So, I’m an HR Manager and some companies I’ve worked for had a strict “no felon” rule. My last company had a few prior felons and they were our best employees. They did not hide their past and really appreciated the opportunity to work and didn’t want to do anything to screw it up. You’ve got me thinking about how I can help felons prepare for the workplace. 🤔

Congratulations lady. I went to prison at 19 and suffered from hard drug addiction from 13 yrs old. I got out and started at a fast food resturant as a cook making minimum wage. Now im general manager making 60k a yr. Ill be 28 in a few days. Its tough but if i can persevere any one can if you put your mind to it.

You have a special kind of strength and persistence that one can only admire.

This is why I feel that once released from prison if the felon gets a job, gets through parole and probation and can live in society that the felony needs to be removed from their record. End of story. People make mistakes but for them to be chastised for life is not fair. I have never been to prison or got in any trouble and feel for all of you. Yes there are crimes that deserve harsh punishment but once time is served and a period of time goes by we as society need to lighten the burden of the said crime or crimes. People like yourself 23 and 1 and others need to have the felonies sealed and if trouble comes up again yes it can be used for longer sentences but after a period of time goes by it should not be used for job applications, voting or other rights of the people. Great video btw

I’ve been denied by Walmart & Target for my felony. The worst part was when I left my job as a salaried assistant manager for Panera Bread for a new position at the corporate office of a restaurant chain in the south. I went through a month of training, and my direct supervisor had health issues and had to retire suddenly. Well, the new guy they brought in did not like my record or the “shadow it cast on the business’ so I was out of a job. I left a job of 5 years with a nice salary, and there I was unemployed. I’ve also been denied numerous apartments. Thankfully I am able to vote in Pennsylvania. Honestly, my goals align so much with yours. I am a huge advocate for addicts & felons, and the judicial system needs reformed ASAP. I just love your channel

Sounds like a life sentence no matter what.

Our criminal justice system is so broken.... It is past time for reform!

My ex boyfriend got let go from a job just for having a misdemeanor! And he was working there for 6 months through a temp agency but when it came time for hiring and they did their own background check, they didn't wanted anyone with a record so there went his job. 😒 He then went off the deep end and we eventually broke up due to his behavior. I feel for you guys! It's basically a never ending black cloud that follows you forever.....

I was SOOOOOO lucky to not go to jail or prison during my addiction, but many of us do. People don’t realize that once you are out of prison, you are pretty much forced back into the lifestyle just to LIVE. It’s so hard to get a job, rent a place to live, etc. and like you said, you are going to do what you have to to survive. It’s sickening to me that we blame felons for not getting their lives together, yet our society makes it impossible. We blame felons for going back to a life of crime when we literally push them back into that lifestyle. I was judgmental about felons and addicts before I became an addict myself, and now my WHOLE entire view has changed.

Still ain't got a job yet. Got a few months ago. I got a complicated situation, but I appreciate my freedom, my own place , and being my own man. I'm still holding s*** down.

when your viewership gets big, and it will.....this will be your income.

You're not a felon. You're someone who's had a difficult time in life and came out of it stronger than probably anyone around you. You're a brave person. Instead of the word felon, just cross it out and write 'WARRIOR'

It is tough. I’m a convicted felon even though I’ve never been to prison. I’ve been on house arrest, early release supervision and probation since 2014. I should be getting off probation next year and I’ll be so happy when I can say “I’m done”. I have dealt with the same problems and still do, living in MS. I’ve been denied and terminated from jobs and also denied housing too. I got my bachelors degree in business administration but I want to go back for nursing. The system is set up to make you fail even though you made a mistake. I was 19 when I was convicted of a theft charge and now I’m 26, still struggling to find work and start a career. 🙌🙌🙌 to you for starting your sharing your journey and experience! Things will get better. It just takes time !

