Northern Mariana Islands Governor Arnold Palacios shared his recovery journey at the soft opening of the Community Outreach Partnership Program Office under the Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Rehabilitation Program in Chalan Kanoa on Saipan.

“I used to go to AA and NA three times a week because I was afraid. I was totally afraid of myself, what my mind could do. So re-entry programs, whether it is a re-entry from drug abuse, or drug addiction, or re-entry from incarceration, works,” said Palacios. 

He admitted that in the past, and even during his first campaign for elected office, he could feel the stigma because of his circumstances. But he said with support, he found his way back.

He added, “I would not be standing here if my family and my community did not give me that second chance.”

 

 

And it’s that second chance that people like Jodan Taitingfong are pursuing.

“My mom used to tell me that ‘decisions you make today will greatly affect you in the future.’ As you can see, my decisions greatly affected my future.  But since being incarcerated, I am taking every opportunity given to me so I can better myself and prepare for my future. I am grateful for this re-entry program,” said Taitingfong

The powerful testimonies are a sign of the times, that there is hope.