Meet Jason
Jason’s story is one of redemption and hope. Originally from New York, he came to South Carolina as a teenager, only to find himself caught up in circumstances that led to a 16-year federal prison sentence. But prison became a place of reflection and transformation for Jason, who emerged determined to rebuild his life.
Upon his release, Jason faced new challenges, including his sister’s battle with stage four lung cancer. Despite the odds, he found support and guidance at Pathways Community Center. With their help, he secured a bed at the Haven Men’s Shelter, regained his driver’s license, and landed a job. Now, Jason is focused on taking the next step toward independence, with gratitude for the community that helped him along the way.
I am ashamed of having to depend on others for food and a place to sleep.
Originally from New York, Jason came to South Carolina to live with his brothers. This was not a good decision, as he later found out. His brothers were involved with the wrong people, placing Jason in prison. Due to the nature of the crime, Jason, an 18-year-old, was tried as an adult, found guilty, and sentenced to 16 years in federal prison.
Jason did a lot of reflecting in prison. He was a changed man, no longer the young, reckless 18-year-old hanging out with the wrong people. He had a desire and will to change his life. It was time for a fresh start. Jason was ecstatic about reuniting with his sister in Rock Hill upon release. Unbeknownst to him, his sister had recently been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Weak from chemo, she could not pick him up from prison in Columbia. Luckily, Jason found a ride to Rock Hill.
He discovered Pathways Community Center, where he was guided to Bethel Day Shelter, provided case management, and eventually landed a bed at the Haven Men’s Shelter. Jason was connected to the Alston Wilkes Society, where he obtained his driver’s license, and to SC Works, which resulted in him finding a job.
Though he was grateful for the supportive services, he was often ashamed of having to depend on others for food and a place to sleep. Jason looks forward to graduating from the Haven Men’s Shelter soon, where he sees this as a stepping stone to becoming independent.