Joseph A’s Story

My story to Steelbridge starts out with me being a troubled teen who had no real direction. At 17, I was involved in a serious crime which got me incarcerated for 20 years and eight months. New laws were passed in 2023 for Juvenile Reform, which afforded me the right to go in front of the parole board for a chance at early parole. I was granted parole on April 26, 2024. 

When I got out last year, it was very difficult for me to adjust to society. After being locked up for so long, from 17 to 38, prison was all I knew. I had a mental breakdown, which sent me back to prison after being out for 2 months and 17 days. I spent the next 7 months trying to get back out. 

This time, the parole board said they would let me out again only if I got accepted to a residential substance abuse treatment center. I applied to another recovery center, but I was denied. This was tough news. Then I applied to Steelbridge—and I was accepted. Praise God. I had another shot. 

I came to Steelbridge hopeful, yet I still held on to my pride, bitterness, and anger. After a few weeks here, there was another resident who was trying to bully people. I don’t like those who pick on the weak, so I intervened. In the process, my jaw and nose were broken. I had to have my jaw wired shut for a month. That was a humbling experience—to have to be on a liquid diet. 

I started to realize that I was tired of being angry, bitter, and prideful. God put it on my heart that it was time to let that go. Through being here at Steelbridge, doing the curriculum Foundation Core class—which is Ms. Barbara’s class (she is such a wonderful person)—was an aiding factor in my decision to let go of those things that had consumed me for so long. 

In Ms. Barbara's class, I started to learn who Jesus truly was and what God’s plan was for me. Christ had become my firm foundation, and I surrendered to Him. I give all praise and glory to God in Jesus’ name. 

I am forever grateful to Steelbridge Ministries.