Life Success begins at Ascend!

Ricardo was on his way to jail. After his fourth DUI arrest, he simply didn’t believe he had any say in his life. He had a baby on the way, and felt his only choice was to serve his term and return to his job as a janitor – a job he hated. He suffered from depression, which in turn lead him to drink. It became a cycle of anger and self-hatred. He didn’t feel qualified for anything but janitorial work – and it would only get worse as a felon on an ankle monitor. It seemed impossible to him that he could ever support his family with a criminal record.

Under new legislation – AB 109 – Ricardo was allowed one last chance to serve his time at the local level and enter a program. He was directed to Ascend. He joined Ascend’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy curriculum, and gradually his ‘criminal’ mindset was replaced by ‘prosocial’ thinking.

Ricardo began to feel empowered to change his own life. For the first time, he realized he was in control of his future.

Ricardo attended college, earning straight A’s. He always dreamed of a career as a medical assistant, but never allowed himself to think life success might be possible. We saw what Ricardo didn’t – that he was intelligent and compassionate; the perfect candidate to enter the field of medicine. With his newly earned self-confidence, Ricardo showed tenacity in filling out many applications, and Ascend was right there with him – our attorneys gave him detailed letters of recommendation and invited calls from potential employers. He finally got the job he truly wanted – and loves each day he awakens, knowing his purpose is fulfilled helping others. His personal life is great also – he is happily married and raising his daughter in a stable environment which will enable her to reach her potential.

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As part of a major gang, Dedrick was considered an ‘extremely high risk’ offender. Using and selling drugs was a way of life to Dedrick, and the gang was his ‘family’.

In Dedrick’s words:

‘I got caught, which in hindsight I should have seen coming. I was given the option of ankle monitor instead of custody if I agreed to participate in the Ascend program. I figured I’d do my time in the program until I could get out and go back to my life. No way could the instructors understand me, or make me into someone I didn’t want to be.’

‘Slowly, though, something shifted. Not only did the instructors understand me, but they treated me with human respect and dignity. With their help, I was able to see how I could have a real life with my wife and son, instead of a life full of drugs and violence.’

Like many who sell drugs, Dedrick was smart – he was organized, a good judge of others’ behavior, and had excellent analytical skills. He used these skills daily to survive life on the street.

Through the Ascend program, Dedrick learned to approach his life success with a ‘non-criminal’ thought process. He was able to cut ties with his past criminal associates, and forge new relationships with others that were based on healthy respect and compassion. He became so invested in Ascend, when his ankle monitor was finally removed he asked to stay in the class during his probation.

We helped Dedrick enter construction training, a career in which he could use his skills of analytical thinking and problem-solving. The trainers were so impressed with his abilities and earnest desire to achieve they gave him an excellent recommendation for a good job. Dedrick now earns a very good income working full-time in construction and supports his wife and beloved toddler. His old life of drugs, gangs and violence is a fading memory.

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As a long-time methamphetamine user, Hilary knew she would likely die young. She feared she wouldn’t be there to take care of her children. She often thought about the promise she had in high school, as a good student who wanted to be a teacher.

Sent to the Ascend program through the Probation Department, Hilary embraced our curriculum, accepted our personalized mentoring and truly took the whole program to heart. She began treating her life as if it was worthwhile and valuable. Gaining self-respect through her accomplishments, Hilary has been able to stay drug free for 18 months, and is proving to be an excellent role-model for her children, whom she adores.

Ascend Hilary — Hilary’s life is on track now – she was recently promoted and is a loving mother to her children!

We composed letters of recommendation for Hilary’s job search. After working hard to find a decent job which enabled her to care for her children, she found employment with a well-known national hotel chain known for it’s excellent customer service. Her customer service skills are so exemplary, she’s already received a promotion to their sales department!

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For many years, Jeff was a major drug dealer. He didn’t think he was smart enough for college, and didn’t know how else to make money. He was arrested, convicted and sent to prison several times. Finally, he was allowed to be released with an ankle monitor provided he attended the Ascend program.

We evaluated Jeff and, like many who deal drugs, found him to be very intelligent and resourceful. We recommended he enroll in college. Jeff resisted. Finally, after some convincing, he allowed an Ascend college mentor to enroll him in classes.

In college, Jeff flourished! He’s completed two semesters so far and has earned a 4.0 GPA. He works part time, and is very involved as a positive role-model to his nieces and nephews. Jeff has now mentors other Ascend students to help them lead positive and productive lives.

Jeff is a straight A student and great role model to his nieces and nephews

In Jeff’s words:

“The Ascend program has shown me that there is a better way of life. With the guidance that I have received from the Ascend staff, I have been able to stay clean, get my family back, go to college, and enjoy life success on life’s terms. This program is like no other program out there. I can tell you from personal experience that the Ascend program works.”