As a child, growing up in Queens, Rafi Neal’s dad was in prison, and his mom “was going through her issues.” He paused, then added, as if to explain, “It was a back-and-forth thing.” His grandmother was the one touchstone in his life. “She was a church woman,” he shared, “with a deep calmness inside of her. She had a big smile, with huge hugs. And she would let me know the truth, at least as much as she thought a child could handle. And she tried to fill me with hope. She told me that my mother was sick, but that she was going to be ok.”

Looking away, he said, “My grandmother passed away when I was seven. Or eight. That’s when all hell broke loose. I was surrounded by pain and fear. There was chaos, arguments, fights, beatings, and drugs in the house.”

Rafi added, “I was living with my grandfather, but he wasn’t home most of the time. So, I ran away when I was ten. I’d sleep on the A-Train, stay in parks and shelters and Boys & Girls Clubs and friends’ floors. One of my victories was that I graduated from high school while I was homeless.”

One day he went to the bus terminal and bought a ticket for the next bus that was leaving, which took him to Atlantic City. At first, he worked in a casino, as a slot technician. “But when they cut back my hours,” he said, “I went back to the streets, to the chaos I knew, selling drugs. That became my way out. So, I thought. That led to my racking up 42 drug and distribution charges.”

Finally, in the beginning of this year, Rafi was recommended by Recovery Court in Atlantic County to participate in The Mission’s Behavioral Health Program. “It was the first time in my life where I saw a way out, and I was truly ready to accept change.” The counselors at The Mission helped him to reflect upon “who I was as a man and what is important in life.” Paget, one counselor in particular, he said, has always been there when I need her, a very positive influence, who supports, suggests, and has helped me find my way. She has a great way of seeing things, and she is helping me to see that way for myself.”

Rafi was selected to participate in one of The Mission’s premiere programs: The New Direction Program, a transformative course that prepares formerly incarcerated individuals to see their real potential, and to create a plan for their future – with an emphasis on training, educational and career opportunities. 

Inspired by The New Direction’s talented faculty, including formerly incarcerated individuals who have gone on to succeed, Rafi learned to believe in himself, while building upon his unique strengths, including his optimism and resilience. Once he leaves The Mission, Raffi plans to study criminal law, getting his associate’s degree at Atlantic Cape Community College. 

“If you want to change, they will help you here,” he said. “Because of the counselors at The Mission, I now carry with me a sense of hope. I know there are opportunities if I apply myself. They have helped me to crumble up my fears and doubts and replace them with a passion and a purpose in life. When I get out, I will stay focused on my family – on being a husband and father. I know what it is like not to have that. That’s why I’m here – to change, and to break that cycle.”