Patrick (YJF Member)

Patrick is on the right of the photo wearing a Red Wings jacket. He was released from prison in January of 2019 after serving 17 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. He was only 18 years old when he was locked up as a youth and was released on parole back to his community of Southwest Detroit. Fortunately Patrick earned an Associate degree from Jackson College while in prison and had a strong network with some family support to help him find housing and a part time job at the University of Michigan.

YJF has assisted Patrick with finding paid speaking engagements in the community discussing his transformation while in prison as well as other miscellaneous construction work. We are currently helping him apply to the University of Michigan-Dearborn to pursue a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Patrick has struggled to make ends meet due to the lack of reliable transportation. YJF helped him with some financial literacy options, gave him a large down payment, and helped him to apply for a loan at a local car dealership so he could purchase his first vehicle that came with a full warranty.