I found you in my recommened watching a lockdown 23&1 video. I been in and out of jail/prison myself, I really understand what your saying I've been there myself. Your so brave to share your story! I've thought about it especially after watching Josh I was just thinking like, I mean jail is jail locked up is locked up but it is different for women. Love your videos great job your so strong and beautiful 💐💐

I'm going to start off by saying that I have immense amounts of respect for what you've been through, I myself have had my "dealings" with the law and even turned 18 in an adult facility. 21 years later I'm still struggling to keep to the "straight & narrow", it's not easy even with nothing on my adult record and friends who are still "in the life" reminding me that I could always just slip back into old habits and earn that way. You mentioned working for a transportation company, that's actually my current line of work, a guy that I'd trained for my CDL with was dropped from 3 different companies for having a record. He is a stand up guy who did his time & regretted his crime (he didn't tell me and I didn't ask), when he found someplace that would accept him he THRIVED and the only reason that he left was to start a family (needed something closer to home and not OTR). Also Ironically, I've been looking to make the change to local from OTR and was looking at J.B. Hunt as they've been pretty aggressive in their recruitment efforts. Keep your head up and your eyes on your goals darlin.

I wanted to leave a negative smart a$$ comment , but after listening to all of your video I feel compassion. Keep up the good fight. I wish the best for you.

I'm really proud of this girl. I'm glad you've learned how to become a productive member of society. Good for you!

Girl in the last 3 months ive been denied 14 jobs because of my felony from 7 yrs ago. I have an F2 assault for beating up a pedo who was hurting a child. People look at me like a leper when they find out a woman got a felony assault charge. I even tried starting my own small business but my felony turns banks and customers away. I just wanna cry but i refuse to give up

I hear you. That's why I'm opening up three businesses in Washington State. I'm a felon and my girlfriend is a felon with 8 years left. So if I can pave the way for her and others all the better for it.

I always watch this video every now & then when I’m going through stuff, I’n short, my son died & I went off the deep end and just gave up on everything, racked up 8 felonies on top of the 3 I already had, did time in prison & got out & tried to make a life for myself.. it’s been a little over two years since I committed any crime and I’m just about off paper for doc.. but the affects of my choices have fucked me over so bad & to this day I feel them and struggle with them constantly… I guess this video just kinda gives me a little hope that if someone else overcame it then I can too! Thank you

This is so true. My father has been out for 15 yrs. Now. and still having a hard time getting a foot into the door.

You are right. This country pretty much CANCELS anyone that has a felony. This country does not believe ppl change or in 2nd chances, and it is a damn shame. That is exactly why so many end up right back in jail. It is sad. Its is unfair a.f. more places need to give people a chance.

You are SO BEAUTIFUL im glad you got ur life 2gether so did i..

Your KZfaq needs to blow up! You deserve it!! Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed! I’m so happy you got your daughter back!! 😊

This should go viral. These are issues everyone who makes a mistake doesn't have any opportunities. This crap about not renting is horrific and needs to change. Jobs to!

The fridge. “I just assumed there would be one” hahahaha

I love rewatching your videos and I’m so happy to have been here from the start.

Baby girl please dont you ever change one bit. Your amazing, I wish I had someone 1/10 of your spirit in my life. I'm a brand new subscriber your videos bring me to literal tears. Stay amazing

I just started following you. My husband has a past too. I see how he struggles. Thank you for making your channel.

when I was 19 i became a convicted felon for burglary. and couldnt really understand what got me to that point until I learned more about the tumor in my head that caused epileptic seizures and really fucked up my thoughts and my actions because it was putting so much pressure on my brain. 5 months ago on april 4th 2019 I had brain surgery to remove the tumor that had really ruined my life and having it removed gave me a whole different look on life because now I can see accomplish able things in my future and in the past 5 months I have found myself to be a more nicer person than what i was due to the tumor, Now I am 20 and building my life back together as a 2 time convicted felon

Good shit the world needs to know, i fortunately never been caught for anything i did. growing up in Detroit, MI it's so easy to get caught in criminal life because the majority of people/families i know is involved in criminal activity. If i was to vlog my daily life from growing up til now guaranteed the feds would be knocking on my door. But good luck to you i hope you be able to make a difference.

