April is Second Chance Month, and Harlingen resident Miguel Martinez III knows all about second chances. Dec. 5, 2024 is a day he will never forget. Martinez was released from prison after serving three years for burglary of habitation and theft of a motor vehicle.
According to cleanslataeinitiative.org, Second Chance Month is “a nationally recognized celebration of second chances, fresh starts and breaking barriers for people who have been impacted by the legal system.”
In mid-December, Martinez attended a Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement orientation through the Harlingen District Parole Office.
This year, VIDA celebrates its 30th anniversary of guiding Valley residents out of the cycle of underemployment, unemployment and poverty and into high-paying, high-demand jobs — through education. Recognizing the barriers that often prevent completion of certificates and degrees, VIDA provides comprehensive wraparound services to all participants, including individual and group counseling, speakers and community service opportunities.
That day in the Parole Office proved fortuitous for Martinez.
“I wanted to change my life — be a better person,” he said. “When I heard the VIDA presentation, I felt VIDA was there for me. I could not wait to start.”
Achieving More than an Education
Martinez applied to VIDA, gained acceptance and started in the nonprofit’s Commercial/Industrial Electrical Program in February. His excitement has not subsided. In fact, it has only intensified.
“I am happier than I was four months ago,” Martinez explained. “There’s a lot more peace, purpose and happiness in my life.”
In addition to the bright future he sees ahead, Martinez said his relationship with his dad has drastically improved. Now, he said, his parents and grandparents are extremely proud of him.
“They see that I am doing it for myself now,” he said.
VIDA has also helped Martinez in a many other ways. In addition to financial assistance for tuition, books and required tools, they have also provided him with encouragement.
“The big thing is emotional support,” he shared. When Isidro “Sid” Ramos, director of workforce and economic development for VIDA, visits students in the program, that makes a difference. “Aside from the physical things, the more important things are the motivation and support VIDA provides.”
A Life Changed
Martinez will graduate from the Level 1 program April 23. He will then hold a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Apprentice Electrician License, a National Center for Construction Education and Research Level 1 certification, and OSHA 10 safety training. For the next nine months, he will work in the field, thereby earning the necessary apprenticeship hours to begin Level 2 training.
VIDA will continue to support Martinez, who one day hopes he can be an instructor, changing the lives of students like him.
As Martinez reflects on his life, he sees that hanging around with the wrong crowd led to drug addiction, dropping out of school and going to jail. He has clarity about what has changed.
“Now I have the right mindset and positive people around me — the people at VIDA, my fellow students, my family and my fiancé. I stopped drinking, I don’t do drugs anymore and I am more at peace. I am becoming someone to be proud of.”
VIDA has definitely changed Martinez’ life.
“In the community it takes a group of people to bring one person up,” he said. “VIDA has those people. VIDA is setting the foundation in the community. Today, there is a lot of negativity in the world and VIDA is changing the negativity to positivity. They are superheroes; that’s how I see it. VIDA helps people see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Asked what the difference is between the person who takes the second chance and runs with it and the person who wastes it, Martinez said it’s maturity.
“Sometimes you have to hit the bottom to appreciate the opportunities that can take you to the top.”