Name: “Receiving a letter when you are detained is priceless": His history of persecution is his inspiration for helping others
Uploaded: 2021-02-05T19:31:00-05:00
Duration: 1 min
Description: He was persecuted in Venezuela for being gay and joining the 2014 protests. While trying to seek asylum at the border of the United States he was placed in solitary confinement. Now he writes messages to people held in different detention centers around the country to bring them happiness.

second chances

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Noticias Univision

Second Chances

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Second Chances

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He was persecuted in Venezuela for being gay and joining the 2014 protests. While trying to seek asylum at the border of the United States he was placed in solitary confinement. Now he writes messages to people held in different detention centers around the country to bring them happiness.

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Univision News

“Receiving a letter when you are detained is priceless": His history of persecution is his inspiration for helping others

This Latino shares his story of challenges and hope. After being in prison he became a lawyer and today he works with legislators and community leaders to change laws. This story is part of our Second Chances campaign, a project that entails the stories of men and women who have left prison and are making the leap to a new life.

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especiales 

Especiales 

Latino returns to society to help others

It’s not just about keeping former inmates off a criminal path, but also about opening avenues which offer them a sense of purpose and real opportunities to succeed. Excessive punishments for minor offenses and complicated, hard-to-follow rules can be counterproductive. Education is key to transforming the system, but isn’t the only option. Various experts offer their solutions. <a href="https://www.univision.com/noticias/especiales/disminuir-los-castigos-y-aumentar-la-rehabilitacion-el-mejor-camino-para-reintegrarse-a-la-libertad-segun-expertos" data-cms-id="00000174-11e1-d82d-a9fe-d1e52bcb0002" data-cms-href="/noticias/especiales/disminuir-los-castigos-y-aumentar-la-rehabilitacion-el-mejor-camino-para-reintegrarse-a-la-libertad-segun-expertos" link-data="{&quot;cms.content.publishDate&quot;:1600895070265,&quot;cms.content.publishUser&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;0000016e-d30f-d89e-a36f-db8f84bc0000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;6aa69ae1-35be-30dc-87e9-410da9e1cdcc&quot;},&quot;cms.content.updateDate&quot;:1600895070265,&quot;cms.content.updateUser&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;0000016e-d30f-d89e-a36f-db8f84bc0000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;6aa69ae1-35be-30dc-87e9-410da9e1cdcc&quot;},&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;attributes&quot;:[],&quot;item&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;00000174-11e1-d82d-a9fe-d1e52bcb0002&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;4f8e492c-6f2f-390e-bc61-f176d3a37ab9&quot;},&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;00000174-bcc6-db4e-a77d-bdd68c0c0001&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;c3f0009d-3dd9-3762-acac-88c3a292c6b2&quot;},&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;Leer este texto en español&quot;,&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;00000174-bcc6-db4e-a77d-bdd68c0c0000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;809caec9-30e2-3666-8b71-b32ddbffc288&quot;}">Leer este texto en español</a>

educacion curso presos

Less punishment and more rehabilitation: how to help formerly incarcerated people readjust to freedom, according to experts

According to data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 83% of inmates with a mental illness lack access to the treatment they need. This also impacts the ability of prisoners to earn release. Experts recommend seeking immediate help if you have a mental disorder.

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The impact of mental health on Hispanics

California spends $8.6 billion annually on the prison system, which amounts to $64,462 per person, more than anywhere else in the country. By comparison, only $11,495 is invested annually in education per student. Which is why activists are demanding more funds for education.

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The impact of prisons vs state funding in California

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Since March 2020, 63% of Hispanics in the US have stopped receiving income from work and access to health services, including covid-19 screening tests, has been limited, according to figures from the Center for American Progress. Psychiatrists say that social separation and dealing with the effects of the pandemic led to increases in cases of mental disorders.

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The impact of the last six months on Latinos

"It is statistically proven that people who are in prison, for the most part, are racialized," says Janvieve Williams Comrie, executive director of Afroresistance. She is a social worker and human rights defender, dedicated to shining a light on injustices and discrimination against this prison minorities.

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According to statistics, minorities are more likely to end up in prison

Data indicates a correlation between geographical income disparities and the likelihood of spending time in jail. For example, in South Dallas, where the median income is $19,000 per year, the incarceration rate is 9.1%. In contrast, in the north of that same city, where average earnings are $29,000 per year, only 1% are incarcerated, according to local officials.

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Does the possibility of a person ending up in jail depend on the area where they live?