I got out after 15 yrs it took me 8 months to find a job even so called "felony friendly" companies wouldn't hire me

The reason I love and respect all women....women can endure so much and overcome so much and their love is like nothing in this world!!!! Frm a felony to felony much love and respect frm Oakland CA ❤❤❤ I love the sweater btw

Hey Jessica!!!! New subcriber here, came from lockdown 23 and 1. I'm so greatful to have found Death's channel and yours. I've myself have been in your shoes and I got 5 years of probation left. My charges were 3 aggravated assualts with a firearm, 7-14 years on each charge. I'm so glad you are speaking out and telling your story bc there are so many people out in the world that have been through the same thing and are just afraid to speak about it fearing that they will be judged. You are living proof of change and I do believe people need to see that. As of now I'm binge watching your videos to try to get to know you better. Keep smiling, you are an inspiration to more than you know. Stay safe out there and Happy Holidays 😊 Blessed Be )O(•♾

You are inspiration and a awesome example of what is possible, lots of people stuck in that old life thinking it will never be any different yet here you are showing them! What a blessing!!!

man u got the glow. u look very photogenic and gorgeous. I love ur teeth ur hair ur voice. ur def the kind of girl I hope to end up with.

The system is broken smh ..

You are so inspiring!❤ The fact that you set a goal & don't give up until you reach it, & you have that drive..is just inspirational. I an SO happy that you made this channel to bring awareness to how hard it is to get your life back on track after prison AND with FELONY on your record. I am SO happy for your success with this channel. You are a sweetheart & you deserve it.❤

It’s just ridiculous that places won’t hire felons! I just don’t get it. You did your time.

you said you're a great interviewer... do you have any tips that you could share??

Just found your channel. You’re amazing 💖💖 I have a lot of guy friends in jail currently, most have done a lot of time. My good friend/father figure has done 25 years all up inside, and he just cannot survive on the outside. It’s so sad and I hate it for him. He’s back inside again after just 10 months out. Seeing the affect of jailtime has pushed me to apply for the Christian Fellowship program inside our prisons here in Western Australia. I want to help them have hope and faith that they can make it when they get out. God Bless you beautiful girl, God has his hand all over you and your life 💖

I live in Poland and you can vote here even if you're in prison - it's every citizen's right

It’s so frustrating trying to find a job with a record ... it’s been a nightmare trying to get a career other than minimum wage jobs 🙁🤕 it’s been ten years and I’d love to go back to school and get a career in health care but.. if you have a record then you are a no go 🙅🏼 🤷🏻‍♀️ how are we ever supposed to better ourselves if no one will give us a second chance 😰

America’s prison system is so so broken. I’m not from America so it blows my mind hearing about all this. Thank you for all the light you’ve shed and continue to shed on the matter.

Your resilience and determination is amazing!

So proud of the hard work you've done to better your life for you and your children!

Wow I love this channel Already👍👍

I’m a felon with a 15 y/o record and I’m still paying 18k in restitution. Having a felony on your record doesn’t define you.

I was just binge watching your videos and had so many questions, perfect timing! You are a great story teller!! Look into doing talks at middle schools and high schools, that would be so awesome!!

Kicking ass and taking names. You go girl

I don't know you but I'm very proud of you young lady.

Holy shit. I just found your channel and am binging your videos. What an inspiration of strength and persistence you are. You are really going to change the world with these conversations you’re starting... wow. 👏🏻

I am 18 now and I was convicted of a bunch of charges when I was 13 for a school fight that I was attacked first. The cop tried grabbing me and I pushed his hand out the way demanding why I was getting in trouble when I got attacked. Got body slammed weighting 115 pounds and got sent to the office. I put the hand cuffs over my leg and sat back down and got charged with escape. My public defender even told me that he would drop all charges if I took a plead deal. He lied and now I have this holding me back. It’s been years since I committed any crime. I really wish or hope that this appeal or me talking to a attorney helps. I just wish I could really have had the opportunity to have a fair trial shit be making me feel sad because I never was a bad person and the trauma I dealt with fucked me up at a young age.

You would think that if the justice system is actually designed for rehabilitation, society would be supportive of people after prison, not the other way around.

