My Story: Clarence Smith
March 3, 2010 | By Jenni Baker | 
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I spent four years in the state penitentiary in Pennsylvania. I never looked at it as a liability or a handicap. I saw it as a privilege and an opportunity for me to excel. I went on a lot of interviews, and doors were closed in my face because of my record. I didn’t have the opportunity to work in some jobs where I felt I could be an asset to the company, because they wouldn’t hire me.
I was working with the Mayor’s Office for the Reentry of Ex-Offenders (M.O.R.E) in Philadelphia and I was referred to Goodwill Industries® of Southern New Jersey/Philadelphia for their 7th Street project. I worked with the Dell Reconnect program, sorting and packaging parts. Goodwill taught me how to be a leader — not just in the workplace, but also in life too. I learned, despite whatever kind of job I was working, to make it the best job that I could for myself and for my family. I learned communication skills and how to conduct myself with employers.
Clarence Smith works on a computer at Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia
Since I left Goodwill®, I’ve been working in a lot of different areas, but everything has been in computers. I’ve been working as a telecommunications technician, where I got my certification through M.O.R.E. I enrolled myself in computer service technology courses. I’m finishing school in March and I’ll be a certified computer repair technician. I’m also currently working as a counselor at The Bridge. We mentor children who have been affected by drugs and alcohol.
I see myself doing so much better and so much more than what I’m expected to do. Many people look at people with criminal backgrounds and think that we’re just going to continue to get in trouble and that we don’t know what it is we want with our lives. Everything that I’ve been through and learned has taught me to succeed in life and to never let anything hold me back.
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Well I know how ou feel because I recently been in trouble and its kinda hard for me to find a job also
I just want to say… that your story is powerful. I have a brother in law with similar background. He needs work to get on his feet. I hope you can help. I will share your story!
God Bless you.
This is a story that does encourage me – I am 47, and because of a low-level felony conviction in North Carolina from 15 years ago, I have been looking for work for 2 years, and doors seem to be shut all over the place. I am currently in school at Pitt Community College in Greenville NC, to obtain my degree in Human Services-Substance Abuse, where I eventually hope to transfer to ECU to obtain a Bachelor’s and then a Master’s in Social Work. I’ve been clean and sober also for 15 years.
I work in the co-occurring field currently and have come across many that cannot find a job, due to having a criminal record. I applaud your success!
clarence,
i just want to let you know that your story brought me to tears. my partner has been struggling with being unemployed for about a year now. he is an honest, hardworking man who like most ex offenders did something stupid that they regret and just want to turn their lives around. some days he feels like an absolute scumbag because he doesn’t contribute financially. and i’ve got to tell you, it’s rough. but by no means does it make him a bad person. your story has encouraged me to tell him about the opportunities goodwill has to offer. it is just sad to see that more companies don’t understand that most people who have served their time want to make a change in their life, and they DON’T want to be that person sitting behind bars.
congratulations on all of your success and good luck with everything in the future. you truly are an inspiration.
Thank you Clarence for your story. I know God will help people who want to change. Your story is a testimony for others and hopefully an inspiration. I’ve known my share of people who have been in jail. I Always wondered about the rehabilitation/ correction departments aka PUNISHMENT DEPARTMENT. I’ve realized rehabilitation has to come from within.
My advice to anyone whose been to jail, be a good house guest to anyone who hasn’t given up on y0u( BE an asset to the home), pull your weight in all others areas, take advantage of all training opportunities. Become a career student until employment opportunities are offered. Volunteer & network, position yourself to be ready for ALL opportunities. The Early Bird really does get the worm. Condition yourself to get up early as if you were going to a job prepare for the next day (clothes ready, paperwork, & pen). Look for training programs and jobs like its your job M-F 9-5. Apply the 80/20 rule make sure 80% of your time is looking for a job/training…then reward yourself with 20% of your time for leisure. You are sure to get results.
I have relatives who are seeking job training programs & work and to my surprise have been denied training because of felony record. I know they will get through this with diligence and endurance. I tell them the Lord has something better for them. So keep preparing yourself for the next opportunity. Please share any strategies for getting thru the red tape to get training for felons in Georgia. Some training interest are CDL, forklift, HAVAC/ maintenance.
Sorry for rambling Love to you all
imagine making a mistake that cost you never being able to get employed I cut some branches off a tree in a wooded area by my home to sell and make christmas wreathes I tried to cash a bad check all theese two mistakes have cost me Im a single mom with five kids and a very loving and humble person and it brings me to tears to talk about my situation because its harder for me to find a job to take care of my kids I commend you clarence or any one that wants to work be it that there are so many people that dont and wait on goverment bennefitts it says alot about a persons character to get up get out pond the pavement and look for a job thank you this story does give me hope
Keep up the good work. Throughout my 23 years in career life I too understand the challenges we face and want to help others like us succeed. I like to promote education and entrepreneurship as paths to opportunity for all of those that share our experiences.
i kno how it is i have a felony and cant get a job no where i have been in jail for 6 months and now have changed my life around, but everytime i am honest and say i have a record they turn me down for the job. i paided for my crime and i just want a better life ahead but no one gives me a chance.
I also have a felony conviction from 2007 for computer hacking.
I have been in computers all my life and am a systems administrator but have been unable to find a job since then.
I have tried help desk position and even Wawa. No one will hire me.
mr.c i didnt know u had it in you to tell your life story on the web i like the way u help me with computer’s. i dont have any felony’s and i never been to the state penitentiary but i like computer’s thank’s agian for helping me get on the right track.
Thanks for the inspiration I really needed to hear your story. I got myself into trouble when I was 20yrs old, first time, 2yrs prison 4yr probation sentence. Sentenced as a youthful offender. I got out and have been out of trouble ever since. Even though it was the first and last time, 8yrs later, I still cant get a decent job. What hurts me the most is that I was actually in college on a bright-future scholarship when I got into trouble. I wish I had appreciated my life then, but hindsight is 20/20. I now have a son and I really want to provide for him but doors are constantly shut in my face even though Im qualified. But your story gives me hope, I cant give up. Eventually someone will give me that second chance…I pray
Clarence I applaud you my brother. I pray that you will continue down the right path. I have family members who really need to read your story and see how change can and will happen. My prayers are with you.