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January 2022

Nick Jasso

Embrace and Empower

02

“Do you blame the fish for being sick in dirty water or do you clean the water?” Nick Jasso’s analogy offers a clear understanding of what causes people to embark on a path of crime. Environment influences journey. 

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Jasso’s story is the definition of strength and resilience.Childhood was difficult: no strong role models, an immigrant father who was deported, and a mother who battled drugs. This led Jasso to fight on his own. 

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In high school, Jasso was arrested for an altercation on campus. 30 days in jail, and 64 days on the Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP, ankle monitor device), 10 weekends in juvenile hall. 

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He recalled waking up in jail, hearing a buzzing sound, assuming it was his phone, and then realizing it was the springs of the metal bed he was laying on. His “little cement box” was “gross.” The sink was connected to the toilet and drinking water. “Juvenile hall,” Jasso explained, “is a dehumanizing experience. It’s like a maximum security daycare.” He lost all his power. His friends were also there: “While it was comforting to see people I knew, it was also very sad.” 

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Confined in this space, Jasso learned the value of freedom and was determined to turn his life around. He began attending classes and working hard to excel. At this time, Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY) approached him. A non-profit, FLY’s mission is to: “prevent juvenile crime and incarceration through legal education, leadership training, and one-on-one mentoring.” Instantly, he connected with FLY and eagerly began participating in their programs. In particular, FLY’s law, leadership and speech programs drew him in. 

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Through FLY’s speech program, Jasso was invited to share his story at middle schools. These speeches proved one of his biggest motivators as they helped him hold himself accountable. 

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In June of 2021, Jasso graduated from University of California Los Angeles and is now working with FLY as Youth Voice Policy Coordinator. He teaches youth ages 14-25 how to tell their stories and advocate for themselves, as well as organizes fun community-building activities like bowling. In addition, he is currently working to close the Department of Juvenile Justice, formerly known as California Youth Authority (otherwise known as Child Prison). “We don't need to incarcerate children,” Jasso explained. “It is important to recognize that people are people, and people make mistakes. Most crimes are crimes of poverty. The criminal justice system is unnatural; it is not natural to put our community members in cages. We should focus less on what mistakes people make, but what mistakes the community makes…Everyone deserves a second chance.”

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Our society needs to create a stronger foundation “so that people don’t slip through the cracks…We can make the facilities better while getting rid of them,” Jasso asserted. The government must provide more resources and programs, such as youth empowerment and transitional homes, to help those who are struggling. Whether challenged with difficult home situations or trying to get back on their feet, people need stable and supportive environments. While Jasso works with youth and young adults, these services should extend to anyone who would benefit from them. 

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While Jasso has been through a lot, he appreciates his journey. “All the things that happened set up a really cool life for [him] and [he] wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Second

Chance

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