Beyond the Walls - Curtavious Gainey

In November 2016, Curtavious Gainey was released early from prison for good behavior and earning his high school diploma through a state charter program. But where is he now?

WMAZ’s Chelsea Beimfohr caught up with Gainey who says earning that high school diploma helped put his life back on track.

“I was convicted of breaking into a school, and they gave me 5 years for it,” says Gainey. Young and disappointed in his actions, Gainey says he knew he had to turn his life around. “I do believe in second chances.”

After a few months behind bars, Gainey heard he had a chance to complete his high school education while serving out his sentence, so he enrolled in the charter school program at Burruss Correctional Training Center.

“I just keep moving,” says Gainey. “I don’t stop for nothing.” [sic]

Now, nearly 3 months removed from prison, Gainey says he’s enrolled in an online college, apprenticing at a barber shop as he works towards his cosmetology license, and is spending time with his 1-year-old daughter.

“Every day, it’s like I’m receiving another blessing,” says Gainey.

He admits assimilating back into the world isn’t easy, but he’s thankful for the support of his friends and family, as well as the Department of Corrections, who have helped him get back on his feet.