(Editor's Note: The author, Angela Tillotson, is the program director of the Sacramento chapter of Volunteers In Parole. VIP is a statewide organization that recruits attorneys, and only attorneys, to mentor young men and women on parole.)

I am the first to arrive. I read the newspaper and look out the window at the darkening sky, waiting for my company. I am going to interview VIP mentor Ted Greene and his match partner Joe Constancio.

Ted arrives first, then Joe. He and Ted greet each other as if they have been friends since childhood. Both have put in a full day at work, but that doesn't stop their enthusiasm for the opportunity to share a cup of coffee together.

Match partners Ted Greene and Joe Constancio.

It has been about a year since the three of us got together for lunch. It was their first meeting and both had some apprehensions. Ted had been in a previous match that didn't work out, but he maintained his belief in the VIP mission. "When I heard about VIP, it struck a chord with me," Ted said. "I believe that people are inherently good, but sometimes circumstances or situations turn people to make bad choices. I also believe that people have the ability to get back on track. I feel fortunate to be where I am and I want to give back to society."

When I approached him about meeting Joe, Ted said, "I'll try (being matched) one more time." Ted recalls, "My apprehension dissipated instantly when I met Joe."

Joe also recalls his first meeting with Ted. "I thought he was going to be uptight. I wasn't sure why he was doing it. In prison, I learned how to read people, so at first, I just sat quiet. Ted cracked jokes and was easy to talk to. I could tell that he was good to go."

Joe's wife and fellow VIP mentee, Phyllis Gonzales, first told Joe about the benefits of having a mentor. Joe and Phyllis were dating when Joe was arrested. That was nine years ago. They married while Joe was in jail. "Phyllis wrote me and told me about VIP," Joe said. "I knew if I used the same determination that I used when I was criminally active, I wouldn't go back to prison. I wanted to do things legal. I wanted to get a driver's license. For years, I drove around with my junior high school ID."

Joe proudly shows us a letter of reference from his employer describing what a wonderful asset he is to the company. "I wanted to get a job and have a family. I had never worked for anyone else. I had never had a legal job."

Over the last year, the relationship between Ted and Joe has become a strong friendship. Ted has watched Joe build his relationship with Phyllis, and become a devoted father. On October 14, Joe and Phyllis became the proud parents to a beautiful baby girl, Celestina.

"Ted has been an inspiration to keep going", say Joe. "Sometimes I think about what I have accomplished and what I want. And I think about my baby girl."

Ted also feels inspired by the relationship. "I feel that what I have gotten out of being a friend to Joe is much more than I give." Ted looks at Joe and continues, "Joe, you are an inspiration to me. It takes much more courage and guts to do what you have done. I look up to you. When I have a bunch of stuff on my desk, and I feel overwhelmed, I think, 'if Joe can do what he is doing, I can certainly do this."

It is now well beyond dinnertime. The sky has grown completely dark. We all acknowledge the need to go home. As we stand to say our goodbyes, Joe asks Ted, "Do you want to come over for breakfast Saturday morning?" "That would be great," Ted answers.

As I walk to my car, I feel a sense of pleasure. Friendships like Ted and Joe's are what I work for.

If you would like to learn more about Volunteer In Parole, or you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact Angela S. Tillotson, Program Director, at (916) 3244141, ext. 259, or by email at vipsacramento@earthlink.net.