Don't Let the Events of the Past Define Your Future........
Several months ago the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF) hosted what the facility referred to as the NCYF Summer Event. It was during this event that a parole client, Orlando Neal, was one of the featured speakers. He shared his personal story with the audience, youthful offenders currently serving a sentence with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. In fact, he was at one point during his incarceration an offender at this facility. His message was one of hope and of not letting the events of the past define their futures. One of our Nebraska Parole Board members attended this event. Not only was he impressed by the parole clients's accomplishments but also his aspirations and his desire to help the youthful offenders present to realize that they have the ability to change the direction of their lives - it's up to them. In speaking with Mr. Neal afterward, the Board member shared that he spoke highly of his Parole Officer. We do not always hear about the positive impact a Parole Officer has made in the life of a parole client so we want to take this opportunity to recognize not only this parole client's Parole Officer Vicki Austin, but all our Parole Officers for their commitment to the clients we serve. We also want to wish Mr. Neal much success as he continues to work toward his goals for the future. He is not letting the events of his past define his future.