Correctional Transition Services Inc.

Program Testimonials

By Nancy Carkhuff
Program Manager

"The client I want to tell you about is in his mid 50’s; I’ll call him John Doe."

"Being located on the North side of Minneapolis gives people easy access to CTSI. In January Mr. Doe walked in off the street wondering what we are all about. After asking Mr. Doe to take in an AA meeting and have a Rule 25 Assessment from the Hennepin County Chemical Dependency Office at 1800 Chicago, it was found that Mr. Doe met the criteria and was admitted to CTSI in early March. He has chosen not to use drugs or alcohol since his admission.
Mr. Doe has used alcohol and drugs since he was 3 years old; suffered abuse and was emancipated at age 14; and educated himself in several trades and supported his family.
Using mood altering chemicals all his life has been Mr. Doe’s lifestyle. Since early March he has chosen a new lifestyle. His treatment program addresses his specific needs: chemical dependency, cognitive restructuring, obtaining a GED, financial management, anger management, and lifestyle enhancement."

"Mr. Doe was the first graduate of CTSI’S ‘Day One’ Program and currently is the Men’s House Manager of CTSI’s independent supportive housing. Mr. Doe is an active, daily inspiration to both staff and clients alike and has contributed greatly to creating an environment where people feel safe and cared for in their journey toward recovery."

Mark Carey
President, American Probation & Parole Association

"The Founder is a long time, devoted public servant who have seen crime and the consequences of crime and addiction up front and personal. He understands what it takes to make a difference. CTSI is well positioned to implement the very interventions that will benefit the public."

Professor Darroll Bussler-Minnesota State University
Founder and Member of the Board, South Saint Paul Restorative Justice Council

"The South Saint Paul Restorative Justice Council supports the mission of CTSI. We are confident in the staff's ability to plan, to implement, and evaluate it's work. Most importantly, we are confident in the ability of the organization to provide a much needed service to those who seek a better, more productive path in life."

Most Importantly...From former clients:

"I am writing this letter to let you know how thankful I am. The programs you have set up have
motivated me to go farther in life."

"As a former blind man, you opened my eyes to see that being in this program with you is a blessing from GOD."

Excerpt from Insight News, July 2008:

These so-called invisible problems that offenders face as a result of their previous bad behavior certainly don't seem indiscernible when you ask them.

For example, a young man by the name of Ed Doe, who is currently working with a successful program in North Minneapolis called the Correctional Transition Service, Inc. (CTSI), says, "CTSI has been a Godsend for me and a number of other drug-addicted ex-offenders. I was lost; I had dropped out of college at St. Cloud and could not find my way through the fog of my substance abuse. But when I finally got with CTSI, they hel

ped me change my mindset and gave me the support I needed to become drug and alcohol free."

Some of Ed's goals upon completion of the program include involvement in both the work and educational opportunities that CTSI provides. "I may even look at going into the military," Ed adds, "I am just excited about the possibility of even having a future. Before coming to CTSI, I wasn't so sure."

Another benefactor of the CTSI program is Sam Doe, who had violated his parole and was on his way back to prison for fifteen months when his parole officer started looking for a way to give him a second chance.

Sam Doe, a crack addict for twenty years, said that he used the drug to self-medicate as he was having problems with his mental health. "But, when I got to CTSI I got mental health counseling for the very first time. Including medications which have continued to help me in my overall recovery," Doe said. "I was always in and out of shelters, virtually homeless and quite down on my luck. But now I have a job at the Goodwill and I am slowly but surely putting the pieces of my life back together. I am so grateful to Paul Kustermann and all of the staff at CTSI."