Now, he is running his own business – and he told CBS 2's Tara Molina a reentry program based in Chicago made all the difference. He also said he wants to help make that same difference for others now.
So he chose to find a way. And a year and a half later, he's building a business and a future from the ground up at River Oaks Center Mall in south suburban Calumet City."This my dream right here," said Alexander, a partner in the business."So I'm living. I'm happy." Five years later, it caught up with him. He didn't pull the trigger, but pleaded guilty to the whole crime.
When he got out - with a criminal record and a couple dollars to his name he says he knew what he wanted and what he didn't. But he had no clue how to move forward.Their Reentry 2.0 Program provided Alexander with mentorships, resources, and a case manager – and that is what made his success in business a reality.A partner in the overstock store at River Oaks Center, Alexander is still making plans.