A Second Chance: Finding Joy in the Journey

April 10, 2025

Delchon, affectionately known as “Spoon,” has embraced a newfound sense of excitement and purpose since arriving at Dismas House in September of 2024. His journey began in Memphis, Tennessee, where his early years were shaped by hardship, loss, and personal struggles that ultimately led to an eight-year incarceration. Yet, even in the darkest chapters of his life, Delchon never lost hope. He discovered a beacon of possibility—Dismas House.

Reflecting on his transformation, he often says, “My time at Dismas House has been the best thing that’s happened to me in the last eight years,” and every word carries the weight of his truth. At Dismas House, he found more than just a place to rebuild; he found a community that believed in his potential, a structure that nurtured his growth, and a path that allowed him to reclaim his future with confidence and purpose.

Hope Through Counseling and Programming

“Dealing with social anxiety growing up and into my adult years, I came to realize that it was hard for me to know how to cope around others at times,” Delchon reflected. It wasn’t until he arrived at Dismas House that he truly began to understand himself. Through therapy and counseling, Delchon confronted the challenges he had carried for years. “When I was incarcerated, I didn’t know what mental health struggles I may have been facing at the time. A big part of what drew me to Dismas House was learning that they offered therapy. Counseling has taught me so much about myself, the way that I think, and why I think that way.”

The structured environment at Dismas House provided him with the stability he needed to cultivate healthier habits. Morning meditation classes became a grounding force, and he discovered the profound impact of exercise and faith in his healing process. “Being at Dismas House has helped me realize that exercise, optimism, and remaining connected to my faith have been big motivating factors in my journey.” With each passing day, he grows stronger—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

At Dismas House, counseling services are rooted in a trauma-informed approach that acknowledges the complex histories of the men we serve. According to Clinical Director Kim Morris, every client brings a unique story-many shaped by past trauma or the inherent trauma of incarceration itself. Services such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and recovery groups are offered, but the cornerstone of the counseling philosophy is client-led care. “Our services are led by the clients-they decide what they want to work on,” says Morris, emphasizing the importance of restoring dignity through choice. The counseling team works collectively with each individual to identify the most effective therapeutic strategies, recognizing that no single approach fits all. For many, Dismas House becomes a rare source of consistent, healthy support.

Graduating from Dismas House in December 2024 marked a defining moment in Delchon’s journey. “Graduating from the program was very rewarding for me.” With each passing day, he found a renewed sense of gratitude and joy. “The joy that I feel on a daily basis changed after incarceration. I’m so grateful now for each and every day. I used to feel so depressed, and I didn’t know how to navigate life. I started paying more attention to things outside of myself, and my view changed. Being more aware of others has really changed my perspective.”

Purpose and Community through Employment

Finding employment after incarceration proved to be one of the toughest challenges Delchon faced. “Dismas House was very helpful with finding employment. Coming out of incarceration, I didn’t think it would be too difficult with my previous job experience, but I struggled. The combination of being formerly incarcerated paired with an eight-year employment gap made finding a job nearly impossible.” Despite the obstacles, he remained determined, and an opportunity finally emerged through a job fair that a Dismas House employee recommended he attend. Delchon secured a position at a local grocery store, a place where he found not just a job, but a community. “My experience at work has been very welcoming and warm, and everyone really respects each other. I do my best to bring a positive attitude every day, which has led me to recently getting promoted.” Thanks to the ongoing support from Dismas House and IPS, our supported employment program, Delchon is excelling in his workplace and cultivating relationships along the way.

Joy in the Possibilities of the Future

Delchon’s aspirations extend far beyond the workplace – his mind is full of dreams, each one a source of motivation and hope. “I have a lot of dreams,” he replied with a beaming grin. Among his greatest ambitions is mastering multiple languages. “I’ve been teaching myself Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese, and I would love to be fluent in all of them someday. What keeps me motivated is my dream to visit Japan one day. I love the culture, the art, the festivals – it all inspires me.”

Another passion he cultivated was storytelling through art. “I started drawing while I was incarcerated and taught myself the technical skills. I stayed as focused as I could because I was excited about learning something new. I started with stick figures, and I taught myself little by little.” He dreams of one day creating his own graphic novel, bringing his characters and stories to life.

Yet, more than any professional or artistic achievement, Delchon wants to be remembered for his kindness. “I want to be known for being caring and being willing to assist anyone who needs help. I like to get to work early to check in on my coworkers before their shifts to make sure they’re doing okay. One of them told me recently that no one usually does that, and it meant a lot.” His empathy and thoughtfulness became an integral part of his daily life, shaping the way he interacts with the world.

A Chance for a New Beginning

April is recognized as Second Chance Month, a time to highlight the importance of giving formerly incarcerated individuals the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Delchon’s story of a new beginning and a renewed outlook on life is a testament to why second chances matter. With the right support, determination, and community, people like him can overcome the barriers of their past and create meaningful, productive futures. His journey reminds us that no one should be defined solely by their mistakes, but rather by the steps they take to grow beyond them.

Looking back, Spoon often reflects on what Dismas House has given him: a chance to grow, to heal, and to build a future beyond his past. “Dismas House means an opportunity for progress,” he says with confidence. While his history will always be a part of him, it no longer defines him. He is moving forward—one step at a time—toward a life filled with purpose, hope, and endless possibilities.