Post-incarceration support for Ledrew Lee

In 2021 my brother Ledrew was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He has spent the last two years in jail because of charges related to a psychotic episode that he suffered during onset of symptoms. This entire period has been pre-trial/pre-conviction: he has been in custody because my family could not afford his bail.

Ledrew is one of the kindest and most gentle people I know. His community knows him as a passionate musician, a devoted father and son, a hardworking employee, a good listener and extremely generous friend.

Ledrew has no criminal history outside of this brief episode where he was experiencing hallucinations, lost touch with reality, and didn’t understand what was happening to him. During the episode he was hospitalized and received antipsychotic medication for the first time. Since then his symptoms have improved dramatically. He is doing much better and largely back to his old self, but has a new set of problems to navigate related to his convictions and incarceration.

While in jail Ledrew had been pursuing a mental health diversion to try and get mental health support and get his charges dropped, but he was denied. He did manage to negotiate for a good plea deal, and is going to be released from jail in the next four months. His family is so grateful and excited to have him back. We’re also aware that the coming months will be a very challenging and vulnerable time and we want to do everything we can to help him make a successful transition.

Upon release Ledrew will be staying with our sister Suzie. She is already housing herself, her partner, her kids, and more recently our father, who she is providing hospice care to, so we are hoping to help Ledrew get into an independent living situation as quickly as possible.

Ledrew lost his job and apartment while incarcerated, and police had his car impounded. Any funds raised will go toward helping him pay for a vehicle (or repair an existing one that we have in the family), move-in costs on a new apartment, and other basic needs during his first few months out of jail.

Over the last two years I have shared a lot about the challenges my brother and I have faced related to his incarceration and legal battle and I have been incredibly touched by the outpour of empathy and support from friends. I am now asking for your financial support during this crucial transitional period. I know that many people are struggling right now. Please only give if you have the means to do so without harming yourself! If you are able to help, I believe that this support will have a profound impact on my brother for years to come, helping him heal from the trauma of mental illness and incarceration, regain independence, be a productive member of society, and lay a foundation for a long, happy, healthy life. My family and I are so grateful for anything you can offer.