A friend referred Derek* to DRLA’s Financial Access Inclusion & Resources (FAIR) program shortly before his parole board hearing, after being incarcerated for the majority of his adult life. Derek is in his 50s, with a substance use disorder and multiple physical impairments. His FAIR case manager wrote a letter to the parole board sharing the support he could receive upon release. He was released during the pandemic and shared that his goals are to buy a car, work as a chauffeur, and get his own apartment.
His FAIR case manager assisted him in gaining stability upon his release by applying for SNAP and Medicaid, and accessing primary care medical services, substance use treatment, and Reentering Citizens Stimulus funds through a partnering organization, The First 72+. Afterwards, his case manager assisted him in pulling his credit report and disputing errors on this report that would harm his ability to get an auto loan. His case manager then helped him build his resume and employment plan.
Next, she showed him how to get his provisional driver’s license, enabling him to drive before he can remove all holds preventing him from restoring his chauffeur’s license. He was hired as an independent contractor at a towing and auto body shop, earning about $1,400 per month.
His case manager is now helping him establish a budget so he knows how much he can afford to pay in a monthly debt repayment plan for his child support debt of over $20,000. After entering into a payment plan with the Department of Children and Family Services, he will be able to access his chauffeur’s license.
*name changed to protect confidentiality
