In his first year of college, Jason Williams was a student athlete. He didn’t like the program, though. So, he left college, planning on transferring to another school. “But I didn’t,” he lamented. “That was the worst mistake of my life.”

Instead, he was drawn to the streets, selling drugs, making more money than he ever imagined. “It was all about the money,” he said. “I was coming home with new clothes, new cars, anything I wanted. Money was everywhere. And lots of it. My mom said she knew I was doing something wrong and that I had to stop, or she was going to kick me out. But I didn’t listen to her. I just got my own apartment. Like it was nothing.”

It didn’t take long for the street life to catch up with him. “The easy money left me shot in four different places – both of my legs, my side and my shoulder. They killed a friend of mine who died in my arms. And they left me for dead. It was all over territory stuff. But that didn’t stop me.”

After going to prison three times, Jason went to cooking school. “And I found something I loved,” he said. “I was working in a restaurant, doing well. Then I lost my job. And I lost my way. Again.”

Jason said he remained lost until he came to The Mission in April from Recovery Court in Camden County.

“I was here two-and-a-half years ago,” he said. “This time, though, I am ready. The counselors here, particularly Sue, have helped me understand how my impulsiveness has led to my own downfall. She has helped me cope with stress. And to find the strength I have within me to change. I’ve also been coming to terms with the pain I have inflicted on my family. I realize that I have nobody to blame but myself. And that I have a chance to change.”

Pivotal to Jason’s turnaround has been meeting Chef Jeff, the world-renowned chef who also spent time in prison and is the co-founder (with Barrett Young, CEO of The Mission) of The New Direction Program. Jason recently graduated from this transformative program, where formerly incarcerated individuals learn to see their real potential, and to create a plan for their future – with an emphasis on training, educational and career opportunities. 

Jason’s plans after leaving The Mission’s recovery program are to go back to working as a cook in a restaurant, while he continues working on himself. I also have a dream of opening a food truck. “I am no longer looking over my shoulder,” he said. “Now, I am looking ahead.”