BRIAN: A NEW PATH

Brian Mason’s life was forever altered when a night of tragedy led to a murder conviction. Facing a life-without-parole sentence, Brian felt lost in a system that offered no hope. But from behind prison walls, a lifeline appeared in the form of Lon Chhay and Pillars of the Community. Both began a correspondence with Brian that proved powerful, building a foundation of support and trust  before they ever met.

When a change in the law gave Brian a second chance, ASC was there alongside Pillars of the Community to help him reenter a world that felt completely new. Upon his release, Lon was there to guide him. While other programs might have offered a basic labor job, Lon asked Brian a question that he’d never been asked before: "What are your goals?" Brian realized his passion was to give back to others who have faced the same struggles. Lon connected him to the STRIDE program, and today, Brian is a certified Peer Support Specialist, transforming his past into a tool to help others.

Brian’s story powerfully illustrates the impact of ASC’s work. As he puts it, ASC "builds foundations even before release," providing the linkage that helps people succeed. He is now writing a book and dedicating his life to making a difference, showing what he calls "indirect remorse" by "working on myself and giving back to the community.”

This is the essence of ASC's mission: to move beyond transactions and build genuine relationships that empower people like Brian to not just re-enter society, but to thrive and become leaders for change.