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CNC WEST December 2017 /January 2018 www.CNC-West.com 45 isn’t the case. “The parole board sees through all the BS,” tells member Nicholas Fox. “It isn’t easy to get a parole date. You really have to change your ways inside before you even can think about seeing the outside.” It is a common misconception that the vast majority of released prisoners go right back to jail within three years. That statistic is true except when it comes to lifers. Research shows that less than 5% of lifers end up back in jail in the same three-year period. They have more to lose. If they mess up, they are never getting out again, and will die in jail. Rise Up Industries recruits from that pool of released prisoners. Daniel Magueflor is the first graduate of Rise Up Industries’ CNC machining course. He served 16 years in fed- eral prison before being released two years ago and becoming a member. Daniel finished the program in November and came out of it with a new career at a local San Diego manufacturer. “They hired me at $16 an hour starting,” brags Daniel. “I have benefits, bonuses, paid vacation, and a career for the first time in my life. I’m thrilled, my family is thrilled, I’m so excited to get a second chance at having a real life.” “It’s so awesome that Brian Harrigan from Chick Workhold- ing Solutions gave you our information,” praises Dustin. “We knew nothing about Chick vises until it was recommended to us on the last machine we purchased. We love the One-Loc vises now. Brian is a great guy, and we are humbled that he thought enough of us to make introductions. Industry connec- tions are just what we need. It is important to us to have a good reputation. I tell these guys the trade will give you back every- thing that you give it. It might not be overnight, but one thing these guys have is patience. You tell them it will be a few years before it really pays off for them and they embrace that. They did hard time, success is an easy sentence to look forward to.” It is estimated that 1000 prisoners with life sentences will be re- leased in San Diego County next year alone. They are being re- leased either way; helping to facilitate them into a useful mem- ber of society is in everyone’s best interest. Rise Up Industries already has a waiting list for their machining program. “I hate to see anyone on the waiting list,” tells Joe. “One or a hundred it doesn’t matter. I feel badly that I can’t help them all. Workers are members. It is about belonging and a sense of family. The number one cited reason kids join gangs is so they have a place to belong. So, our students go from being gang members to Rise Up members and most importantly members of society. One person on the waiting list is too many.” Most people can’t relate at all to being in prison for 20 years. They don’t know anyone who has served any kind of hard time. It is difficult without direct exposure to feel empathy. It is un- derstandable that you question the unknown. These guys did their crime and did their time. They are not looking for a hand- out, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need a hand up. The world changes constantly, missing 16, 24 or even 41 years would be a shock to anyone. “They train me as much as I train them,” concludes Dustin. “You listen to these guys and your problems are not that bad. Their life experiences are pretty phenomenal. I go home every night feeling good about my lot in life. I’m mak- ing a difference in the lives of people who really need it. It is very inspiring, and not everyone gets that from their job.” Michael Hune is in phase one of his training. He joined the team at Rise Up Industries four months ago. He works on one of the newest machining centers, a Haas VF2. “Michael is quickly becoming one our leaders here at RUI,” tells Dustin. John Villa is one of the newest members. He has been in the program only a few months but is gaining confidence on both the mills and the Haas lathe. Dustin says, “He is very dedicated to the program and his lifestyle change.” George Latting is the youngest of the members at Rise Up Industries. He has been in the training program for six months now. Members work on actual customer jobs. Rise Up’s program is 18 months, 40 hours a week, full time on the job training.