John
John
I believe in the human potential to grow and change
I hope people recognize that mental wellness is something that we can, by our choices in our life, affect positively.
The way we interact with people gives us the potential to change.
Each day, John facilitates programs to help individuals incarcerated at the Maine State Prison.
In his role as a correctional care and treatment worker, he develops and implements plans to help reduce recidivism, address issues of family violence, and help individuals tackle drug and alcohol misuse.
He wants to help change the way people think, to help them make better decisions in their lives.
I’m a professional correctional worker, and I understand what people have been going through.
I believe that what I bring to this field is a professional approach to my job, with a focus on helping people with their mental health.
“For years, I’ve been committed to my sobriety, and my commitment is part of what I bring to this job.”
John relies on his more than 10 years of experience in the corrections field, his education, military training, and the lessons he has learned from his personal life to help the men he works with.
John credits his successes on the job to his “steady influence,” a characteristic he developed when he gave up drinking some 28 years ago.
I had problems with anxiety, and I was treating it with alcohol. I learned that alcohol doesn’t work for treating anxiety or any other mental health issue.
For years, I’ve been committed to my sobriety, and my commitment is part of what I bring to this job.
I don’t get too excited, and my steady influence is helpful to staff and inmates.
John has a unique, personal perspective on mental health issues. In addition to his own problems with drinking, John’s father died young from excessive alcohol use. Also, some of his family members have faced mental health concerns.
Drawing on his personal experience, John feels he can help the people he interacts with on the job. He also knows that he can turn to the people around him for support and understanding, and they can turn to him.
At work, I can reach out to other people—my supervisor, coworkers—if I need to.
Sometimes people stop by to talk to me informally about problems they may be having on the job. It helps us to provide a quality service.
John believes that being open about anxiety, stress, and other concerns can help people face their problems and improve their lives.
I went into corrections because I needed work, but one of the reasons I have stayed is I believe in the human potential to grow and change.
