Edwin Santana
Letter in support of the Many Hands Sustainability Center
July 23rd, 2008
My name is Edwin Santana. I am thirty years old. I am a former resident of Worcester and an ex-con who has found a new way to live without drugs and crime.
When I came out of jail over a year ago, I went into the Almost Home Program. While at Almost Home, I started to find myself and discover what it is like to live drug and crime free. During my stay there, we would volunteer at Many Hands Organic Farm every Friday. I enjoyed these trips to Many Hands, being outside and learning how to work again (because spending time in jails and on drugs, I had forgotten how it is to work hard and honestly). I looked forward to coming out every Friday. We weren't pushed away or rejected. We were treated with respect and allowed to be ourselves. I learned a lot from the people at Many Hands, about farming, how to eat well and take better care of my health, how to grow my own food.
When I finished the program at Almost Home and was moving to another house (Dismas House), I was offered a job at the farm with another one of the guys. I happily accepted. I am now a full time employee at Many Hands and also work five days a month for the Many Hands Sustainability Center where I work with the guys currently at Almost Home. It is a great opportunity for me to help others who are in a similar position as I was in a year ago.
Today I have moved out of the Worcester area to a town near the farm where I live with my wife and new child. I am also able to see my other two children often. I have started farming for myself and my family on this land we rent. We grow our own food and raise our own animals. I have changed in many ways how I live my life: I am being the man I never was before by being a good father, husband, and responsible person in society. Much of this change is due to the people at Almost Home and Many Hands. They have opened doors and given me faith, hope, and support in proceeding with a new life.
Sincerely,
Edwin Santana