative work of Fathers & Families Support Center’s (FFSC) six-week Re-Entry Project.
Although probation restrictions loomed over Lamar’s truck-driving career, confining him to a narrow lane of employment, FFSC proved to be his guiding light. They navigated the bureaucratic maze, ensuring his CDL remained valid by renewing his medical card, which opened a door to a local Amazon route. That door, however, slammed shut with contract suspensions, leaving Lamar stranded.
Yet, this wasn’t the end of the road. Post-release, FFSC’s 6-week Employment Development & Mentoring Program (EDMP) became his lifeline. There, he didn’t just receive aid; he received a strategic overhaul. FFSC employment staff propelled him through MTC Truck Driving School, arming him with advanced manual training and a coveted certification. Now, Lamar commands the open road, earning a $100,000 salary, a testament to his resilience and FFSC’s unwavering support. “They didn’t just hand me a fish,” he says, ‘they taught me how to fish, providing everything from training and groceries to interview suits and the first month’s rent on my apartment.”
The impact of FFSC’s program is profound. With an astonishingly low 3% recidivism rate from its program participants, compared to Missouri’s average of over 30%, the program served as a beacon of hope for Lamar. “FFSC has helped me more than any other program,” he attests.
Lamar’s relationship with his sons flourished, too. FFSC taught him new communication tools, which fueled Lamar to bridge years of separation. His son Damien’s eventual participation in FFSC’s Youth Leadership and Development Program symbolized a powerful act of reconciliation. The long-awaited meeting with his eldest son, Isaiah, marked a significant milestone, filling a void he had carried for years. ” I didn’t know anything about being a father,” he explains, “but I am happy to have a relationship with all three of my sons thanks to FFSC’s support!”
Driven by a desire to give back, Lamar aims to address the issue of homelessness. “Homelessness is a serious issue,” he asserts. “What I stand for today, is to impact generations to come.” His journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of support, proving that redemption is possible.
