Meet Returning Citizen Daniel Mayer
By Ken Warren
Daniel has spent most of his 28 years of life as a boy and young man near Crystal Lake, Ill., in the greater Chicago area. His parents are both retired, but his father operated his own HVAC business for many years while his mother was a registered nurse. He has three sisters and one brother, all older than him. He graduated from high school in Huntley, Ill., in 2015.
In 2020, he and a female friend moved to the Janesville area, where Daniel began attending Blackhawk Technical College to study accounting. He successfully completed one year of classes but made some unwise choices that led to criminal charges. As a result of those charges, he was sentenced in 2022 to three years of probation. In May of 2023, his probation was revoked. He had not re-offended in any way but was found to have violated some of the terms of his probation. Daniel spent the rest of 2023 and until May of 2024 in Dodge and Oshkosh correctional facilities.
Although the original charges against Daniel were in Rock County, he had relocated to Dane County, developed resources in Dane County, and was placed on probation through Dane County. He was uncertain whether upon release he would be returned to Rock or Dane County. He had made up his mind to refuse a return to probation unless it was in Dane County, because he felt that he had no resources in Rock County. Fortunately, he was returned to Dane County and to the same probation officer, with whom he had developed some rapport.
Daniel says that the two hardest things to do after release are finding a residence and finding a job. The state paid for his lodging through SLIM (Sober Living in Madison) for his first two months. Daniel is still living there but now must pay rent of $575 each month. Finding a job is taking longer. After a few weeks, he was able to obtain part-time work as a package handler for On Trac Warehouse; however, he was terminated there the day after our interview due to “an unfavorable result” on his background check. Once again, we are reminded of the hurdles thrown up in front of returning citizens who just want to become contributing members of our community.
JustDane has been an important resource for Daniel. He began classes through JustBakery on nutrition and management on June 10 and will soon complete those classes. He will become eligible for employment through JustBakery 90 days after completing the classes. Recently a local pastor gave Daniel a car, which provides important ease of transport. Before getting the car, Daniel got bus passes through JustDane, which now provides him some gas cards. Daniel reports that another important resource for him has been his Circles of Support group. They continue to give him ideas for resources and also provide encouragement and a listening ear.
Daniel is excited for the future. On Aug. 26, he was able to resume his studies in accounting at Madison College, which he hopes to finish by the autumn of 2025. He will then be able to pursue a career in the accounting field. He hopes to stay in the Madison area for many years to come, because he appreciates the community. The only concern he has regarding Madison is the higher cost of living, particularly apartment rental costs.
When asked about his greatest needs, Daniel responded quickly. He needs people. People to talk to. People to hang out with. It seems like such a small request, and yet it is so important for us all. Welcome back to Madison, Daniel.