Edwingarcia, 42

Hello, my name is Edwin Garcia - nice to meet you!
I have been incarcerated since April 9, 2016 and my current release date is April 9, 2045.
The most important part of my life has been my work with the inmate community. For more than eight years, I have been a facilitator, aide, and mentor in the P.L.U.S. program (Purposeful Living Units Serve). In that role, I've been able to walk alongside others as they work to better themselves, heal from their past and find purpose while serving their time. It's been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, because it's not just about me growing 0 it's about helping others grow too.
My connection to the inmate community is real and personal. I've seen much difference a listening ear, encouragement, or a bit of guidance can make in someone's day. Just like a kitchen, where everyone has a role to play, I've some to believe that each of us here has the power to create a better environment if w put in the effort. For me, that means offering support, sharing what've learned, and helping others believe in their potential.
I've made mistakes in the past, but those mistakes don't define the man that I am today. I try to live each day with intention--supporting my peers, growing as a person and using my time to give back. At my heart, I am still that chef who loves to serve others, only now my "ingredients" are compassion, mentorship, and hope.
What keeps me moving forward is the belief that even in the hardest circumstances we can build community, we can heal, and we can make something good out of our time and that is my goal and my goal for our community!