Cory Cortés had to overcome many obstacles to say "for the first time in my life I feel like I'm living." From the age of 10, he lived alone with his mother and says he went hungry and slept on the floor. After spending several years in jail, he managed to get his life on track he is now a coach in ‘Legacyfit’. This story is part of the 'Second Chances' project.

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After gaining his freedom, he pursued his passion for sports and help others achieve their goals

Yraida Guanipa says the covid-19 pandemic has created new challenges for fundraising and for finding volunteers willing and able to provide their services. She also worries about the negative effects on the emotional stability of those people who are looking for a second chance.

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Despite covid-19, one woman hasn't stopped helping released prisoners

Arlica Hernández felt that her life stopped with the arrival of the coronavirus. Her criminal past limited her chances of finding help maintaining her beauty salon. This story is part of the 'Second Chances' project.

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A Hispanic woman with a criminal past explains the obstacles obtaining financial help for her business

The first 72 hours determine what the new life will be like. Where to sleep, who to call, how to pay for transportation, who to ask for a favor are some of the challenges faced by people leaving prison. They become such difficult moments that during the first two weeks, there is a very high chance of dying, as much as <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa064115#t=article" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;" link-data="{&quot;cms.content.publishDate&quot;:1587774187778,&quot;cms.content.publishUser&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;0000016e-d30f-d89e-a36f-db8f84bc0000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;6aa69ae1-35be-30dc-87e9-410da9e1cdcc&quot;},&quot;cms.content.updateDate&quot;:1587774187778,&quot;cms.content.updateUser&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;0000016e-d30f-d89e-a36f-db8f84bc0000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;6aa69ae1-35be-30dc-87e9-410da9e1cdcc&quot;},&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;target&quot;:&quot;NEW&quot;,&quot;attributes&quot;:[{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;style&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;text-decoration:none;&quot;,&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;00000171-aeb7-d57e-a57d-eff73db90000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;150982d2-afb0-32bc-8e8f-34b38a365261&quot;}],&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa064115#t=article&quot;,&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;00000171-aeb7-d57e-a57d-eff73db90001&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;ff658216-e70f-39d0-b660-bdfe57a5599a&quot;},&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&lt;u&gt;13 times higher&lt;/u&gt;&quot;,&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;00000171-aeb7-d57e-a57d-eff73db80000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;809caec9-30e2-3666-8b71-b32ddbffc288&quot;}">13 times higher</a> than that of someone else who hasn’t been in prison. These four testimonials show how complicated this Second Chance(*) can be. <a href="https://www.univision.com/noticias/especiales/sin-dinero-casa-ni-comida-los-primeros-tres-dias-en-libertad-son-clave-para-regresar-o-no-a-la-carcel" data-cms-id="0000016f-ecf9-df8e-a9ef-fdf9201a0002" data-cms-href="/noticias/especiales/sin-dinero-casa-ni-comida-los-primeros-tres-dias-en-libertad-son-clave-para-regresar-o-no-a-la-carcel" link-data="{&quot;cms.content.publishDate&quot;:1587772602588,&quot;cms.content.publishUser&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;0000016e-d30f-d89e-a36f-db8f84bc0000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;6aa69ae1-35be-30dc-87e9-410da9e1cdcc&quot;},&quot;cms.content.updateDate&quot;:1587772602588,&quot;cms.content.updateUser&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;0000016e-d30f-d89e-a36f-db8f84bc0000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;6aa69ae1-35be-30dc-87e9-410da9e1cdcc&quot;},&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;attributes&quot;:[],&quot;item&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;0000016f-ecf9-df8e-a9ef-fdf9201a0002&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;4f8e492c-6f2f-390e-bc61-f176d3a37ab9&quot;},&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;00000171-ae9e-d0cc-abf9-ef9f96750001&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;c3f0009d-3dd9-3762-acac-88c3a292c6b2&quot;},&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;Aquí puedes leer este artículo en español&quot;,&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;00000171-ae9e-d0cc-abf9-ef9f96750000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;809caec9-30e2-3666-8b71-b32ddbffc288&quot;}">Aquí puedes leer este artículo en español</a>

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United States

No money, no food, no home: the first three days of freedom are key to whether you go back to prison or stay out

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Did you get out of prison recently or know someone who has and wants to tell you about their experience?

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We are interested in knowing your story

Some cover the entire United States, while others attend to people in each state. In different ways, government and non-governmental organizations support people on their difficult journey towards reinsertion into society, and their opportunity for a ‘second chance’ (*).

