Kane Co. program helps jail dads prepare for life on the outside

Timothy Patzka felt "worthless and ashamed" when he arrived at the Kane County jail three months ago on a vehicle burglary charge.

The 39-year-old Batavia man said he was a severe alcoholic and drug addict, one who hadn't communicated with his own children for much of their lives.

"I just felt so small, like I couldn't do anything," he said. "The pain and the hurt was so bad - but I had to go through it."

Last Friday, Patzka said he felt ready to forge a new path, as he and 10 other inmates were recognized for their participation in the jail's Transforming Incarcerated Dads program.

Sheriff Pat Perez said the 10-part course is designed to help inmates who want to change their lives get ready for the eventual challenge of rejoining society, and their families.

The program includes course work on repairing relationships, addiction recovery, spirituality and improving communication, among other topics. Participation is voluntary.

"You're going to be better men because of it," Perez told the graduates. "You see the impact it has had on you in here. Think about the impact it could have on your neighborhoods back home."

Michael Taylor, 30, said he has been in jail since December, when he was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm in connection with a Dec. 1 shooting in Aurora.

Since that time, the Aurora resident, who has served time for armed robbery, battery and sexual assault, said he's learned that he used to "take things for granted," including his 9-year-old daughter.

"I'm trying to make sure this is my last trip here," he said. "I want to be a positive role model for my daughter. It's a decent relationship already, but I want it to be stronger. I do not want to take my daughter, my freedom, my family for granted anymore."

Bill Woods, detainee programs coordinator for the jail, said Transforming Incarcerated Dads was introduced last year, with about eight graduates in the first run.

He said some inmates are "skeptical" when they begin the program, but they tend to grow more enthused as they make positive headway in their lives. The class costs the jail about $10 an inmate, Woods said, and is largely supported by volunteers.

"You really do see a change in the guys when they go through it," he said. "They're building educations and it's impacting their lives beyond the bars. You can't put a price on it."

For Patzka, things started to change when he made contact with his 15-year-old daughter for the first time in much of her life. He also is working to get in touch with another daughter who is 12.

Patzka, who has served time for battery, theft and drug possession, said reconnecting with family, including his mother in Batavia, is nothing short of "beautiful."

"I feel more confident," he said, "like I'll be able to make it when I do get to the streets."