Interviewing Eric Flores, with the Freedom Project in Seattle, WA, presents a new view of how people can change their lives with help, time, and a change in circumstances.

Host Joy Gilfilen talks with him about his experience growing up as a teen, living inside the juvenile correctional system, and living in an environment where gangs, drugs, and shootings were common. It was just part of his life and a learned behavior from his surroundings.

Eric didn’t know another life or way of being until he came to a different state, had different mentors and opportunities, and found a different way of understanding the world. Seeing his children for the first time from inside a prison cell changed him forever. He saw how his decisions were affecting their lives, and he made a commitment to change.

Today, Eric has become a mentor and part of the counselor and coaching team to help people reenter the world outside the walls. He has been learning and teaching others how to build bridges to a better life when people are anticipating their release.