What a terrible setup for those who get out and want to earn an honest living... 😢

So proud of you!!!! 🦄🦄

I just sent your channel to my brother who spent 8 years in prison for money laundering and fraud. I think he needs someone like you to give him hope. You’re so sweet and such an inspiration. Please keep doing what you do :)❤️

I just finished your video a few seconds ago. You discussed not being able to vote. Like you I am a felon..state and federal level. I finished up all parole in December of 2001 and 11hours later I was legally registered to vote. Bear in mind that while you are incarcerated or on parole(as of 2001...laws may have changed) you cannot vote in Arkansas. Post parole I could. The assistant county clerk tried to tell me "no" but it was printed on the bottom of the voter registration form and the County Clerk had to intervene by telling the assistant to "read the form as well as this guy has, it is in bold print". So, got registered. Good day. Want to see some crazy looks? Be in the voting line with people that know you went to prison. Best thing though was when I got called for jury duty(jurors are picked from voter registration). Had to explain to the judge how I was a voter AND a felon. Even the Judge was shocked. Things may have changed but it would not hurt to go and physically look at the application form with it in your hands. Good luck

AMEN sister! I know this video is old lol but I’m binge watching you currently! I’ve personally never been a felon but I have gotten a misdemeanor that was DISMISSED in court and I was always honest about it, like you in interviews. It was sooooo frustrating to get offered a job other than my fast food gigs only to be called later and be told that because of my background I couldn’t be hired. I empathize with anyone who has a criminal background because it’s FUCKING hard to be constantly told no when all you want to do is better your life. Sooooo happy to have found your channel and see that your spreading awareness of these issues. Love ya ❤️❤️❤️

I just found your channel and absolutely love you and am so happy to see you create an awesome life for yourself. It’s amazing what you’re doing to help felons best of luck to you

I’m going through this right now :( Every court date I have to pay my restitution for my big mistake :/ and this court date coming up on feb 20 I have no money :( all my bills one job minimum wage I can’t :( This court date I’m going to prison and becoming a convicted felon :( I’m scared ... and the crazy part is my whole life since I can remember I wanted to be a police officer ... I can’t live my life happy without having this thought in the back of my head every single day... I don’t know what to do with myself...

You're 29!!! I swear you look 20

You are absolutely right about the felony charges creating problems with employment and housing. I have a loved one who was convicted in 1992 and every once in a while it will sneak up and cause problems. Keep being positive and focused.

I got out ftom prison too and im glad that you are starting up this channel! It took me from july 8 2018 to Jan 2 2019 i lived in a womens shelter and getting a job at a fast food joint to moving into my apart jan 2, my kids are still in cps but i just had my home visit and they will be coming home in March! Completed intensive outpatient , ill be off parole July 3rd 2019. Its hard to start from zero but it isn't impossible!

Everyone deserves a second chance. People cant just throw around "if you dont like jail, dont go". More companies need to give these individuals a chance to atleast prove themselves. There is a reason why they managed to get out of jail and are staying out of jail, otherwise they would still be in. Its completely horrible how we treat individuals who just want to get their life back together. We need to change how this is handled.

I just saw this searching for some encouragement, Ty for sharing this, I have been going through similar situations being surrounded by super toxic in laws and is hard but I have grown so much stronger and wiser

The same companies that outsource their work to prison labor are the same ones that don't hire felons upon release. I did 13 yrs, got out and acquired my CDL's which I couldn't use because I was on papers still. I ended up getting a bachelor's degree and FINALLY landed a decent paying job. Funny thing is that the job I ended up getting hired me BECAUSE of my felony record lol. Keep ya head up!!

My husband is a felon. He was convicted in 2012 and it happened in Texas. It was so hard! 8 years and 3 kids later and we're barley getting a nice life because he found a decent paying job. But he had to move to South Dakota. People don't understand that it's hard. I love this video and your such a fighter! Congratulations!

I love to see you doing well. I followed big herc for a long time and I watched you’re interview with him. Keep up the positive vibes. I’m someone who had to stand for daily counts too. I take nothing for granted and staying in the good fight until it’s won. You’re absolutely right. Freedom and being with family is worth EVERYTHING. Best of luck to you sister. 👍🏾🙏🏾#nomorelockeddoors

I subbed when I saw your links about helping an addict. I love how KZfaq can empower us all. Much love. Here's to many subs, being unique, and success in the future!

