Help Kao Rebuild: A Car for a New Start

Hi, my name is Kao and I am asking for help to purchase me a car while I get my life back in order. I am a dedicated learner and student. I was recently released from CIP-Willow River. CIP (Challenge Incarceration Program), also known as boot camp, is a high-intensity program that helps build structure and discipline to reduce recidivism. Coming out of prison, the harsh reality of finding a good-paying job and having transportation to go to that job can be really hard and sometimes discouraging.

Here I am at the Union Mission Gospel volunteering for the homeless community.

My goals are to break free from the common misconception that felons are faced with and make something of myself, so that someday I may be able to give someone like myself a chance back at life. I volunteer weekly at the God Town food shelf, I have recently just started volunteering at the Art Shelf, Union Gospel Mission and I participate at the Hmong American Partnership AA/NA meetings. My hope is to attend Normandale Community College this spring semester to continue and earn my Associate of Arts, Business Transfer Pathway. Before my boot camp journey set off, I was housed at MCF-Faribault men's prison facility. During that time, I took on the Bachelor of Arts, Individualized Studies Program through Metro State University and accumulated a 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for that semester. When I earn my AA, Business Transfer Pathway, I want to continue my education to earn my Bachelor's Degree. I want to give back to my family and community through my experience and education. I have done a lot of self-reflection during my time and like yourself, I too have dreams of being someone that others can look up to. I want to make my children and my aging parents proud. I come from a very humble background and made some poor decisions that landed me in jail. Every day I diligently try my best to better myself and find adequate employment. I pray that anyone who reads my story can somehow relate to the struggles and will find it in their hearts to lend me a helping hand.

Here is a photo of my volunteer work and what we do at God Town.

I have a big interest in business, real estate, and painting. See, for me, these are more than just dreams. I have family that needs my support. My father, who had a brain aneurysm back in 2019, was bedridden for quite some time and thanks to God, he has made some improvements to now being able to push himself onto his wheelchair from time to time. He is my biggest inspiration. We all have struggles and it is hard for me to come on here and ask for help. But no one really makes it on their own. We all need a hand sometimes and here I am.

I will use the funds to purchase me a car for transportation so that when I attend school this Spring, I may also be able to work a part-time job. Another use for the funds is to help me establish a private apartment residence for myself before this spring semester begins in January. My hope is to find housing somewhere close to school. The harsh winters that Minnesota plagues us with can become hard to endure and to travel in without a vehicle.

Here is my degree audit from Metro State University with my accumulated GPA of 4.0

Please give this man a chance to become more than just a dreamer. Any amount of your donation helps. I thank you for reading my story and I sincerely appreciate your donations. God Bless.