“When I first heard about the Ascend Program, I was skeptical. Although my husband and I support many social justice issues and consider ourselves pretty enlightened, I still doubted that anyone could truly change offender’s mindset and way of life.

Then I read that Ascend has a 75% success rate. I had to read it twice to let it sink in. I’ve never heard of any rehabilitation program that offered this kind of hope.

I decided to learn more about Ascend. We give a portion of our income every year to causes in which we believe, but we have to be satisfied that our money is going to be used to actually effect change. We’re not wealthy, but have worked hard and saved, and want to support other people in attaining their best lives.

As I found out more about the Ascend program, its founders and team, I was impressed. Ascend began as a collaboration between its two founders, both Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the Psychology Department at Sacramento State University. Together, they developed a program which is different from any other rehabilitation program. They combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, one-on-one continued mentoring, intensive classroom study about the law, physical challenges and yoga/mindfulness. Helping an offender completely change his or her life not only makes a difference for the offender – it paves the way for healthy family relationships and makes neighborhoods stronger.

I learned that most of these ex-offenders go on to college and earn good grades – that they are solid students who understand the opportunity they’ve been given.

My husband and I decided to support the Ascend Program by donating – because by doing so, we can help improve lives right here in our own community. I truly believe if more people knew about Ascend, they would want to do the same.”