Without that voice, things unraveled. It wasn’t just grief; it was the beginning of losing his way. His grandmother did her best to raise him, but the streets pulled hard. Drugs, bad choices, and a life heading in the wrong direction led him to a prison sentence in the Nevada Department of Corrections.
Prison forced him to stop and ask, “Is this really it?”
That’s when he found Hope for Prisoners. While serving time at the Southern Desert Correctional Center, he was introduced to and enrolled in the Vocational Village program. Vocational Village, founded and operated by HOPE for Prisoners, offers life skills, leadership, and vocational training – all behind the walls of prison.
What started as a program became his turning point. He stayed focused. No shortcuts, only the belief that his story didn’t have to end behind bars.
Two years after losing his freedom, D’Ante walked out of prison. His first stop? Straight to our office. That was 138 days ago. His face lights up sharing that number.
Since then, with continued help and guidance from Hope For Prisoners, he started his new job with Marnell Masonry, after completing masonry training in prison. The training he received has led to him earning a prevailing wage and doing a job that he enjoys.
He opened his very first bank account to deposit his honest, well-earned paychecks and listed his 16-year-old daughter as the beneficiary on his benefits.
He is not just earning a living, he’s building something lasting, for himself, his children, and his community.
D’Ante is proof that even after a broken start, a solid future is possible with the right support.
Solid walls. Solid future. Solid man. This is what HOPE looks like.
This is what HOPE looks like.aTo our incredible donors; Because of your compassion and belief in second chances, D’Ante is no longer defined by his past, he’s building a future for himself and his children, brick by brick. Your generosity doesn’t just fund programs, it restores hope, dignity, and purpose. From all of us at HOPE for Prisoners, and from D’Ante and so many others walking a new path because of you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Let’s keep building brick by brick, life by life.