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These organizations help those leaving prison: jobs, healthcare, emotional support and housing

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Jaime Martínez says that living behind bars for so many years was a catastrophe. The mistakes he made in his youth now serve to prevent young people from joining gangs. This story is part of the 'Second Chances' project.

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After three decades in prison, helping others live free

Socioeconomic level, implicit police prejudice, categorization, immigration and drug crimes are some of causes for the over-representation of Hispanics in jails and prisons. With the help of experts, we show you some of the reasons for this disparity. <a href="https://www.univision.com/noticias/especiales/negros-e-hispanos-tienen-mas-del-triple-de-probabilidades-de-ir-a-prision-que-los-blancos-en-eeuu-estas-son-las-razones" data-cms-id="0000016e-a5a8-d52d-a76f-e7fa25cd0002" data-cms-href="/noticias/especiales/negros-e-hispanos-tienen-mas-del-triple-de-probabilidades-de-ir-a-prision-que-los-blancos-en-eeuu-estas-son-las-razones" link-data="{&quot;cms.content.publishDate&quot;:1592273605326,&quot;cms.content.publishUser&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;0000016e-d30f-d89e-a36f-db8f84bc0000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;6aa69ae1-35be-30dc-87e9-410da9e1cdcc&quot;},&quot;cms.content.updateDate&quot;:1592273605326,&quot;cms.content.updateUser&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;0000016e-d30f-d89e-a36f-db8f84bc0000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;6aa69ae1-35be-30dc-87e9-410da9e1cdcc&quot;},&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;attributes&quot;:[],&quot;item&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;0000016e-a5a8-d52d-a76f-e7fa25cd0002&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;4f8e492c-6f2f-390e-bc61-f176d3a37ab9&quot;},&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;00000172-bae6-da06-a1fb-fafe8ec80001&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;c3f0009d-3dd9-3762-acac-88c3a292c6b2&quot;},&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;Leer este texto en español&quot;,&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;00000172-bae6-da06-a1fb-fafe8ec80000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;809caec9-30e2-3666-8b71-b32ddbffc288&quot;}">Leer este texto en español</a>

Prisoner man in dark cell depressed or praying

Blacks and Hispanics are more than three times more likely than whites to go to prison in the U.S.: here are the reasons

Ángel Sánchez, 37, has dreamed of graduating since he was locked up almost two decades ago, but the pandemic has denied him, at least temporarily. He's waiting for a new date from the University of Miami. "Losing that ceremony might hurt a little, but in no way does it change anything about me or my focus," he says. This story is part of the 'Second Chances' project that seeks, among other goals, to raise awareness of racial discrimination and how it is reflected in the prison system.

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He was due to graduate as a lawyer after 12 years in prison, but ceremony was canceled due to pandemic

Adrián Vázquez was released from prison at the age of 39 and has overcome obstacles to get his life back in order. He is currently dedicated to preventing other young people from falling into crime, as happened to him. This story is part of the 'Second Chances' project.

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He spent 20 years in prison and now helps others stay out of trouble

Danny Murillo spent 15 years behind bars, six of them in solitary confinement. He offers his own recommendations on how to cope with isolation. This story is part of the 'Second Chances' project.

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For some, quarantine is a reminder of years confined in prison

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At age 11, Anthony Colon left his home to live with a drug dealer. For more than three decades he went in and out of prison. His current boss gave him a chance and that made all the difference. This story is part of the 'Second Chances' project.

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"He was either on the street or in prison": how one young Hispanic managed to reinvent himself and fulfills his dreams

Ángel Sánchez spent 12 years in prison and is now about to graduate as a lawyer and he argues that the prison system is not ready to deal with the pandemic. He proposes that those who are close to their release date be let out early. This story is part of the 'Second Chances' project.

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"Let the people out who are due for release": a proposal seeks to reduce the effect of the pandemic in prisons

Manny Mendez says the increased revenue in rehabilitation centers from covid-19 is "totally unprecedented." After completing an 11-year sentence and leaving prison, he became a rehabilitation specialist and works with people who are trying to overcome their addictions. This story is part of the Second Chances project.

