My name is Leon, and after a difficult past and 22 years of incarceration, I am reaching out for help as I work to rebuild my life. As a young adolescent, I made choices that led me down the wrong path. By the age of 25, I had already spent years in and out of prison. In April 2003, I was charged in connection with a heinous crime—not because I physically harmed anyone, but because I was present when a crime was committed and did not immediately report it. I accepted responsibility for my actions and took a plea deal, resulting in a 22-year sentence under the principle of accountability.

When I entered prison, I was uneducated and had never held a job. But I was determined to change. I renounced my gang ties, earned my GED and an associate’s degree, completed vocational training, and dedicated myself to personal growth and rehabilitation. I wanted to prove that people can change, and that prison does not have to be the end of anyone’s story.

I was released in April 2025 with nothing—no resources, no support, and no place to call home. I lived in a halfway house, struggled to find work, and faced constant setbacks due to my background. Despite my efforts to help myself, I have continually faced systemic barriers and a lack of opportunities. Even with my commitment to change, it has been nearly impossible to get back on my feet. I am seeking support with humility—not just for myself, but as someone who is trying to help themselves and is met with obstacles at every turn. Your support will help me secure reliable transportation, stable housing, and assistance with my job search. My goal is to become a productive member of society and to show others that redemption is possible, no matter how difficult the journey. I humbly ask for your support—any help you can offer will make a real difference in my life and help me prove that change is possible, one person at a time.