Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Henderson
Hi Jake, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was 11 my parents went to jail and I was with my grandparents I got into a little trouble as a juvenile and it transgressed to when I got older. I ended up getting on the same drugs that broke my family up and ended up being in and out of prison now I have a kid on the way and a great chance at life and would like to see everyone succeed and show people felons can change
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No it hasn’t people, places, and things are always a constant struggle when your a recovering addict it’s never easy and having a sick parent and kid on the way is challenging just getting back home but I’m sober and pushing forward
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
-I’m currently an arborist honing my craft and am learning how to climb.
-I have goals to be a small business owner within the next year and I’m planning to open several small businesses within the next several years that will be equally owned and managed by the same individuals involved in our Street Disciples Network team. We all have several good ideas that we want to bring to life, and we’re going to help one another bring those ideas into existence one venture at a time.
-We’re going to open a 501(c)(3) very soon so that we can receive clothing and food items because right now a large part of what we’re passing out every week is coming directly out of our pockets, so that’s in the making as well.
-I am waiting to be approved for my enrollment at the University of Phoenix to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the science of business and management. All of us are currently pursuing further educational or vocational achievements.
-Advocating for Criminal Justice Reform: Focused on functional solutions for long-term incarceration, especially for those who were under the age of 21 at the time of their offense and have done 20 years or more on their sentence. I know some long term inmates who are a highly overlooked and untapped resource that could be being utilized for the good they are capable of accomplishing instead of just wasting away in a cell when they could be getting opportunities to reach out to the most troubled of youths who are walking down the same paths that they did and give them advice that could potentially help prevent them from making the same choices. It takes a person from a path to change a path.
-Reentry Initiatives: Working to change the approach to reentry for ex-felons, we aim to help creating pathways for them to demonstrate their commitment and sincerity for the betterment of the community in order to help them reintegrate into society in a more welcoming and successful way.
-Support Network: Working with The Street Disciples Network team has been crucial in keeping me focused on making a real difference. We pass out food and clothing items to those in need every Sunday.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
-Family: My greatest source of happiness, and after my experiences with incarceration, I’ve come value and respect those relationships much more deeply.
-Desire to Make Them Proud: I want to make my loved ones proud, especially after having let them down in the past due to my choices.
-Preparing for Fatherhood: I’m excited about becoming a father and am focused on creating a loving environment to raise my child in. I want to set a good example for them to carry into their life once they are grown.
-Impact through Work: The work we’re doing with the Street Disciples Network has reinforced the importance of gratefulness for everyone and everything I have in my life as well as a newfound appreciation for the internal benefit of selflessness.
-Inspiring Stories: Hearing the stories of those we’ve been fortunate enough to help has inspired me even more, the effect It’s had on us has been very rewarding.
-Community Commitment: Together, we recognize the consequences of our past decisions and are motivated to strive for a better future, both for ourselves and for our community.
-Giving Back: Giving back every week has been spiritually fulfilling and humbling.
-Shared Vision: This collective experience fuels our desire to help others, and I am grateful to have connected with a group of like-minded individuals who share the same vision for improvement as I do—not just on a personal level, but on a spiritual one as well.
-The Journey Itself: We have brought these challenges upon ourselves but with each step we take towards working to rebuild trust from our community we feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that we will, in time, succeed at changing our own narratives.