I laughed at the refrigerator comment because my moms first apartment, as a single mom , we had a cooler until she could afford a refrigerator.

We all make mistakes and like ya girl Christina says it takes ONE mistake to end up in prison. Both of y'alls channels have really opened my eyes. I have a lot of respect for y'all. Like you are the exception. You fought so hard and got your daughter back. Micah saved you. She was your motivation to quit drugs. That is just such a beautiful story. God bless.

I don't know what it's like to be a fellon, I've never been involved in committing a crime, and never will, but I'm Autistic. I'm 31 years old, and still living with my Mom, due to my medical conditions. I'm on a ventilator, tube fed, often can't even go to the bathroom without a tube, because of Neurological conditions, and above I'm a medical train wreck. But I can still get around in the community. I can't drive because I'm blind. But I wanted a TASER Pulse, but Mom won't allow me to get one, because well she just won't. I can't own a gun in this house. So I may not be a fellon, but I get to experience some of what you guys get to, in that I can't own a firearm. I don have a small 21 million volt stun gun. But if someone attacks me, that thing won't help me there, but It's the best I'm going to get. so I'm on your level some. I'm not mentally disabled, just medically. but I feel you. I LOVE TASERS, so it sucks I can't get one, but If Mom doesn't think I need It, I can't have it. That's the rules for me in this house. Well one of them.

I just found your channel after looking up some videos about felons. I’ve recently became interested about this topic because I just got released from county jail in Texas for having an almost empty thc cartridge. I was charged(not convicted yet) with a felony for such a ridiculously small amount. I’m getting a lawyer very soon. Just want to say keep spreading positivity for people in difficult situations such as the ones you have seen through. You’re doing an awesome thing!❤️❤️❤️

you are amazing! been binge watching your videos this whole week. ur a badass with a great heart, tough as nails and such an inspiration. fan for life!

I have a misdemeanor that was dismissed and I still have trouble getting someone to rent to me. I can't imagine how worse it is having a felony on your record.

Shes so cute and smart!!! I bet she’s a awesome mom too. Keep up the good work a lot of people enjoy watching them!!!

Oregon has a law that bans the box. Employers can't ask about felony status until after a job offer has been issued. When i heard about it I told the people i was meeting with that if you make it impossible for people to operate in the above ground economy they will be very tempted to go back to the underground economy.

So glad I found your page!!! Just what I needed!! Thank you!!

“Let’s get this channel to 1000 subscribers” so happy for you ❤️❤️❤️

You are really tenacious! So proud of you! You should get in touch with Van Jones. He is very active in the prison reform movement.

dang!!!!! tough story. so glad ur workin ur butt off. congrats. seen from aps

I had always thought felonies should drop off after 7 years, unless it’s a violent felony like murder or rape. I also think non violent felons should be able to vote and own guns.

I just found your channel. I’ve never been to prison, I find it so inspirational to see young ladies like you turn their lives around. You are helping someone as I write this. Continued blessings and success to you and your family.

You have a good message and you're right there should be a way for those that have paid their debt to society. I think you're doing a good job, Keep it up!

