KETTERING -- A non-profit organization in Kettering helps ex-offenders break the cycle of returning to prison by providing supportive services.
Circle of VisionKeepers helps newly returning citizens find their self-worth through education, job skills, and other assistance that will help inspire better options.
For two of them, that means through creativity.
Derrick Patrick spent seven years in prison for dealing and doing drugs. With the help of the Circle of Vision, Patrick has been doing portraits of people to help him pass time.
He has turned into in a small side business.
Debra Horton, has been out of prison for a year.
She served eight years in a federal prison. With the Circle of VisionKeepers, she has started to concentrate on a card-making hobby.
Horton says she felt invincible on the streets of Dayton, "as far as selling drugs, I made more money than the guys in the city. So, that made me feel even more powerful."
With her free time Horton makes all types of cards for all occasions.
Both Horton and Patrick also use their time to help those around them through community service to know their worth.
Kahdijah Ali is in charge of Circle of Vision; she helps as many of those coming out of prison as she can.
"We must find ways to help empower these individuals or else we're destined to keep repeating," said Ali.
For more information on home-made cards or hand-drawn portraits contact the Circle of Vision on their website here.
Circle of VisionKeepers helps newly returning citizens find their self-worth through education, job skills, and other assistance that will help inspire better options.
For two of them, that means through creativity.
Derrick Patrick spent seven years in prison for dealing and doing drugs. With the help of the Circle of Vision, Patrick has been doing portraits of people to help him pass time.
He has turned into in a small side business.
Debra Horton, has been out of prison for a year.
She served eight years in a federal prison. With the Circle of VisionKeepers, she has started to concentrate on a card-making hobby.
Horton says she felt invincible on the streets of Dayton, "as far as selling drugs, I made more money than the guys in the city. So, that made me feel even more powerful."
With her free time Horton makes all types of cards for all occasions.
Both Horton and Patrick also use their time to help those around them through community service to know their worth.
Kahdijah Ali is in charge of Circle of Vision; she helps as many of those coming out of prison as she can.
"We must find ways to help empower these individuals or else we're destined to keep repeating," said Ali.
For more information on home-made cards or hand-drawn portraits contact the Circle of Vision on their website here.