At 64, Kim knows the importance of getting another chance in life, and he’ll do anything not to squander it. After spending nearly two decades behind bars, the father of three girls recalls the feeling he had when coming home to his family and a brave new world.
“The day I went inside everything went dark,” Kim says. “Years later, when I genuinely changed my life, I saw a spark. But it wasn’t until I held my girls again that the light truly returned. I’ll never let that go again.”
A California-native with seven siblings, Kim struggled to stay away from the gang life early on, yet managed to graduate high school and join the Army. After being discharged for disciplinary issues, Kim worked odd jobs and continued to practice bowling, a sport that he almost went pro in when he was in his early twenties.
“That time in my life was very difficult because I lost my mom and grandma within six months of each other, and they were both truly my rock in every way,” says Kim. “So I kind of went off the rails.”
Throughout his twenties, Kim spent time in and out of jail. He picked up work here and there but also got caught up in drugs and gang life. At 35, a relationship pushed him to change course, and Kim got his commercial driver’s license (CDL) and drove trucks for a decade, providing for his three daughters.
But at 47, Kim received a prison sentence of 36 years to life – which was later reduced – and everything came to a halt.
Inside, Kim made the decision to change for good. He joined Narcotics Anonymous, read educational books, and attended self-help and life-skills programs.
“I was in a gang and fully believed in the code,” Kim says. “But I started transforming my life.” His commitment paid off: after serving 17 years, a judge believed in Kim and granted him early release for good behavior. He was 63-years-old.
Coming home after nearly two decades, Kim’s first focus was on reconnecting with his daughters and building a stable future. He had saved money in prison to buy a used car, but he needed a job and a bridge back to society – that’s where the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in Los Angeles came in.
“CEO gave me my first job when I came home,” Kim says. He was put on a transitional work crew, beautifying the streets of LA for the California Department of Transportation (Caltans) and rebuilding his life. Every week, Kim would meet with a CEO job coach and create a resume, do mock job interviews, and learn how to search for employment online.
“I was computer illiterate,” Kim says, “but the staff helped me so much.”
But it wasn’t always easy adjusting to life outside. Kim was earning a steady income, but he still lacked essentials like work boots, interview clothes, and a bus pass. CEO provided these things for him, and also paid for Kim to renew his CDL license and take a three-week logistics training class. They also helped him find an apartment so that he had stable housing and could concentrate on finding a quality job.
Before long, Kim was hired by a reputable trucking company, where he completed advanced training in Arizona. Kim recently finished his parole and is now preparing to drive his own truck again.
“I’m in recovery, and I go to meetings because they’re my safe haven,” Kim says. “CEO taught me structure and helped me believe I could work again and find a great job, even though I’m formerly incarcerated."
Kim’s now paying it forward. After recommending someone from his reentry network to CEO, he recently came back to thank him after landing a job.
For Kim, each day on the road in his truck is another mile on the road to his new life. He thanks CEO Los Angeles for the assistance they provided, and is thankful to have the opportunity to be with his daughters again.
“It’s been hard coming home after so much time away, but with a little help and hard work it’s going well now,” says Kim. “I’m happy with my life of sobriety and family. That’s what matters.”
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