If you're reading this, you are acquainted with the amazing light to humanity, Gary Bullard. Gary has brought light to the lives of so many people!
You're likely aware that he spent over 20 years in prison, charged with crimes more serious than he actually committed and coerced into taking a plea deal. Gary faced many extremely difficult, violent, and often repugnant situations while navigating that space…yet came through a transformed soul and continues to light the way for us and many others.
Being disconnected from worldly demands for 20 years – demands far different from those inside prison – leads to consequences that are hard to overcome. Upon release, the lack of holistic support; the sudden lack of structure; the lack of housing, funds and transportation; and inadequate mental, spiritual, and psychological resources cause many to recidivize. In other words, for some, it's easier to go back to prison than to try to make it in this world. And many do go back. As a result, the cycle continues, and the for-profit prison system gets richer.
But not Gary. In prison, he was transformed by Baha’u’llah — and his goal is to succeed out here in “the world,” serve humanity, love, and serve some more.
However, here are the sobering realities:
- Finding and keeping employment – with an employer that isn’t problematic – is difficult.
- Finding housing is nearly impossible, unless you move in with a friend or relative. But lack of funds means you can’t pay them full rent, and you certainly cannot afford a living space of your own.
- Being away for 20 years means you missed the entire tech explosion – personal computers, smartphones, software, you name it. Imagine suddenly trying to catch up to technology in your early 60s? It takes time — time that many employers won’t offer.
- Imagine what medical and dental expenses are like after 20 years of poor treatment. Medicaid covers only so much, and bills are mounting.
- Not to mention legal fees and obligations (unbelievably, Gary has to pay the parole system $40 per month while he is on parole!). Plus, in order to fight the injustices of his original charges and the legal ramifications he is still saddled with, he needs legal counsel.
- And while he was gifted with a car that his aunt saved for him after her son passed away (bless her), he must pay for gas and upkeep.
Gary wishes only for a simple life of service, one in which he can afford groceries and a small place to live, continue to help the less fortunate around him, and maybe even go on pilgrimage someday. We are moved to help as this comes from our experience interfacing with Gary for over 15 months. We are changed, better, and more faithful because of him. He deserves for us all to give him some peace of mind and not be saddled with medical and dental debt.
It is our bounty, dear friends, to give back to a man who has given us all so much. We ask you to join us in helping Gary get on his feet and continue to serve.
We have chosen a number that represents approximately one year’s worth of expenses ($25,000). As you know, this is below the poverty line.
Please set your donation to “anonymous”. If you are unable to donate at this time, please consider saying prayers on Gary’s behalf.
With our heads bowed in gratitude,
Aniela & Roya
p.s. If you are not sure what post-incarceration life is like, check out the LinkedIn account: “Wife After Prison.”
