When Antonio walked out of prison, he carried more than a bag of belongings—he carried years of pain, regret, and uncertainty about how to begin again. Like many who return home, the world outside felt both familiar and foreign. He wondered: Will anyone believe in me? Can I find my footing?
Through 70×7 Life Recovery, Antonio found something he hadn’t expected: community, accountability, and purpose. He was no longer walking his journey alone. With mentors guiding him and peers encouraging him, Antonio began to rebuild his life piece by piece—earning trust, building discipline, and learning how to move forward without being defined by his past.
Giving Back
As Antonio grew stronger, he felt a pull to give back. He remembered how lost he felt in those first days after release, the fear of messing up, the weight of old temptations. And he knew he had something powerful to offer: lived experience.
Today, Antonio is not only a graduate of 70×7’s program—he has become a mentor to others walking the same road. He spends his time meeting with men who are newly released, listening to their fears, sharing his own mistakes, and showing them what is possible with perseverance and faith.
“Mentorship isn’t about telling someone what to do,” Antonio says. “It’s about walking alongside them. It’s saying, ‘I’ve been there. I know what you’re feeling. And I’ll help you take the next step.’”
A Voice in the CLEAR Program
Antonio also contributes to the CLEAR program (Coalition, Law Enforcement, and Abiding Relationships), which creates a bridge between returning citizens, law enforcement, and mentors who have walked the same path.
“CLEAR brings together those recently released, law enforcement, and former offenders,” explains Rod Mendoza, Community Policing Officer of Holland Public Safety. “A key element of the program’s success is the brave, vulnerable, and empathetic contributions of former offenders, like Antonio. These fine men devote their time, successes, failures, and lessons learned to the newly released. They also hold these men accountable from a perspective of ‘been there, done that,’ in hopes of helping them navigate the challenges faced upon being released from prison.”
In CLEAR meetings, Antonio’s voice carries weight because it’s real. He doesn’t sugarcoat his journey. He talks about the struggles—nights of doubt, temptations, and setbacks—but he also talks about hope, responsibility, and faith. His honesty shows others that failure isn’t the end of the story, and that growth is possible when you stay accountable and accept help.
Living Restored
Today, Antonio is proud of the man he has become. He works, he mentors, and he gives back. His life is proof that restoration is possible—not only for himself, but for the men he now guides.
“I used to think my past disqualified me,” Antonio reflects. “Now I see that my past gives me the chance to help others. I can look someone in the eye and say, ‘You can make it. Don’t give up.’”
