Empower Derek's Fresh Start with Your Support

Derek Baddie was recently released from prison after being incarcerated for 17 years for a crime he committed when he was 16 years old. He now lives in the Sacramento area and is working hard to restart his life, including by enrolling in community college at Cosumnes River, any by planning to enroll at Sacramento State this fall. However, after living almost all of his adult life behind bars, he needs your financial help getting on his feet.

While in prison, Derek transformed his life through his commitment to his education and the non-violent path of Buddhism. He was told at a young age that he had a disability that would prevent him from learning how to read. Nonetheless, he learned to read in prison, and it opened up a new world for Derek. Through books, Derek learned about other ways of living, and he gained self-respect, realizing he could in fact be “smart.” He eventually earned his GED and began taking college courses. By proving himself in prison and putting himself on a path towards success, the Alameda County DA’s office agreed that Derek should be resentenced and he was subsequently released for the crime he committed as a teenager.

Derek is of course grateful to have been released, but he is starting over with nothing. Imagine trying to re-start your life at 35 years old, with nothing to get you started, and after spending your entire adult life in prison. What would you need? What would it take to make a new life?

Derek’s legal team is trying to raise funds to help give him the financial boost he needs to focus on his education and ultimately bettering his life. He has been admitted to a great program called Freedom Through Education that will support him with housing and basic meals as he earns his college degree. But he needs money for everything else – clothes, transportation, hygiene items. We hope you can help contribute to enabling Derek to rebuild and make the most of his life.

We are very grateful for anything you can contribute -- all funds will go directly to Derek.