Darrel first came to Mt. Carmel as an intern and since found a place here as a full time Peer Mentor for the Veterans’ Climb Program. Darrel is often the first point of contact for justice involved veterans, either currently or previously incarcerated. He strives to make the transition from corrections to parole/probation as successful as possible by providing them with much needed resources upon release.  The first 48 hours are critical and can mean the difference in success or failure. Darrel has a unique take on this because he himself is familiar first-hand with the process. During the last 3 years of his time with DOC he was fortunate to be one of the founding members of the first Veterans’ Units in Colorado Department of Corrections, Unit 32 in Sterling Correctional Facility. “It changed my life and I believe my work there was a large factor in my being paroled. I saw myself in the faces of many of the young men who served honorably and then lost their way because of the difficult adjustment to life after combat. I decided then to try to make a difference in their lives.” When the opportunity came to join Mt. Carmel, Darrel knew this was where he could do the most for Veterans. He loves and enjoys the work he is able to do and the ability to continue to learn and grow.