“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3) 

Growing up in a family where most of my immediate relatives were ex-offenders, I have seen first-hand the barriers that they faced upon release. My father was incarcerated on and off for 17 years by the time I graduated from naval boot camp in 1997. Having close relatives and friends who are currently incarcerated with sentences from 20-80 years, I also see the day-to-day struggle they experience being away from their loved ones. I have also been directly affected with a brother who was released due to clemency after serving 15 years in a correctional institute. In speaking with him, he stated all he need is people around him to provide moral support for him to succeed. Since being home he has leveraged his support structure and attained his CDL, got married and purchased his first home. I also have a cousin who was released early from a 30-year sentence who started hanging around the wrong crowd and violated parole. These messages confirm my vision and have sparked my desire to help others in like situations. 

I coach and provide moral support for other relatives and friends incarcerated through email, incoming phone calls and monetary support. I have seen this cycle my entire life and feel obligated to not just stand by but stand up and do something about it. Everyone that commits a crime is not a bad person but people make bad decisions. They served their time and upon release are forever penalized for the mistakes they made in the past. My mission is to provide hope of a new day for those who have the passion to make a successful transition into society.