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#32: Unyielding Resilience: April Barber Scales' Extraordinary Journey from Incarceration to Redemption and Empowerment
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Welcome to another empowering episode of "Arise: Living Your Life with Purpose and Confidence." today, I have a remarkable guest who embodies resilience, empowerment, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose.
April Barber Scales is a name synonymous with hope and transformation. She's the force behind "Fenced in Fighting for Freedom Advocacy," a startup business committed to advocating for the incarcerated, providing resources, and championing their journey to redemption. April's story is not just a testimony of survival; it's a beacon of inspiration for all.
April's life has been a tapestry of challenges, transformation, and service. She spent an astonishing 31 and a half years behind bars, enduring the harsh reality of the justice system. But she emerged from this ordeal stronger, driven by an unyielding determination to make a difference.
April's passion project was born from her remarkable journey. Incarcerated at just 15 years old, her driving force was her unborn child, and she was determined to be the parent she never had. Despite the obstacles, she held onto the dream of becoming the mother she aspired to be. Her son eventually grew up to be a Marine, and their bond is a testament to the strength of a mother's love.
Beyond her advocacy work, April also juggles a career in home health, caring for residents with dementia. Additionally, she's a personal trainer, exemplifying her commitment to overall well-being.
She penned four books during her time in prison, including "Fenced In Fighting for Freedom," a gripping account of her path to incarceration and release, along with "Quotes 365," "31 Days of Growth and Reflection," and "Memoirs of Suzie."
In this episode, April shares:
- How she advocates for incarcerated individuals and provides resources for their reentry into society
- How she journaled and wrote to cope with the lack of mental and physical exercise in prison, leading to the publication of four books
- Her story of resilience and determination in maintaining a positive mindset while incarcerated, with a focus on her drive to be a good parent and the contributions that led to their release
- plans to complete their AA in General Studies and pursue a passion for working with at-risk youth, hoping to provide a positive example and mentorship
- How her confidence stems from resiliency and a support system, including advocates and organizations that helped her heal and move forward
- Reflections on her journey since getting out of prison, including learning to drive, applying for jobs, and facing setbacks like the recent change in voting laws, which remind her that she's not truly free yet
- Encouragement for those who have been incarcerated to not sacrifice their dreams and hopes and to reach back and help someone else
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with April Scales Barber:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilbarber44/
Connect with Me:
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