Eric Matthews recently graduated and is currently serving as a House Shepherd. He reflects on his experiences at TPOM and what he wants to do in the future.

How did TPOM help you in your transition?

[Case manager] Alice went above and beyond her duties. She helped me get child support arranged, helped get my license, and was ready to help with any issue.

How did your search go?

I actually was able to find my own job with an irrigation and landscaping company. I was able to give Fred (Workforce Development) another contact for a place to send others for a job.

What future plans do you have?

I hope to be able to move back home to North Carolina to care for my father who is ill. I want to own my own excavating company one day. I’ve run machines in a quarry and operated excavating equipment all my life.

Tell us about your current work as a House Shepherd?

I’ve had an amazing experience. I’ve got some good guys and they have been respectful of me. I treat them like family and I’d do anything for them that would help them. I’m working on a psychology degree and that helps me to understand people and apply what I’m learning.

What advice do you have for others who might be thinking about reentry?

Stick with the program. You can be more successful if you stick with the program.