At Catholic Charities, we believe that no one is defined by their worst mistake and that meaningful relationships can change the course of a life.
For Nicole, that belief became real when she was released from prison and returned to a community that felt unfamiliar and overwhelming.
“I didn’t really have anyone to talk to,” she shared. “I had my parents, but you need more than that. You need someone outside your world, someone you can be honest with.”
Through the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Dubuque Jail and Prison Reentry Program, Nicole was matched with Marsha, a volunteer mentor who was simply looking for a way to give back.
“I’m retired, and I wanted to be involved in my community in a meaningful way,” Marsha said. “When I learned about this program, it just felt right.”
What neither of them expected was how quickly their relationship would grow into something deeper. Nicole admits she was nervous at first. “I remember thinking, ‘Am I going to be too much for her?’ But we just clicked. Our values, the way we see the world, it all lined up.”
Marsha saw something in Nicole right away. “She’s energetic, positive, and determined,” she said. “I could tell from the beginning that she has everything she needs to succeed.”
What started as weekly coffee meetings soon became something both looked forward to.
“We solve the world’s problems,” Marsha joked. “But really, it’s just a good, honest connection.”
Nicole describes it more simply: “It’s like having a big sister.”
More Than Support: A Shift in Perspective
For Nicole, positive community reentry wasn’t just about finding a job or checking off requirements. It was about rebuilding confidence and self-worth. “When I first got out, I thought I was okay. But mentally, I was still struggling,” she said. “Having someone who believed in me, really believed in me, changed everything.”
Through their conversations, Nicole found a safe space to process challenges, reflect, and grow. “I can tell her anything,” she said. “There’s no judgment. That’s huge for me.”
For Marsha, the experience has been just as meaningful. “We all need people in our lives to reflect back who we are,” she said. “Without that, it’s easy to feel isolated or stuck. This relationship helps both of us.”
Marsha, who comes from a different faith background, said volunteering with Catholic Charities felt natural.
“It comes down to shared values,” she explained. “We all want to help people, support people, and see them succeed. That goes beyond any one faith tradition.”
That shared sense of purpose is at the heart of the program: bringing people together from different walks of life to build something meaningful.
Making a bad choice doesn’t make you a bad person. It means you have an opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward.
The Meaning of a Second Chance
For Nicole, a second chance is deeply personal.
“It means not being defined by your past,” she said. “It’s about having the opportunity to grow and be better.”
Today, she is building a career in cosmetology, creating a positive support system, and continuing to move forward one step at a time.
“I’m doing the next right thing,” she said. “That’s what matters.”
Marsha agrees. “Making a bad choice doesn’t make you a bad person,” she said. “It means you have an opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward.”
Programs like this don’t just support individuals. They strengthen entire communities.
“Without something like this, people can feel completely alone,” Nicole said. “This is different. We choose to show up for each other.”
Marsha added, “We all do better when we help each other do well.”
Looking Ahead with Hope
Today, both Nicole and Marsha are confident in what lies ahead.
“I know she’s going to succeed,” Marsha said. “She’s strong, she’s persistent, and she’s making good choices.”
Nicole feels it too. “I’m not my past,” she said. “I’m moving forward, and I know I have people in my corner.”
Because everyone deserves someone who believes in them. And everyone deserves a second chance.
Submitted by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque.