Finding the Way
The Long Way Home Female Book 2
About this Shellbook This Shellbook Life Story is based on true events in the lives of current and former offenders. It was developed for use in Peer Education Programs of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. After a thorough discussion about the story and its meaning, each peer group will have an opportunity to rewrite it in their own words. Then they'll be able to publish their version for their own use, and to share with family, friends, and others.
You can download a print-ready version of this Shellbook, or an adaptable version with complete Facilitator's Guide at: www.lifestories.shellbook.net To learn how your organization can partner with the Life Access Technology Trust to help offenders and their families adapt and print this and other Shellbooks please visit: www.ourcommunitylibrary.org
Finding the Way
By Kelly, Angie, Nicole & Sharon Crain Unit September 2010
Jane knows she has HIV. When her mom finds out, she won’t touch her. She won’t even let Jane come into the house.
“You brought this on yourself!”
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Jane has no place to go. So she goes back to her ex at the motel.
"How did I let this happen? What's there to live for?"
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Later, Jane finds an old paper in her purse. It tells all about NA.
“Hmm, maybe I should try NA.”
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At an NA meeting, Jane tells her story…
“Hi. My name is Jane. I’m an addict. And I’m HIV positive.”
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Jane and a new friend from NA talk at a coffee shop.
“My story is not that different. I’m a recovering addict. And I have HIV too.”
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Soon, Jane decides to check into rehab.
“These next 30 days could change your life!� 7
A rehab worker takes Jane to an HIV clinic. She learns all about HIV and how to take care of herself.
“Medicine won’t cure HIV. But if you take it properly, you can live as long as anyone.” 8
Jane learns that she can lead a healthy life if she stays on her meds. She also learns the ADAP program will pay for her HIV meds..
“Jane, you deserve a long, happy life!�
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Jane's mom and sister come for a family counseling session. Jane's mom hugs her.
"Honey, you've changed. I need to change also," her mom says. "We'll get through this together," her sister says. 10
Jane's mama is waiting for her as she walks out of rehab, happy and healthy....
Mama!
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"Jane's" story is based on true life events. It was written and acted out by a group of offenders and public health experts after discussions in the Crain Unit, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, in September 2010. After discussing "Off to a Bad Start", your peer education group may rewrite and publish its own version of the story to share with family, friends, or others who may need to think about the same kind of things "Jane" did... Pass it on!
"... the truth will set you free!"
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About The Long Way Home Series These Shellbook Life Stories were developed for use in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Health Services Peer Education Program. They are a collaborative effort by: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Current and formerly incarcerated offenders in TDCJ Life Access Technology Trust TDCJ Health Services Division Texas Department of State Health Services HIV/STD Prevention and Care Branch University of Texas Medical Branch Correctional Managed Health Care TDCJ Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairment TDCJ Correctional Institutions Division unit staff TDCJ Parole Division TDCJ Chaplaincy Department Wardens, Chaplains, staff, and peer educators at the Huntsville and Crain Units Restorative Justice Planning Council AIDS Foundation Houston Ryan White Planning Council Center for AIDS Information and Advocacy Houston Regional HIV/AIDS Resource Group Carrell Word Wranglers The Shellbook Group GypsyCat Photography
The Long Way Home Series includes four illustrated Shellbook Life Story prototypes, two each for male and female prereleases. Book 1: Bad Decisions! (men's) Off to a Bad Start (women's) Book 2: Joe Gets Help (men's) Finding the Way (women's)
www.lifestories.shellbook.net