Chase Richards

My name is Chase Richards. My story has a dark start, but a positive finish. I've just recently been released from doing 7 years in prison. My kids ended up moving out of state with their mom, and instead of manning up and doing what I needed to do to get back to them, I got sidetracked in a drug addiction trying to bury my broken heart. I take full responsibility for my poor life choices. During that 7 years of incarceration, I used my time to completely 180 my life. I've found God, I completed multiple drug addiction programs, second chance programs, obtained my GED, and stayed out of trouble. Since being released 2 months ago, I've secured a job as a contract carpenter, I've started paying my weekly child support on my 2 beautiful babies, I've got a phone bill, I split the house bills with my sister, and I've taken the next step in positive progress by applying to, and being accepted into, college. Finally. I'm going for graphic design, due to my absolute love and gift when it comes to anything art-related. I've applied for financial aid, any scholarship I qualify for, and any grant I can find. So far, my financial aid just barely covers my tuition costs, which is wonderful! I start college this summer!! However, I've got hardly any refund coming my way to help me get the laptop I'm going to need for school. I'm also in the process of obtaining my driver's license again and just got a $500 reinstatement fee waived. Waiting for the court to respond to my request to waive a speeding ticket from 2013 for $150. After that, all I've got to do is retake my test. I give you all this background information on me to show you that I truly am trying to do what I've got to do to be a proactive, productive, positive member of society again. My boss has to pick me up for work for the time being because I also can't afford a vehicle yet, but I know it's baby steps right now. As long as I keep moving in the right direction, I consider that a daily win. My overall goal is to save up money to be able to move down to Tennessee to be closer to my kids, with a degree in hand to give them the life and financial stability and security that they rightfully deserve. I come here today asking for help in simply acquiring a laptop capable of handling the workload I'm about to hold. The only thing I'm really fully knowing it has to have is at least 16GB of RAM with semi-decent color quality as graphic design is my area of study. I'm going to need a vehicle at some point also. My boss has made it a point to tell me that after I get my own vehicle, he will give me a $5/hr raise since he won't have to pick me up from work anymore! I thank God daily for helping me to overcome my addiction, for putting the correct people in my life, and for keeping me focused on what really matters. I've attempted to secure as many scholarships and grants as I can find, but nothing has hit yet, unfortunately. I really don't know what else to do at this point, so I'm giving this a shot. I don't like to beg; I have absolutely no problem working or pulling my own weight to get what I need. If there's anything I can do to help you in exchange for helping me, please reach out. If you've read this far, all I can say at this point is just thank you for taking the time to read this. If you could help me get to that next level in my life to better help me be prepared for college, that would be an unbelievable blessing.