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ONE-TO-ONE: Fred Wagner and Al |
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"Once I'm committed to something, I'm committed: mind,
spirit, and soul," says ONE-TO-ONE volunteer Fred Wagner.
With Fred's over twenty years of experience as an AMICUS
volunteer, it's tough to argue with that statement. Fred
has had just two matches in all that time. He visited his
first friend for several years in prison and kept in contact
after his friend's release until his friend passed away.
He has been visiting his current AMICUS friend, Al, for
almost sixteen years. "I will go to the grave with this
guy as well, in or out of prison," says Fred. When he makes
a commitment, he sticks with it.
In contrast to ONE-TO-ONE volunteer Lisa Dickensen (article
unavailable), Fred says he didn't have any previous experience
with offenders or fervent reason to want to become an AMICUS
volunteer. He had just been doing volunteer work with kids
for a |
while and
wanted to try working with adults.
"The AMICUS staff have a zeal for helping offenders, and AMICUS
is a quality program that does what it says it's going to
do," says Fred.
He and his friend, Al, get along "famously."
"Al is very interested in outside life, so we talk about
current events, family, my business and business in general,
and everyday life," says Fred. For Al, that kind of conversation
is exactly what he values. "We can just have a casual conversation
in a way that doesn't always happen with family," says Al.
"He gives me a perspective on real life that is hard to
get any other way." Just talking about getting the car fixed,
challenges Fred is facing as CEO of Minnesota Wire and Cable,
or the latest news stories is a window to the outside for
Al. Al also values Fred as a kind of mentor who leads by
example. "I can tell just by his conversation that he does
what is right," says Al.
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Al often asks for Fred's advice on situations he finds
himself in. "Nothing earth-shattering, but in prison you
tend to get a slanted view of things," says Al. Al values
Fred's fresh perspective and ability to step back and evaluate
the situation without being involved in it.
For almost sixteen years, Fred and Al have had a friendship
based on simple companionship, guidance, and sharing of
experiences. That kind of friendship is what ONE-TO-ONE
is all about.
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RECONNECT: Joan Thompson |
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Joan Thompson probably knows more about offender issues
than the average executive.
She's Fred Wagner's daughter(see article above).
In her leadership position at Minnesota Wire and Cable,
Joan has been one of the most dedicated employers in volunteering
to work at RECONNECT's mock job fairs for offenders. Employers
come to a prison or jail for a half day, conduct mock interviews
with offenders, and give honest feedback on each offender's
interview and resume. If an offender is close to release,
actual job offers may also be made.
Joan has done several job fairs personally. She estimates
that her company has hired a couple dozen offenders over
the years, |
with four
offenders out of a workforce of 160 currently employed.
"Our philosophy is to treat everyone the same," says Joan.
"Inmates need to hear that they are valuable in the workforce."
She sees the fairs as a way for the company to assure a future
workforce and make a community contribution. |
"Even if
you aren't hiring now, as the workforce shortage continues,
you may need more workers," says Joan.
It's critical for offenders to recognize that there are
employers who will give them a chance to show their worth,
even considering their felony record. "Especially given
her position in the company, Joan's support for all the
job fairs really gives hope to offenders, as well as practical,
honest feedback on their job-hunting skills," says RECONNECT
program director Dona Woltering. For her part, Thompson
would "absolutely" encourage other employers to get involved.
"Community involvement is also good business sense," says
Joan. Because she, Fred Wagner, and Minnesota Wire and Cable
live by that philosophy, many offenders are assisted to
build new lives.
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