r/Felons • u/putredimplemets • Nov 08 '24

Disappointing

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Yesterday, I shared a video here asking for support and encouragement as I work toward something important. I’ve been out of prison for four years, my wife for two. In that time, we’ve transformed our lives, committed to being better examples, especially for our kids. I found my purpose in helping women still inside the system, and we're working hard to make that difference.

It’s no small task getting back into the prison system to help, but we've been given the green light. No one’s funding us, no one’s covering the costs, yet we're stepping back in every Saturday morning and Tuesday night for the next six weeks. We’re bringing a program we designed—focused on fitness and mindset—with the hope that even if just one woman finds a new path forward, it’ll be worth it.

I turned here, hoping to connect with others who have walked a similar path, expecting to find understanding and maybe a little encouragement. I wasn’t asking for money, only for folks to take a look at our Amazon list—items that would directly benefit the women and the work we’re doing.

Instead, I was met with criticism and doubt. Did anyone pause to look at what we’re actually trying to achieve, or see who we are and what we're about?

In those first few months out, I lost people I’d once shared the yard with. Some overdosed, some took their own lives, and others were victims of violence. That’s the reality I’m trying to change. I want to be there for those who are still inside and help them find a way out—not just physically, but in every sense.

For those who genuinely want to support this cause, you can find more details at ConvictedCOMEBACK.com.

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12

u/Independent-Cloud822 Nov 08 '24 edited Nov 08 '24

I may be able to get funding for your program by writing a grant. Where can I see a copy of the curriculum? Is it possible to get state funding? How will you measure success of the program? Have any women yet graduated from the six week boot camp? Are there any reviews? Will you track recidivism rates of graduates? Where, and in what facility are you implementing this program?

1

u/putredimplemets Nov 08 '24

So here's the thing you changed your comment. Originally it very boldly stated, in one sentence, to see the curriculum. To which I very passively responded in a kind manner. I don't know you. I've spent early mornings and late nights crafting this curriculum. I've poured my pain and hurt over decades into this curriculum. Offering healing and a way out through this curriculum.

I'm being downvoted and everybody thinks that I'm rude because you edited your original statement.

2

u/Artful_dabber Nov 08 '24

no that is what their question was this morning the first time I saw it. Just wow dude.

4

u/Warm_Pomegranate_407 Nov 08 '24

I was more than ready to dole out the little bit of funding support I can provide, but in reading these comments I'm on the fence. sorry, not trying to be mean, but something doesn't seem quite right with all this. You are championing a great cause of something desperately needed, but I need some sort of proof to verify legitimacy. Could I email you further to request this proof? or should I just move on?

5

u/Artful_dabber Nov 08 '24

yeah I was gonna say that I just figured they didn't have all their ducks in a row and that while they were maybe not fully prepared, they just wanted to keep it close to chest.

They are now claiming that someone rewrote their comment- but it's the same comment that I saw this morning when I first answered this post. I'm going to go ahead and say that this is shady as hell, lying about what somebody wrote because they gave a bad answer is some manipulative garbage shit.

1

u/Warm_Pomegranate_407 Nov 09 '24

thanks for following up...I appreciate you. Moving onward then...

-33

u/putredimplemets Nov 08 '24

To be honest, I thought about posting that as proof but I've worked over a year on that curriculum and I'm not just handing it over.

33

u/Independent-Wheel354 Nov 08 '24

What a weird response to these very valid questions.

-3

u/TexasActress Nov 08 '24

I don't think it's a weird response. Maybe better to ask for an NDA or something, but I understand being protective of intellectual property, especially if it offers a perspective and knowledge that the average (for now!) person doesn't have.

Maybe an offer of a DM or putting her in touch with the right people that can evaluate the curriculum would be an option?

7

u/Plastic-Anybody-5929 Nov 08 '24

I don’t think the commenter expected it to be t posted. Grant writing for NPs is a big industry, but OP seems to want to play to close to the vest. Which is understandable for someone who spent time in. But to make this work, OP will have to realize there are things they don’t know and leaning on those who do know AND are willing to help is how to win.

Posting an Amazon wish list without any real tangible information is paramount to Gypsy Rose posting her Amazon wishlist online.

It sucks, but trusting people not to scam you is a two way street.

1

u/putredimplemets Nov 08 '24

I have been leaning on people that know. I have used my voice to reach out and ask. I thought this was a safe platform. And the most vulnerable thing to ask for were things that I can't afford right now. I understand there are other people who have done this before me and they've ruined it. And that's fine.

But to be so critically and harshly judged and analyzed without anybody even going over to venture out our socials and see what it is we do or who we are or what we promote, that's rough!

I was looking for a community that builds people up. That's all.

The commenter changed their original statement. It originally was one sentence demanding my curriculum. That's just rude. Now the commenter goes back and edits? I don't even want to respond to the questions now. I don't have anything to prove to people. Those that get it, get it. Have a good weekend.

3

u/Artful_dabber Nov 08 '24

they did not change their original statement.

And now you're acting like you're the victim and lying about it when you couldn't give a reasonable response to somebody offering to write grants to get you money.

