IN MY OWN WORDS - ROBERT, EOCI GARMENT FACTORY

Robert saves money and works on his people skills

"The financial benefits of working for OCE are tremendous and vital for me. I have no outside source of income. No one to contact or ask for help. This is all I have. The ability to have a few luxuries that are offered for sale in the Oregon prison system like a TV, radio, coffee, and supplies ect., make a huge difference. Working for OCE allows me to live modestly, while saving money for when I am released. I now have the ability to support myself for several months. Upon release I will not have to be a burden or drain on an already stressed social system. I have a feeling of security."

We have received many letters and continue to see more come in. The responses have been fairly well-rounded with a range of positive, negative, and neutral tones. We want to share with you a letter we received from Robert. Robert resides at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution and works in OCE's Garment Factory as a mechanic. He is learning to deal with a lot of different personalities as he navigates his time in prison. His last name has been redacted for considerations of safety and sensitivity. What he has to say in the following letter is real and in his own words.

Read more stories like this and learn about OCE training programs and projects by visiting our BLOGS PAGE.