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"Better times are coming, this is going to go away": the message of a former Hispanic addict who now helps others recover

The third time was the charm, but not because of luck or the popular saying; rather, it was thanks to Inside-Out, a program in which prisoners share their education with non-imprisoned college students. “It was a powerful, transforming process,” he said. <a href="https://www.univision.com/noticias/especiales/estas-clases-en-prision-lo-ensenaron-a-vivir-en-libertad-el-testimonio-de-zachary-manuz" data-cms-id="00000171-88d7-dc12-a5f9-bff7a5d90002" data-cms-href="/noticias/especiales/estas-clases-en-prision-lo-ensenaron-a-vivir-en-libertad-el-testimonio-de-zachary-manuz" link-data="{&quot;cms.content.publishDate&quot;:1587750898661,&quot;cms.content.publishUser&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;0000016e-d30f-d89e-a36f-db8f84bc0000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;6aa69ae1-35be-30dc-87e9-410da9e1cdcc&quot;},&quot;cms.content.updateDate&quot;:1587750898661,&quot;cms.content.updateUser&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;0000016e-d30f-d89e-a36f-db8f84bc0000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;6aa69ae1-35be-30dc-87e9-410da9e1cdcc&quot;},&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;attributes&quot;:[],&quot;item&quot;:{&quot;_ref&quot;:&quot;00000171-88d7-dc12-a5f9-bff7a5d90002&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;4f8e492c-6f2f-390e-bc61-f176d3a37ab9&quot;},&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;00000171-ad53-d0cc-abf9-ed53d62f0001&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;c3f0009d-3dd9-3762-acac-88c3a292c6b2&quot;},&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;Aquí puedes leer este artículo en español&quot;,&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;00000171-ad53-d0cc-abf9-ed53d62f0000&quot;,&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;809caec9-30e2-3666-8b71-b32ddbffc288&quot;}">Aquí puedes leer este artículo en español</a>

Zachary Manuz

These classes in prison taught him to live in freedom: Zachary Manuz’s story

Caridad Galan Jones, who now works as an interpreter, was imprisoned for a decade for drug possession and distribution. The time away from her first son broke their relationship. "That separation hit him, hurt him, you could say he's damaged," says Jones. In 2016, she became a mother for the third time in an unexpected way. The latest story in the Second Chances project, tells how Caridad's life has changed.

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After 10 years in prison a third son came into his life and changed it forever

At 18, Manny Mendez was arrested for robbery and spent 11 years in prison. While serving his sentence, art became his escape valve. His story also shows how difficult it is to break the cycle of addiction. This story is part of the Second Chances project.

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"My grandfather's been in prison, my dad's been in prison"

Caridad Galan Jones, of Puerto Rican descent, reinvented herself after she was released from prison. As an interpreter, she helps non-English speaking Hispanics become better informed about where they can get tested and precautions to take to avoid infection.

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After spending nine years in prison, she now helps immigrants in midst of coronavirus outbreak

Virginia Míreles was addicted to heroin for almost 30 years until a job training program in prison changed her life. Today she is a successful professional specialized in global training and also a leader in the company where she works in Arizona.

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Prison program provides professional skills training

Adrián Vásquez paused his dreams for two decades while in prison. After his release, thanks to the support of institutions and many people, he studied and now the fruits of his work are having a positive impact on communities in need. This story is part of the 'Second Chances' project.

Second Chances | Univision

“Receiving a letter when you are detained is priceless": His history of persecution is his…

Latino returns to society to help others

Less punishment and more rehabilitation: how to help formerly incarcerated people readjust to freedom,…

The impact of mental health on Hispanics

The impact of the last six months on Latinos

According to statistics, minorities are more likely to end up in prison

Does the possibility of a person ending up in jail depend on the area where they live?

We are interested in knowing your story - Especiales

These organizations help those leaving prison: jobs, healthcare, emotional support and housing - Univision News

After three decades in prison, helping others live free - Univision News

Blacks and Hispanics are more than three times more likely than whites to go to prison in the U.S.: here are the reasons - United States

He was due to graduate as a lawyer after 12 years in prison, but ceremony was canceled due to pandemic - Univision News

He spent 20 years in prison and now helps others stay out of trouble - Univision News

For some, quarantine is a reminder of years confined in prison - Univision News

"He was either on the street or in prison": how one young Hispanic managed to reinvent himself and fulfills his dreams - Univision News

"Let the people out who are due for release": a proposal seeks to reduce the effect of the pandemic in prisons - Univision News

"Better times are coming, this is going to go away": the message of a former Hispanic addict who now helps others recover - Univision News

These classes in prison taught him to live in freedom: Zachary Manuz’s story - Especiales

After 10 years in prison a third son came into his life and changed it forever - Univision News

"My grandfather's been in prison, my dad's been in prison" - Univision News

After spending nine years in prison, she now helps immigrants in midst of coronavirus outbreak - Univision News

Prison program provides professional skills training - Univision News

"People like me, with a criminal past, we are ready to work" - Univision News