Finally Free. Fighting to Be the Father He Deserves

My name is Andrew Dickson and just a few weeks ago, I hugged my son for the first time as a free man.

I had just come home after serving 14 years in prison. My son is 15 now — and the moment we finally embraced was captured on video. Millions of people have seen it. They saw the tears, the emotion, the rawness of that first hug.

But what the video didn’t show was everything that led up to that moment — or the road we still have to walk.

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Our Story

I was only 19 when I made a horrible choice — one that hurt others and cost me everything. I take full responsibility for what I did. I spent every single day of those 14 years trying to grow, to become a better man, and to one day come home with purpose.

During my incarceration, I made a commitment to growth, accountability, and transformation. I completed every rehabilitative program the Connecticut Department of Correction had to offer. I was honored to help launch the TRUE program—a groundbreaking initiative designed to support young adults (ages 18–25) in making positive life changes within a therapeutic and mentorship-based environment. I invested deeply in my education, earning both vocational certifications and college degrees. Every step I took—from personal development to leadership—was driven by one purpose: to become a better man and a present, loving father for my son.

What hurt most wasn’t just the time lost — it was missing my son grow up. I wasn’t there for birthdays, school nights, tough moments, or proud ones. But I never stopped being his father.

He visited me as often as he could — sometimes twice a month. We sat across a cold table in a visiting room. We couldn’t play catch. I couldn’t tuck him in. But I could look him in the eyes, listen to him, give him advice, and remind him that I loved him — always.

Now, for the first time, there’s no table between us. And I want to give him the kind of life he’s always deserved.

Why I’m Asking for Help

I came home with nothing — no job, no home, no transportation. I’m connected to some great reentry programs and I have people in my corner, but starting over after 14 years is hard, even when you’re doing everything right.

This fundraiser is about giving me a real shot at rebuilding my life — for me, and for my son.

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What Your Support Will Help With:

• Relocation and stable housing so I can be near my son and finally give him a safe place to call home

• Reliable transportation to get to work, parole check-ins, reentry programs, and show up for my son’s school and activities

• Work gear and tools so I can start earning a living

• Basic needs like clothing, food, hygiene supplies, and a phone to stay connected and apply for jobs

• Therapy and healing support for both of us — to process the years we lost and move forward stronger

• Support for my son’s growth and education, so I can finally be present for the little things and the big ones

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How You Can Help

That hug was powerful. It was the first time I held my son without a table between us. But we’re not just trying to go viral — we’re trying to go forward.

If you believe in second chances, please help us build a future we can be proud of. You can support us by:

• Donating any amount — every bit truly helps

• Sharing this story with your community

• Keeping us in your thoughts as we work to write a new chapter

Thank you for seeing our story. Thank you for believing in growth, healing, and the power of family.

With love and gratitude,

Andrew Dickson

#SecondChances #FatherAndSon #HopeAfterPrison #HealingTogether #FreshStart #ReentryMatters