My name is James Hendrickson. I am retired and work at Saint Vincent de Paul in Boise as a Reentry Specialist. I have two adult daughters and three grandkids, two boys, 5 and 17, and a girl, 8. They are my life and what keeps me focused on making good choices. I hop on my Harley and ride into the sunset when the weather is pleasant. I also tend to think I can shoot par on the golf course. I try, but I know I’m facing an unrealistic challenge.

I pick up returning citizens from incarceration and provide them with all the services they may need to help them re-enter society and become productive citizens. I stress the importance of a support system and how vital it is for the support to help them refocus and to make good choices themselves. I have been incarcerated and know firsthand the anxiety and stress of re-entering society. Because of my experience, my ultimate goal is to help, guide, mentor, and assist anyone who struggles with the uncertainty of re-establishing back into society. I discuss with them the importance of a support system such as family and friends. If they lack a support system, I invite them to think of and use SVDP services as their support. All of my coworkers are passionate about helping people be their best version. One achievement of my life was overcoming a very trying, ignominious, and shameful time. It takes some effort to pursue a renewal of your mind. Giving back and helping returning citizens using my experience has done that and made me feel better in my skin than ever before. One quirky thing about me, and my coworkers will attest, is I get pretty emotional when I try to speak about the success someone has achieved or how happy they are. It is embarrassing; however, I am where The Lord wants me, and I’m ecstatic about that.