I was "Jorge's" third-grade teacher many years ago, and got to know a very kind, thoughtful child who was struggling with situations and issues that no adult, let alone child, should have had to deal with. I was crushed to hear he was arrested shortly after his 18th birthday.

We reconnected a couple of years after that and I’ve been privileged to witness his journey over the last decade. I’ve seen him grow emotionally, start studying and reading, and learn a trade. He’s been making plans for the future, mostly focusing on supporting his grandmother who he loves dearly (she raised him and his siblings), and possibly starting a family of his own someday.

I have also been honored to become close to Jorge's grandmother, his beloved Abuela. She has shared her struggles with me (and I with her; it's become a friendship) and she just told me that the day is finally almost here: Jorge gets out of prison in January 2027!

Understandably, while she’s thrilled that he’s coming home, she’s worried about how to provide what Jorge needs when he gets out of prison. The social workers have told her that to live at home, he needs his own room. They gave her a list of supplies she must provide. Because of health issues, she's been struggling to work for many years and paying the rent each month is already quite a challenge. She said it's just like when the court approved her custody of her grandchildren when they were very young; they're going to do home inspections and she isn't sure how she's going to afford everything.

Abuela would give her life for Jorge, but she needs help, so with her blessing I am asking my community to join her in providing a fresh start for him. I promise you all that once he gets back on his feet, he will take care of her for the rest of her life, but right now she needs a little help to bring him home.