Jason Wang’s life took a dramatic turn at age 15 when he was arrested for aggravated robbery in his own driveway, an incident witnessed by his shocked mother. This began a four-year stint in the California prison system.
Growing up in poverty with an abusive father and involvement in a gang, Jason’s arrest solidified a grim trajectory marked by cycles of incarceration, poverty, and despair affecting many American families. However, his story did not end badly; today, he leads FreeWorld, an innovative nonprofit that helps those who have experienced prison find successful careers while providing the support necessary for healthy family lives and fulfilling work. FreeWorld serves as a transformative model aimed at reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety.
“I was terrified crossing the street.”
Jason’s time in prison equipped him with a deep understanding of the unseen struggles faced by formerly incarcerated individuals. Simple tasks, such as using a smartphone or gauging speed, became daunting after years behind bars. “For so long, I hadn’t seen a car; everything seemed to move too quickly when I was released,” he shared.
Released individuals often lack crucial identification like a driver’s license or social security card, making it exceedingly difficult to secure employment. They face compounded challenges such as inadequate support, little education, and connections to communities entrenched in poverty.
Creating legitimate opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals
Jason’s own transformation began with a personal touch. His mother made a 14-hour round trip every weekend to visit him in prison, emphasizing that she felt ‘locked up’ with him, reminding him of his inherent goodness despite his situation. Rather than blame, he takes responsibility for his actions while also understanding the influences that led him there. Motivated by this experience, Jason is focused on transforming the systems that hinder ex-prisoners from moving on.
Recognizing a severe shortage of skilled labor in the trucking industry, Jason founded FreeWorld to tackle barriers to employment for the formerly incarcerated. By offering tools and resources, FreeWorld has placed hundreds into trucking jobs annually, with ambitious goals to double its output in the near future while expanding into other high-demand fields like construction and tech.
Breaking down employment barriers
Leveraging technology, FreeWorld streamlines application processes, allowing potential participants to obtain identification and begin training swiftly. Their 45-day program includes online learning followed by on-site training, supplemented by stipends for living expenses and transportation support.
The funding model relies on income-sharing agreements from graduates who go on to secure steady employment, creating a cycle of support for incoming students. With the aim to engage more individuals across the nation, FreeWorld is not just addressing recidivism but also striving for systemic change that will ultimately benefit society as a whole.
Aiming for nationwide impact
In scaling FreeWorld, Jason envisions the organization as a key player in parole offices nationwide, contributing to a significant reduction in recidivism rates and enhancing the lives of thousands. Currently serving 1,400 individuals with a recidivism rate below 2%, FreeWorld’s success demonstrates the powerful impact of granting genuine opportunities to those who need it most.
“What if you were judged solely on your worst mistake?” Jason asks. His vision emphasizes that by providing real chances to rebuild lives, we can collectively progress as a society. FreeWorld, supported by the Stand Together Foundation, exemplifies the effort to break the cycle of poverty and support criminal justice reform.
