CGABlog
New Chapters: Stories of Freedom – Interview with Michael Clark
INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL CLARK What was your first day out like? I got home on December 29th, 2019, from Atlanta TC. I remember it was a sunny day, slightly cold given the time of year. My parents came to pick me up that morning. It probably wasn’t as glamorous as most people would expect, only…
Read MoreMy CGA Journey – By West
My journey at Common Good Atlanta (CGA) kicked off with my desire as a 3rd year Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student in the Fall of 2021. It all started when I enrolled in the Social Welfare institution and had the privilege of being taught by Dr. Elizabeth Beck, a highly inspirational professor. And my…
Read MoreReason to Celebrate by Michael Clark
The end of the year. We are finally here! The time when all the holidays fall in sequence as family gatherings, parties, soirees, and more seem to be never-ending. We cheer with people we haven’t seen the year before and keep our spirits merry and warm. Let’s not forget any family tradition we uphold from…
Read MoreA letter to a friend coming home by Michael Clark
I recently wrote a letter to a friend’s daughter who was incarcerated. When I wrote her, she had just got her time and was still in the throws of understanding what her future looked like. I felt it was necessary to write her to discuss some things I knew she was soon to encounter, something…
Read MoreFirst Date by Michael Clark
I gained a humble dose of wisdom after one of the first dates I went on when I got home. I had been on a few prior to this, but this woman, who I will call Cara (not her real name), was different. We had met during a New Year’s Eve party and had hit…
Read More“Now You Know” – Burrus Graduation Speech
Letters: Stay in touch with family and friends by Michael Clark
During the first summer at my first prison camp, I was on lockdown. There are a lot of things to explain about this situation, so bear with me for a moment. My first prison camp was in Waycross, Georgia, and it was a close security camp which also had the distinction of being a medical/low-level…
Read MorePain in our Stories by Michael Clark
I was reminded of a bit of wisdom I gained in prison recently. I had a friend going through rough times, and he started venting some of his frustrations and concerns to me. After a minute, he stopped and laughed, then said, “You know, Mike, I almost forgot you were in prison. Here I am…
Read MoreAn Interview with David Evans, CGA Alumnus
How did you get involved with CGA? I was working at the prison’s “print shop.” This was my work detail. One of my co-workers, Kane Miller, would take Wednesdays off every week and go to some “literature class.” I thought that was interesting, but I knew they wouldn’t let both of us stay out…
Read MoreDifferent Reentry Approaches: Part 1 by Michael Clark
The numbers are clear. Incarceration rates are high (810 per 100,000 as of 2019) and have grown for decades. The number of prisons in each state is growing (1,833 state prisons, 110 federal prisons in 2020 versus 1,584 state prisons, and 84 federal prisons in 2000). The amount of money spent has significantly increased in…
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