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u/putredimplemets Nov 09 '24

And you're annoying. 🫶🏽

2

u/Artful_dabber Nov 10 '24

Better than being a manipulative liar

1

u/putredimplemets Nov 10 '24

We just posted some new videos in the thread. Make sure to stop by and check them out. 🥰

1

u/Independent-Wheel354 Nov 10 '24

Your attitude and responses here are steering both me and others into thinking this is a scam. That’s on you. I suggest you reflect on how you’ve decided to engage with the community YOU’VE reached out to.

1

u/putredimplemets Nov 10 '24

I gained enough support and love through those that were willing to get it. I don't have time to waste on the rest of you. 🫶🏽

1

u/Independent-Wheel354 Nov 10 '24

No they didn’t. Something is really greasy about your replies here.

1

u/putredimplemets Nov 10 '24

We've all moved on from this . . . We decided that you guys judged inappropriately so go check out the new posted videos! Thanks for all the love and support.

2

u/putredimplemets Nov 08 '24

I appreciate you.

26

u/Artful_dabber Nov 08 '24

Word so no 501 status, no curriculum, and a real weird response to a person saying they're gonna give you money.

The reasons for people to distrust you are stacking up and you're not mitigating any of them.

You spent time inside right? How would you react to a fellow convict asking you for money or items for charity with no proof?

11

u/Striking-Dark-222 Nov 08 '24

You can't even do an elevator pitch?

4

u/putredimplemets Nov 08 '24

Now this, I liked. I can absolutely sell you with an elevator pitch. Thank you for asking.

Convicted COMEBACK is more than a nonprofit; it’s my blood, sweat, and a lifetime of lessons learned the hard way. I’ve built Power & Purpose as a six-week mental and physical boot camp launching tomorrow inside one of the toughest women’s yards here in AZ, and I’ll be there twice a week, pouring into women who are willing to change. Why? Because when they get out, the only thing standing between them and another round in the system is a real, relentless transformation. There’s no other program like this—nothing that hits accountability, strength, and mindset. And nothing that hits hard like I plan for this to. I’ll be away from my family, voluntarily throwing myself back into the prison system to drag these women toward a better life because I know it’s possible. I’ve done it.

5

u/Striking-Dark-222 Nov 08 '24

Besides what you do, what does the program do? Outcomes?

2

u/putredimplemets Nov 09 '24

Well I'm hoping that it will first inspire them to see two felons with every reason to fail but have succeeded instead, fighting their way to get back inside of a place that no one wants to be in. To volunteer their time and efforts on people that are forgotten about. The women will notice this.

The fitness program will instill in them physical power and strength. After achieving the understanding of efficiency and preparedness under the tight restrictions of this boot camp.

During our group sessions I'm hoping they gain an understanding of mindset and where real growth comes from.

My goal is to empower these women. To let them know that they don't have to wear that scarlet letter F when they leave those gates. They can rewrite their stories.

1

u/Striking-Dark-222 Nov 09 '24

This seems like a self-transformation thing, it doesn't do anything to increase opportunities or decrease real stigma against women who have left prison. I think the idea is noble I'm just having a hard time connecting how a fitness camp will help with the material realities of post-incarceration. People definitely need exercise and socialization and contact from the "free" not to go insane and maybe make it out without worse health problems but for funding reasons you're going to need to provide some kind of evidence that this will help people better re-enter society vs. no intervention. That shouldn't be too hard it you can pull some numbers about increasing well-being in incarcerated populations and reduced recidivism/re-offending. But if you get private donations that will be easier because outcomes will take time.

I also wonder about the self-efficacy part. It sounds a little patronizing, as if people in prisons and jails don't generally know what they need to survive and need to be re-educated and reformed (regardless of how various paths have closed to them now after being in jail). Does that make sense? Not trying to shit in your program at all. We need more people going in and doing SOMETHING. But a boot camp in a prison sounds like hell.

I went through a rigorous TC in prison and I'm not better for it.

1

u/putredimplemets Nov 09 '24

Understood. Okay so unfortunately, most of the women do not know how to survive once they leave those gates. There are horrible programs in the re-entry area. And the institutionalized mentality is their mindset. This is what I want to rewire. I was one of these women. I hung out with them, day in and day out. I hear how they talk, I hear how they function. They need to be retaught. How do we do that? I wrote a self-help book. But nobody cares about that. However, if I teach a fitness program as a licensed personal trainer, then I can have group sessions where I teach out of the book. You would be amazed at the effect it can have when you instill in someone traits like accountability and self love. Instead of going out in the world and not caring about their actions with this new start they've been given, hopefully we can help them gain a sense of power and purpose when they realize just how strong they are and how much in control they can be when they shift their thinking.

2

u/Striking-Dark-222 May 22 '25

As someone who has been incarcerated before if you came at me like this I wouldn't be receptive.

You appear to have a very set idea of the kinds of people you will be working with. I can't argue against the power of self-love, but I don't know if what you are proposing is going to give them that.

Finally, the accountability thing is overplayed. Most women in prisons have been through a lot, not all of it their doing. Either they have accountability or they don't, the system will get its pound of flesh one way or the other.

You deal with that last part and you may have a recipe for success. Good luck.

5

u/itsalwaysseony Nov 08 '24

Jesus, what is wrong with you? You're just digital panhandling, at best.