My name is Josha, and after serving 20 years in prison, I’m working hard to rebuild my life from the ground up. I was raised by my grandparents, and my early years were shaped by challenges that led me down a difficult path. At 18, I was sentenced to 21 years for aggravated robbery in Arkansas. My time away was tough—I had to rely on myself to survive, and it wasn’t easy. Now that I’m out, I’m determined to move forward and create a better future.

Since my release, I’ve been applying for jobs every day, but it’s been nearly impossible to get hired. Employers often overlook me because of my past, and it’s hard to explain my story in a way that gives me a fair chance. Despite these setbacks, I’m not giving up. I have ideas for self-employment, like working with foreclosed homes to help people keep shelter over their heads, and opening an IT repair shop using the electronics skills I developed while incarcerated. I want to use my experience to support myself and give back to others who are struggling.

Right now, I need help with basic necessities—housing, transportation, food, clothing, and the resources to get my self-employment ideas off the ground. My family is able to offer some support, but I need to build my own income and stability. Any help will go directly toward creating a safe place to live, covering daily needs, and investing in tools and training to start my own business. Your support will help me take the next steps toward independence and making a positive impact in my community.