AARON'S SUPPORT

Aaron came into my life in a rather crazy way but it was, I truly believe, meant to be for both of us. We share the same passion for improving the prison system and really emphasizing the REHABILITATION part of the state departments title. In my field I work with many who have been in or are facing the possibility of a sentence. I have dealt with far too many PO's that are overworked and some who just don't give the time they should to truly promote the proper reintegration process. I have seen the few good, the handful of ok and the MANY bad reintegration facilities and I had my own very disappointing and life changing experience due to one of them. I saw a child I have a personal connection with see his father lose sight of what is important and get a parole violation a month out of prison. 

Aaron will tell you all about how I have helped him in his process of discovery. It is true I have pushed him, he has been uncomfortable at times as he has been digging deeper than he ever has. His counselors have given him responsibilities that others at his level in the program usually don't get. With all that said he helped me through a difficult time as well. I am a very stubborn individual and Aaron met me at probably the lowest time of my life. The stress I was going through was insurmountable. He became a solid friend and someone I could trust to help keep my head on a good line which is something I have rarely had in my life. 

He is the perfect example of someone who is behind those walls and still making a HUGE difference to so many. I cannot imagine what he could do once he is out and I pray daily that day comes soon for not just his sake, the sake of his family and me but for all of society because Aaron M Bass will make a difference in this world. 

 Where do I even begin when it comes to my little brother. We've experienced so much together, surviving things no child should be exposed to. Doing our best to keep each other safe. Losing my brother to prison was beyond devastating; however, his transformation has been so uplifting and inspiring. I cherish every phone call we get to have with each other. Every time I hang up the phone I'm stunned by the man he's become. His intense love of learning, coaching, mentoring and making a positive impact with this next chapter of his life drives me to do more with my own. We're always talking about our soul and spirit and what more we can do in this world to create a kindness revolution. He will have massive support from myself and husband when he's released. We miss and love you so much Aaron. See you soon  ❤️

Hi my name is Jade. I am 26 years old and I am Aaron's youngest sister. Most of my life has been building a relationship with my brother behind bars. Although I was very young when Aaron was sent to prison I was very aware of what went on and the devastating reality we were all about to face losing Aaron to a 23 year to life sentence. Although it was tough for us all it was even harder and more intense for Aaron. Throughout the years I have imagined what it would be like to have been a 20 year old kid and getting myself in a terrible situation and making a terrible decision that would alter my life and the life of others forever. I thought about what I would do knowing I was facing 23 years to life and honestly it felt hopeless. Thats why I am most proud of Aaron because he didn't fall into hopelessness. It would have been so easy for him to just be defeated and waste the rest of his life, but instead he made something of his life and decided to try help others do the same. Aaron in this past 20 years has gotten an education, created children's books to inspire youth to be better than he was, and to mentor others incarcerated with him so when they all get out they can leave a positive lasting mark on the world. Aaron chose have hope, He chose to give back, He chose to not let a mistake in his past define him and the impact he can make on the people around him. I am so proud of the man my brother has become and we all can't wait for him to come home and continue all of his positive impacts and opportunities. We can't wait to support him in whatever his next chapter is on the outside. If I could chose one word to describe my brother it would be VIBRANT, this is because Aaron shines light wherever he is and he deserves the chance to share that light in the world as free man!

 Aaron is my brother. I am 33 years old and I’ve been without my brother for almost 20 years. He is a very smart, intelligent person. He gives good advice when I need him, even though he can’t be there physically. It’s hard at times knowing that he’s been in there so long. We all make mistakes and we have to face the consequence for those mistakes that we made but it’s never too late to make a change in your life to do better. We can’t go back in time and change the decisions we made in the past, but what we can do is strive to do better. One thing you should remember you can never get time back and I feel this is his time to have a chance in society with his family and friends. Growing up we were very close. He always made me laugh and always saved the day. Man, I miss those days. Aaron, I just know your day is coming.

As Aarons father, his being incarcerated has not stopped us from having a very close relationship. Over the years we have spoken on a regular basis via phone and trips to see him in person and it seems to have brought us closer and closer. I couldn’t be more proud of my son and all that he has accomplished while in prison and love him unconditionally. 

He has written several books, received 2 associate degrees, and has always mentored his fellow prisoners. Whether that means teaching classes so fellow prisoners can receive their high school GED or with just being there to give them advice on how to deal best with prison life. He constantly remains a good citizen of the prison system and has always served his time helping others all while making himself a better man. 

My son has consistently told me he has taken full responsibility for what put him in prison in the first place. I am 77 and my biggest wish in life is to spend time with my son once he is released from prison. I dream of experiencing our life together as father and son. 

We are proud members of Team Reclamation and supporters of our nephew and cousin Aaron. 

We have been with him along this long and difficult journey and promise our continued support when he is finally outside and free. 

We have seen him learn, unlearn and relearn over these past 20 years. Yes, he made devastating choices and decisions but with much support and relearning he has truly become a model of a person ready to start a new life of contributing and mentoring others toward the joy and happiness he has found. 

So proud of Aaron and his many accomplishments - writing children’s books, mentoring, tutoring, education and degrees, entering and embracing the Oasis program. 

Aaron is ready, as are we, to have him back in the family!