Testaments of Transformation.

As both redemption and rehabilitation is earned through action, it's our intent to display the transformative results which occur given the effectiveness of our programs. We are an organization who leads by example and teaches through experience. Our aspirations as influential advocates of change has given birth to the testimonies of renewed minds. These are the words of accountability by way of diligence.

My name is Andrew Wright, I've been incarcerated for the past twelve years which is quite challenging. Truthfully, if it wasn't for Chapter 1013 of The National Lifers of America, Inc, opportunities for rehabilitation would be slim. Their programs helped me gain understanding as to where and how my criminal thinking originated.

Prior to being introduced to this invaluable information I was extremely pessimistic. Now equipped with pro social thinking, skills learned in personal enrichment, and the empathy gained from victim awareness, I see life differently. I now apply my mental abilities to create positive solutions when resolving conflict while communicating effectively rather than acting impulsively.

These courses have taught me so much about myself and opened my eyes to the harm I've caused others. I work daily to redirect my life and am more than grateful for these programs. " We can not solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them ". - Albert Einstein -.

Andrew Wright 880170

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to those in the NLA, as I'm extremely humbled by the message that's being passed through the members of this chapter. I've received so much from the classes and am deeply touched. It's amazing to see individuals who've had their lives taken be this invested in giving so much to others. Not only have they not given up on bettering the lives of those around them but they consistently strive to improve circumstances for themselves. I never thought men serving life sentences could care and apply such effort to make communities safer. " I'm very inspired given this experience ".

The classes and seminars I've attended are truly transformational. I've witnessed groups of men who aren't given much chance at life build with each other for the sake of spreading hope, strength, and wisdom to their peers. It is not only inspiring but life changing for someone who still has a chance at life/freedom. These men embody diligence and demonstrate what it means to never give up. I've received so much from these classes and hope to continue do so with every meeting I attend. My perspective of the future has changed and circumstances aren't as horrible as I once believed. I now understand the importance of positive development and utilizing evey opportunity to do so.

It is my sincere intent to impact those both in and out of this group, gaining their attention and showing how real the possibility to change your life for the better is. I am thankful for the opportunity to express myself and my gratitude for everything I've experienced through the NLA. I am appreciative to have a group of men who I can count on, ask for help as mentors, and aspiring role models.

Thank you for your time, God bless and remember Never Give Up......

Michael A. House/Victim Awareness Participant
[860132]

OVERCOMING THE DARK MOMENTS WHICH LED TO MY INCARCERATION AND THE REFORMED MAN I AM TODAY

I have faced many adversities growing up as an Asiatic (black) man in America. None were more devastating than when I decided to follow self destructive and antisocial behaviors which involved substance abuse and criminal activities that eventually led to me murdering an innocent man in 2012. As a result I am currently serving a sentence of life without parole in the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC).

Arriving in prison with my life sentence evoked thoughts of hopelessness and suicide, along with an array of emotions such as anger, regret, self pity, hate, fear, etc., which seemed to consume me. It didn't take long for me to realize that my life had become centered in irrational thoughts and beliefs that led to so much tragedy. Through the grace of Allah I was able to see through the darkness and find the inner strength to see life from a different perspective. I realized that my incarceration was a chance to turn my life around.

I began to change my thought process by educating myself with self-help materials, spiritual teachings, and involving myself in MDOC's rehabilitative programs. I earned my GED and certification in Custodial Maintenance Technology. I participated in AA, House of Healing, Cage Your Rage, Job Seeking Skills, Creative Writing, Financial Survival, American Sign Language, Restorative Justice, and other programs. I am currently attending the Victim Awareness course through National Lifer's of America (NLA). I am also on the waiting list to be enrolled in Western Michigan College to earn an Associate of Business Management.

I have worked hard to reform my life into the productive member of society I always should have been. My personal remorse for the life that I took, and for the pain I have caused, is a constant guide helping me stay focussed on helping others and being an asset to my (prison) community.

I want to use this opportunity to give my sincerest apology for the loss, pain, and suffering that I have caused so many families. It is my hope that one day you can find forgiveness in your hearts for me.

Sincerely,
Charles Jackson Bey #600271

I became who I needed to become in order to survive. Now its time to become who I need to become in order to thrive.

My name is Jawan Hayes, and I have been a proud member of the National Lifers of America Inc. (NLA) since 2002. I was blessed to be in the presence of a group of men who had the foresight to recognize that I had the wisdom and willingness to grow within this mighty organization. They groomed me daily and taught me what it truly means to lead.

Serving as the State Board Chairman in this wonderful organization has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The impact we have on lives of men and women-through our classes, events and everyday conversations-it beyond measure. Hearing others share their transformational testimonies and acknowledging how the NLA played a role in their growth is truly heartwarming.

As a leader, I believe in empowering and motivating others to lead. I love walking alongside my brothers and sisters to make meaningful changes in social justice and prison reform. This has been my objective since the day I was sentenced to life in the Michigan Department of Corrections. I never wanted to be right-I wanted to get it right.

Today, the NLA has 12 active chapters across the state. That in itself is remarkable. Each chapter is led by powerful minds and dedicated hearts. When all of these chapters unite around the vision of the National and State Board, I beleive the NLA will one day have a paque hanging in the halls of the tate Capitol-recogizing the outstanding service and transformation we have brought to so many lives. That is my goal.

I leave you with this:
"You are teh greatest project you'll ever work on. Restart, reset, and refocus as many time as you need to-just never give up on yourself."
I live by that quote every day.
Today, I stand blessed with the opportunity to be resentenced and release in the near future. I was once serving a natural life sentence, and now, by the grace of God, I will soon be going home.
The National Lifers of America has played a huge role in my transformation and in helping me become the man I am today.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you are inspired to join, advocate or help the National Lifers of America Inc.

Jawan Hayes