Kao Saelee Reentry Fund

Help Provide Financial Relief and Stability Upon Kao’s Return Home

“I chose to believe that my best days are ahead of me, and not behind me.” - Kao Saelee

My brother Kao Saelee served a 22-year sentence in the California state prison system for a crime committed in his youth. Instead of reuniting with our family after the completion of his sentence, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) turned him over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He is currently being held at an ICE detention facility in Louisiana, thousands of miles away from his family and loved ones. He now faces extended incarceration for an indefinite period - in the time of COVID-19, this could mean a death sentence.

Like thousands of others, my brother Kao served as an incarcerated firefighter - on the frontlines battling California’s devastating wildfires in 2018 and 2019. Kao found meaningful, yet physically demanding work, placing his life in harm’s way to protect communities, homes, and the dreams of other Californians.

While incarcerated, Kao found his faith in Christianity, and guidance through rehabilitation programs like the Marley’s Mutts, Pawsitive Change Program, which pairs inmates with rescued dogs, giving them a second chance.

Now, Kao needs your help for a second chance. He looks forward to the day when he can be reunited with his loved ones, giving back to his community, and inspiring others to live life, looking forward. 

Our family has established the Kao Saelee Reentry Fund to provide financial relief and stability upon his release, reducing barriers for a successful reentry.  Funds will be used for the following:

- Food
- Housing
- Clothing
- Local Transportation
- Employment Assistance
- Additional Supports
- Future legal Fees

Please give what you can, and share this campaign with your networks.

On behalf of Kao and our family, we thank you for your kindness and generosity.

- Kao Saelee Reentry Fund

GET INVOLVED:

Sign and share the petition to #FreeSaelee:
change.org/FreeSaelee

Submit letters requesting release from ICE and pardon:
bit.ly/KaoSaelee_PublicFolder_Templates

View the complete Action Guide to #FreeSaelee:
bit.ly/FreeSaelee

Follow the Campaign to #FreeSaelee
facebook.com/groups/campaigntofreesaelee

RESOURCES:

Advocates for Iu Mien - California
aimcalifornia.org
facebook.com/AdvocatesforIuMien
T: @AimCalifornia
IG: @aim.california

Asian Prisoner Support Committee
asianprisonersupport.com
facebook.com/asianprisonersupportcommittee
T: @AsianPrisonerSC
IG: @asianprisonersc

Iu Mien Community Services
iumiencommunityservices.org
facebook.com/IuMienCommunityServices
T: @IuMienCommunity
IG: @iumiencommunity

Iu Mien Network
facebook.com/groups/1489118147832985
IG: @iumiennetwork

Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue
marleysmutts.org
T: @MMDogRescue
IG: @marleysmutts

Pawsitive Change Program
facebook.com/pawsitivechangeprogram
IG: @PawsitiveChangeProgram

PHOTO CREDITS:

Image 1 - Courtesy Kao Saelee and family; image 2 - Rebecca Wuth Photography; image 3 - Zach Skow (IG: @zachskow) Pawsitive Change Program; image 4 - Shayan Asgharian (IG: @shayanhathaway).