Darigma's Reentry Story

 

“Are they gonna forgive me?” The question hung in the air like a feather, held up by hope. It carried all the fear of a young mother in a prison cell, looking toward reentry with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. Freedom seemed both close and impossible for a recovering addict with nowhere to go.

The day I spoke to Darigma, she was about to celebrate one year sober and graduate from the Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility (SAFPF) 4-C program. She sounded strong, calm, and confident as she generously shared her story, walking me backward through her journey from incarceration to reentry and reunification with her three children.

From Trauma to Transformation

Darigma became addicted to narcotics at the age of 12, which eventually led to incarceration at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facility for 2.5 years around the age of 30. Upon reentry in June 2024, she struggled desperately to find a job, a home, and a way to survive. But with no resources and no hope, she quickly relapsed and fell hard.

Facing the judge and feeling the full weight of her addiction, Darigma finally admitted she needed help. She was ready for the change. The judge granted admission into the SAFPF program, and Darigma went to Nexus Health Systems for rehab instead of going back to prison. 

At Nexus, Darigma learned that her addiction was rooted in childhood trauma that she had not previously been aware of. Looking back on her time at Nexus, Darigma shared,

“When they explained the childhood trauma, it made sense to me. It was time to break that chain. I didn’t want to repeat that lifestyle. I want to be there for my kids. God has given me another opportunity in life to pick myself up.”

As she peeled back the layers of her past and learned new strategies for maintaining a positive lifestyle, Darigma’s faith in God and herself began to grow. She was becoming a new person, determined to prove herself, to show everyone that she wanted sobriety as much as she wanted to breathe.

From Rehab to Reentry

As her time at Nexus drew to a close, Darigma approached a critical moment. She still had no job, no transportation, and no way to survive on her own. How could she avoid relapse, rebuild trust with her family, and provide for her three children?

The SAFPF 4-C aftercare program connected her with The Way Back for reentry support. There, Darigma received one-on-one support from Ms. Williams, who partnered with her to secure clothing, food, transportation, her Texas ID, and employment. As she recalled those early times with The Way Back, Darigma said,

“I was in desperate need. I was not working. But my faith grew stronger as The Way Back helped me out. When I didn’t have money, they provided a good Christmas for all three of my kids, allowing me to shop for gifts. I was stressing, I didn’t have a job, but God never failed me. It has been a blessing.

Before I got my car, The Way Back supplied bus passes so I wouldn’t have to worry about transportation. They helped me set goals, and when I reached my goal within the week, I was able to spin a prize wheel to see what I won, like a gift card to a restaurant. It made it fun and helped me keep going.

Anything I needed–clothes, hygiene items–The Way Back was there to supply it. Ms. Williams provided emotional support, and thanks to her, I now have my Texas ID and a job. She set everything up and said, ‘Don’t worry, I will help you.’ She was on top of my employment, making sure I had the best opportunities. She sent me info on where they were hiring.”

From Surviving to Thriving

Darigma received the vital reentry support she needed to graduate from the SAFPF program, maintain her sobriety, and provide for her children. With ongoing support and case management from The Way Back, she recently discovered a new job opportunity as a property leasing assistant manager. Why is Darigma so passionate about this role?

“I view it not as a job but a career, a calling. I love to find people a home. We all need a home, and for me to be able to offer that to someone–I want to be the person to help them. If I was in their shoes, I would want somebody to say, ‘Don’t worry about it, everything’s gonna be okay. You’re gonna find somewhere to go.’

When I was incarcerated, I didn’t have that relationship with anyone on the outside. Those thoughts came, the ones we all struggle with in there. ‘Where am I gonna go? Are they gonna forgive me? Oh no, after two years, are you just gonna relapse again? Is it okay to come back? What am I gonna do next?’

If I can help ease those worries for others, that’s what I wanna do.”

Today, Darigma is thriving in her new life, full of faith and determination to make the most of her second chance.

“I have my car. I have my kids. I’m about to be off probation. My baby’s father is coming out of prison after 13 years. I’m excited about that and will definitely give him The Way Back as a resource to help him, just like they helped me.”

What keeps her going? 

“When I reached out for help, I didn’t want to lose my family or my freedom. I had to prove that I wanted it as bad as I wanted to breathe. Now I prove it by doing everything I’m supposed to do–going to NA meetings, coming back home, going to take my UA (urinary analysis) and coming straight home. Get my job. Be trustworthy and keep my word. It’s possible because I really want it.”

“It’s a fight every day,” Darigma shares. “I realize nobody can take my freedom from me except myself. I want to build my family and a stable home for my kids. I want what God has in store for me and all that life has to offer.”