In 1995, when I entered prison as a 17-year-old, the internet was a novel concept. For the next 15 years, I lived in a world isolated from technological advancements. When I re-entered society in 2010, the transformation was startling. Smartphones had replaced basic cell phones. Digital platforms managed job applications, government services, and daily communication.

My first year home was a period of intense work. I juggled two full-time jobs and a part-time one. Despite working 100 to 140 hours a week at a pizza shop, a payday loan company, and a local church, my annual earnings amounted to $24,600. It wasn’t enough to meet basic living expenses. It underscored the financial challenges faced by someone reintegrating after prison.

I realized the limitations of low wages weren’t my only hurdle. My primary barrier was digital illiteracy. I lacked familiarity with modern job application processes, online benefits systems, and digital communication tools. This gulf in knowledge put me at a disadvantage in 2010.

Reentry advocacy became my calling. I imagined how different my life could have been if I’d learned digital skills during incarceration. Skills like creating a resume, applying for jobs, or staying connected with family through email. Secure digital access can define a person’s success post-release. It enables a returning citizen to integrate into the modern economy instead of reverting to old patterns.

As the leader of TimeDone, a community for people with past convictions, I witness others facing similar obstacles. They return home motivated, having met expectations while incarcerated, yet face systemic barriers unrelated to their effort or character. The recurring theme is clear: Reentry preparation must begin before release.

Through our member support program at TimeDone, individuals gain access to peers, technology, savings, mental health services, and crucial community connections. Establishing such support systems can make a significant difference in their lives. Since 1995, I have lived through these challenges. My goal is to prevent others from facing the same barriers.

Saad Soliman, the national director of TimeDone, is committed to policy and system changes for individuals with past convictions. He has extensive experience in reentry systems through various U.S. governmental and advisory roles.

All views expressed in this article are the author’s own.

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