Wow. I could relate to this so much. I got out of a DOC State funded rehab when I was 20. I was raising my son. (With the help of my parents, thankfully). I managed to land an interview with the Geek Squad at Best Buy. I was so excited. I'd always been into tech. I went through two interviews. I checked the felony box. They did not bring it up. They said "Ok great you've done well on our test you've got the job." A couple days later I called to find out about the orientation. "Yeah, sir, your background check came back and we are unable to hire you." Needless to say I was livid. I responded with "You already did hire me. I signed the form." The conversation didn't go anywhere. I ended up calling corporate and complaining. Heres the thing. I understand policy is policy but don't get someones hopes up. Don't tell someone they have a job and yank it from them. Now I wish I could say my youth was the last time I had issues with the law but several years later I got in trouble again. I think this has a whole lot to do with how we treat addiction in this country which is a whole separate topic aside from the felony topic. (AA and NA are staples but have you looked at the success rate?) Anyways so I finally got my shit together once and for all. I think when I had the next interview that was truly important to me it was working in the IT department at the Health Department in my town. Now the ad on Craigslist didn't make it seem like a fancy job. It was just setting up computers. It didn't mention a background check or anything. Now when I got in the interview there were 3 people there to interview me. I realized this was more serious then I had expected. I had lost hope with "serious" jobs. Anyways the interview went great. I realized this was an actual opportunity to get into IT. They could even give me full time work. During the interview they asked if I had a felony or any issues. Now in the moment I said no. The reason being I was just so nervous and I had these 3 professional people staring at me. It just doesn't feel great to admit that. Fortunately about 15 minutes later I was given a tour of the place with one of the guys. I admitted the Truth. I said I'm sorry i didn't admit it at first. I was just nervous and I really want this job. Basically I told him the Truth. Now all 3 of those men fought to get me that job. They wanted me there. A month. Yes a month of waiting. I got a letter from Tallahassee stating that I hadn't been off probation long enough. As you can expect I was not happy. Though at this point I knew if a background check was involved things weren't looking good. I think what is so devastating about these situations is that not only can I make more money to survive but it can change how we see ourselves. I know I'm not the only felon that used to have a drug problem. Drug problems do lead to a sense of self worth isn't the greatest. I just wanted to be able to let go of all that. Truly be able to put it behind me. I'm not defined by my past but the choices I make TODAY. The way the system is currently it doesn't feel like it can ever truly be behind me. It's always there lingering. Right now I'm working a job that kinda sucks that pays the bills. i go to the gym, I try to be the best dad I can be and show up being the best person I can be. My plan is still to get into technology but I'm trying to teach myself programming. I'm about to start a website which will provide some experience in HTML, CSS, and javascript. My hope is that through some networking and continued perseverance something will come of it. I just can't settle for shitty work. I want a real life. I have to keep trying. For those that are in a similar situation stay strong. We can beat this. and DON"T FORGET TO VOTE FOR THE PEOPLE THAT WILL SUPPORT US!

You were recommended to me by another youtuber and I love watching your videos! When I was watching another one and you said this all happened in Arkansas and mentioned Russellville, I was like woah! That’s where I live. So glad I came across your channel.

It sucks being a felon on any level. That tag just has you walking around like you crapped your pants and it just wreaks as you walk in the door anywhere.

Great speaker...keep up the good work!!!....you just got another subscriber😀

Thanks for keeping it real for those like me who haven't been locked up. Keep spreading awareness.

This video is spot on. My crime happened 7 and a half years ago and thankfully I've been employed by the same employer going on 7 years. I want to move on to something where I can grow but my biggest fear is starting something only for hr to say they can't do felons. And I'm up front about everything. But now I have a wife and child to support so I can't risk that.

Thank you because people really just don't understand that it is hard trying to live a stable life after jail/prison if you are a felon

It's like that in Kentucky too. A guy I know hasn't been able to vote since the late 80s and can't own a gun either.

@7:12 dryer stopped 😁. This is a great insight considering my lil bro is being released later this month... Hopefully. He's got my fullest support as long as he's changed his ways. All the help in the world can't help if he doesn't help himself first.

It’s very sad so see so many people who just made a mistake, and in many cases just were a victim of their environment denied a chance to prove themselves and have a decent life. How is anyone with a conviction expected to move on from their past and become a better person if they’re not even given the opportunity? Where else is someone to go besides back to the streets or back to prison? Just making minimum wage without any hope for a better opportunity, and a better life. Our laws need updated, this fucked up system is the reason for the cycle so many inmates live by.

we are seriously so much alike. with your Faith talk, the way you explain things, some of your experiences, etc.. and THEN.. you said you had a husky.. so do I. we are twins. lol.

Props hardcore to the dude who gave you a chance and rented you an apartment

This is why people in our position should have 100% of our rights restored after completion of jail, prison, parole, probation and restitution. If a person makes it all the way through the system we should get our lives back. I've been in your shoes and it's hard as shit.

You inspired me!!! Keep your head high! There is hope :) You go GIRL!!!

God she’s so pretty