We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.
Whoopi Goldberg
Reclamation project of aaron bass
Mentoring ON the Inside
I started to become aware of the opportunities involved with mentoring almost 10 years ago at Marion Correctional Institution. There was a huge influx of younger inmates who were largely gang affiliated and let me tell you, they turned that prison on its head quick. The Warden at this time was amazing and brought together a group of leaders within the prison community to develop a strategy for gaining order rather than using force or power over these young men. First was a very intense training that taught us the tools needed to be a good mentor. Some of the tools were Teaching vs. Facilitation & Relationships, Strength Based Approach, Team building, Styles of communication, and Effective Communication. We learned how to meet a person where they were at in their life and focusing on the behaviors not the person. I also learned a ton about myself in the process. The experience at MCI was rewarding and I got to witness not only a change in the environment but in many of these young men's lives. Some of who still till this day are restored citizens and very productive members of society. Since MCI I've also had the opportunity to complete M.A.N.A. (Mentoring Against Negative Actions) and GOSO (Get Out & Stay Out). M.A.N.A. is a family strengthening and character development against negative actions program, founded by David Fulchet, a former Cincinnati Bengals Player. GOSO is a re-entry program that focuses on self imposed limitations and was created by Mr. Khalil Osiris.
I also become a certified Tutor through the Correctional Education Association in 2017. While at AOCI prison I had the opportunity to mentor many of the younger incarcerated men. I've helped over 35 young men receive their GEDs and Highschool Diplomas and helped many more receive their College Degrees. See I discovered that trust was the must important and fundamental thing needed to be established for a bond to be created. Many of these young men didn't know how to read and write or add and subtract. I would sit down for hours upon hours and build and build with these young men and the moment they learned something and I would get super excited and they could see it mattered to me and I genuinely cared, I could reach them and do more the educate academically. Education was my avenue to establish trust and a real bond. Plus education is the most powerful tool for these young men to think different, beyond the self imposed barriers they've lived with their entire life.
For most of my life self imposed barriers prevented me from establishing purpose, or at least a healthy productive purpose. Through tutoring and mentoring these young men I found purpose and behind this purpose was passion.
For once in my life I was proud and had strong integrity. I made a profound pivot at AOCI that has forever changed my life and it started with the opportunity given by the Warden. He believed in me and gave me hope. In return I was able to do the same for these other young men. This is just a brief introduction into my love and passion for mentoring. I have plenty of experiences to share, so do all of you! Sharing our experiences, will organically give us the solutions to each and every obstacle we face because its going to take a strong collaboration to have a major impact.
“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living—if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.”
Denzel Washington
What others I've mentored say about me:
From Mr. Peete
From Mr. Stoltzfus
From Mr. Peete
Mr. Bass has played a very pivotal part in the man I am today. I was working on my GED and struggled tremendously with my math. Mr. Bass was a Tutor and I was hesitant to ask for help because I always felt like people didn't really care and often came across like I was a burden asking for help. He was different. I could immediately tell he cared and the way he explained things was helpful. He would even help me outside of school. Another thing that I'm thankful for is Mr. Bass always made the time to see if there was something bothering me. He did this for everyone. Without this mans help in helping me gain the confidence I needed I might have not ever got my GED. He's one of my mentors an outstanding tutor and always open to educate and help those who seek it.
From Mr. Hollis
From Mr. Stoltzfus
From Mr. Peete
Aaron Bass has meticulously reprogrammed himself in order to not only become a more improved individual, but to make those he comes across better individuals as well. I've personally watched Mr. Bass become a powerful leader. He always mentions how big of an impact the Oasis program has had on his growth and his girlfriend Tish being the key to his progress. We joke all the time about his true counselor isn't in the Oasis program but at home and I can testify he gets his fair share of treatment in and out of the program. Anyone that's truly taken the time to know Aaron knows he's acquired the tools to become successful in all his endeavours. He's a truly endearing individual.
Mr. Gregory Hollis
*Side note from Tish: You would never know that Mr. Hollis & Mr. Bass had quite the differences a few months ago but through utilizing the tools of the program these 2 men who have a combined time of approx 50 years in prison have become 2 of the main leaders in the program at this time and are good friends. They are proof that using proper therapy and counseling tools even those with some of the worst behaviors can overcome them.
From Mr. Stoltzfus
From Mr. Stoltzfus
From Mr. Stoltzfus
My name is Edwin Stoltzfus and Mr. Bass is my Big Brother in the Oasis program. He has helped me with my program and is the reason I made the decision to not only stick with it but also go through detox. I've now put together more sober time than ever before. He has helped me work on my addiction and identify behaviors and the thinking behind them. Its crazy because I knew a bunch of this stuff before Oasis its more of how he communicates with me and treats me with true care and concern. By far one of the most genuine men I've ever met. I feel like if I didn't have him as my Big Brother it would be so hard to succeed. He encourages to be my best and is a great role model. Very very thankful for his presence in my life!
From Mr. Freeman
From Mr. Freeman
From Mr. Stoltzfus
Mr. Bass is a very influential, open-minded, and powerful person. His ability to motivate people and see things from different perspectives is a great gift. When he talks everyone listens and I have never heard him speak outside of saying something beneficial to those around him.
I admire people like Mr. Bass who always has a great spirit and is willing to do the next right thing not just for his self but his peers too.
Mr.T. Freeman
From Mr. Gaines
From Mr. Freeman
From Mr. Gaines
My name is Joey Gaines and I met Mr. Bass as a resident in the Oasis Therapeutic Community. During this time, I built a report with Mr. Bass. I can say he is an articulate young man. Possesses integrity, tenacity, and is resolute in this endeavors. He is also highly intellect and this only compliments his great deal of emotional intelligence. This gives rise to a great deal of empathy and situational awareness; all of which Mr. Bass has. I have no doubt Mr. Bass will be highly successful when he is released and is a poster boy for what true rehabilitation looks like.
From Mr. Brown
From Mr. Freeman
From Mr. Gaines
Mr. Bass is a very close friend of mine. I have know Mr. Bass for quite some time. Innovation, going against the grain and grit, are all qualities that Mr. Bass posses and are all qualities I have had the pleasure of adopting from this great man. Mr. Bass has the ability to captivate a crowd and hold their attention with any topic, no matter the level of importance. There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Bass will reach tremendous heights.
Mr. D. Brown
From Maurice Baccus
From Maurice Baccus
From Maurice Baccus
I have known Aaron For 29 Years. Aaron has always been a brother to me. He would mentor me in math. I had a learning disability when I was younger and Aaron was there. When he left and went to prison it put a hole in my heart. He has done a 360. He has given his life to God. He hasn’t been in any trouble since he has been incarcerated. He is writing books and so much more. Aaron deserves a second chance at freedom. He is a light to me and all my family and friends I pray you consider giving him a chance at freedom.
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