Manny Otero has been chosen as Hang Timer of the Month for January 2025.

Manuel Angel Otero (Manny) was at a Hang Time meeting in New Haven and got inspired.  He had a vision of his future.  “I decided after I wait the five years and get a pardon.  Once I have that accomplished I am becoming a Corrections Officer.”  This is a big pronouncement for a person who has been incarcerated more than once.  Hang Time has shown me a different way.  I feel a change deep in myself.  I know I can help others by setting an example and giving good guidance They will listen to me because I have been there.”

This is a big turnaround for Manny.  He was introduced to Hang Time in New Haven by a friend.At every meeting each member introduces themselves.  It came up that Charlie Grady, our Founder, was in the FBI.  Manny was shocked and got up and tried to leave the meeting. “I was furious!  I just wanted out”.  Charlie and Saladin Hasan, Hang Time New Haven’s Co- Leader, pulled Manny aside.  Charlie told him “You can leave, this isn’t a Program.  If you DO, you will go back out there without learning anything new.  If you stay you will learn something and also find connections to help you change your approach.  You will get the support you need and have a new Family.  Now it’s up to you.”

Manny managed his anger and stayed for the meeting.  “I have never made a better decision in my life. “At the conclusion of each meeting, the group holds hands and repeats “Together we can, Together we will, Together we are strong.”  Hasan was on one side of Manny and Charlie on the other.  Charlie turned to him and said,   “I bet you never thought you would still be here much less holding hands with us!”  Manny said he just looked at that big smile on his face and realized something had shifted for him.

“There are no words to express what this group has done for me and my outlook.  I have a job, Friday I am signing my papers to leave the Halfway House.  I know that Samaris and Crissy will work with me to find housing.  I’m saving for a car.  I will work to support others to find a new way to live. I am so beyond grateful.”

“I have been working to educate myself in financial matters, I am reading books on business and technology.  I LOVE to read.  Reading allows me to learn about my options.  I am going to make a difference and make my community stronger.”

“I love the field trips we take.  I have seen the Mystic Aquarium, Yale Art Museum and the Peabody Museum.  The art we saw was amazing and we learned about the artists.  I am joining the group at the New Britain Museum next Saturday.  We have a great time and experience things we haven’t before.”

Manny has three children: Adonis, six, Leiani, five, and Mehkai, four.  “My kids are so amazing.  Adonis was born with Cerebral Palsy and does not have the use of his lower body.  This is a big challenge for both him and his Mother.  She had to fight the school system for his right to have school support. Now he has a full-time aide.  I am a very lucky man because both of their mothers let me see the kids whenever I want.  They want me involved in their lives.  That is a motivation for me to stay on the correct path.”

What is your Favorite Music Genre:  Reggae, Bachata, Rap, Hip Hop.

Where would you like to travel?  “I would love to travel the world.   My dream is to see Africa.

I love nature and would love to give back to the community over there.

How do you make a change in the community? “I talk to the guys at the Hanf Way House.  I guide them towards a better path for themselves. You have to find a job. You can’t go back to selling drugs. You can’t go back to the familiar. Be uncomfortable; that’s when the growth happens.”

What is something we don’t know about you? “ I love to go fishing. I used to fish all the time”

What does Hang Time mean to you?  Family, Sanctuary, Safe Haven. Comfort.”