EARLY STRUGGLES
The early years of Milton’s life was marked by struggle and adversity. As immigrants from El Salvador, his parents worked tirelessly, starting as janitors, barely able to make ends meet. Seeing firsthand his parents relentless drive to put food on the table, he, as the eldest, understood the weight of responsibility early on. When he reached his teenage years, high school was a luxury his family couldn’t afford, and Milton was compelled to help provide for his family and entered the workforce.
In the midst of financial hardship, his old friends who were involved in a gang, persuaded him to join. Initially, their gatherings were just a chance to hang out, smoke weed, drink, and revel in short-lived moments of joy. It didn’t take long for tragedy to strike. A routine trip to the corner store to buy alcohol erupted into a violent clash between rival gangs. Milton’s car was caught on video during the turmoil, and he was implicated and sentenced to 13 years in prison.
CHANGING BEHIND BARS
The long years of incarceration had a transforming effect. Milton devoted his time to improving himself, obtaining his GED, and finding solace in meditation. These ultimately contributed to a reduction in his sentence. Inside the prison walls, he worked his way up to managing warehouse operations and coordinating food shipments to various California prisons.
FINDING HOPE NOW
Upon his release, Milton faced the uncertain reality of re-entering society.
“I was nervous and terrified because my life could be ruined by one encounter in public.”
But he was referred to Hope Now by his parole officer, and with their guidance, he got a work permit and landed a stable job at Fresno Plumbing & Heating. He’s acquiring skills to reshape his life and achieve things he had always thought were out of reach.
Simple pleasures like celebrating holidays with his family fill his days with newfound joy. The new year holds the promise of a fresh start. This will be his first year as a free man. Bonding with family, which was neglected during his previous pursuit of the ill-fated street life, now takes precedence.
EMBARKING ON A NEW CHAPTER
Milton’s heart brims with gratitude for this second chance. His ambition to earn more and fulfill his dream of owning a home is fueling him forward.
“All I could think about when behind bars was to work hard and to provide for my family.”
As he embarks on 2024, Milton carries with him the lessons of resilience, faith, and an unyielding determination to cherish the blessings life now presents. Each day serves as a testament to his hard work, unwavering faith, and commitment to a brighter future.