I’m Lisa Porter, a Journeyman Laborer in Construction. I determined I would be in the construction field while in prison.  I discovered the Building and Trades Industry had great opportunities. Most important and influential in this decision I made was this industry is the forerunner in giving second chances to ex-offenders. A skilled construction worker will not only have great pay but also great benefits. There are so many trades to choose from in the construction field.

Yes, while I was in prison, I had a great support system. My family leading the trail. I believe because of that and a renewed relationship with God I found hope to live again!  I knew I would have to get a job; I had a young daughter and knew I wanted her to have a great education and future. I felt I would have to have more than a sustainable income for her to have both. 

Applying with a local union and getting in construction allowed me to make the income I dreamed of and afforded me the ability to be a good provider to my daughter. I was able to send my daughter to school and she is now a traveling nurse in whom I am so proud! I am now also happily married and a homeowner!  The Second Chance afforded me a real chance, there was no judgement. 

Now I had another desire, some might say dream. I wanted to start a nonprofit organization that will help children with incarcerated parents. My drive to help children with incarcerated parents come from my own personal experience while incarcerated.

In 2004, I was imprisoned and sentenced to five years, because of being with the wrong crowd of people. 

During my time in prison, I met women who had received no visits from their children in 7 to 9 months, even worse, some women were not having any contact with their children for a year or longer. Although I had a strong support system when I was incarcerated, I understood the anxiety, anticipation, and frustration these women were experiencing due to lack of visitation from their children.

As time went on, I began sharing my prison system phone pin number with some of the ladies so that they were able to call home. On several occasions I would have my very own mother pick up other inmates' children and caregivers, and bring them to the prison for a visit with their loved one. Oftentimes when my family members would try to send me money, I would have my sister take the money and purchase items needed for some of the inmates' children. The many items my sister would help them purchase included prom dresses, baby pampers, school uniforms, and even Six Flags tickets. I would never forget how all this made me feel and I knew at some point I wanted to Help.

Thanks to the Building and Trade Industries In the year 2020 I decided to retire from construction to start my organization. A Non-Profit, 4 Walls and Beyond, where the mission is to assist children with incarcerated parents and support ongoing communication during time of imprisonment. During my twenty-five years of being in construction I have had the pleasure of working on several large scale jobs in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. The many projects include the expansion of Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJC), building the St. Louis Ballpark Village, and the demolition of the twenty story Queeny Tower building located in the Central West End. My most recent project includes construction of the new Soccer Stadium in Downtown St. Louis, which is scheduled to begin operating in the Summer of 2023.

I want to encourage parents and young people to also investigate the very lucrative career of Construction Job. There will always be work with exceptional pay and benefits.

I’m Lisa Porter,  I am the Founder of 4 Walls and Beyond.  From Prison To Purpose.

List of Construction Jobs

Boilermaker, Carpenter, Carpet Installer

Cement & Concrete Finisher, Dredge Operator

EIFS Installer, Electrician/Technician

Equipment Operator, Elevator Mechanic

Estimator, Fencer/Fence Erector

Flooring Installer, Foreman, Glazier

HVAC Tech, Insulation Worker

Iron-worker, Laborer, Landscaper, Mason

Millwright, Painter, Pile Driver Operator

Plasterer, Plumber, Pipefitter, Steamfitter

Safety Manager, Sheet Metal Worker

Construction Manager, Ironworker

Roofing Mechanic, Roofing Foreman, Welder