A Place to Rebuild: Jayson’s Story

June 12, 2025

Originally from St. Johns, Michigan, Jayson moved to Tennessee in 2006 chasing something simple but essential — steady work. “Back home, everything slows down in the winter,” he explains. “Here, I could work year-round.” For a man who finds purpose in staying busy, Tennessee offered a chance to keep moving forward.

But life doesn’t always follow a straight line, and Jayson found himself caught up in a cycle of substance use that changed the course of his life. “I used to drink and I used to use,” he says plainly. “But I quit. It’s been almost six years since I touched drugs, nine since I had a drink.” He doesn’t dress it up, but there’s quiet pride in his voice. “I did it on my own. That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But I had my kids behind me — that made all the difference.”

Jayson’s seven children — between the ages of 17 and 27 — remain his strongest motivation. With grandchildren now entering the picture, his focus has sharpened. “My youngest is graduating high school next year,” he says. “That’s my goal — to be back in Michigan in time to see her walk across that stage. I missed a lot before. I don’t want to miss anything else.”

That clarity of purpose came after a mistake Jason calls both painful and necessary. “I bought my daughter a gift — a firearm. She had her permit, everything was legal. But I wasn’t supposed to have it. I knew that. And I was already running from community corrections. That’s what landed me in prison.” He pauses, then adds, “Maybe that’s what it took to finally get me where I needed to be.”

A Safe Place to Land

Jayson arrived at Dismas House following his period of incarceration, unsure of what to expect. “I thought it was just another halfway house,” he admits. “I was nervous. I’ve been sober for years — I didn’t want to be around people still caught up in that cycle. But when I got here… it was different.”

Dismas House isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a place to breathe. To get your feet under you again. The staff, the environment — they treat you like a person, not a case file.”

For a man who’s prided himself on doing things alone, accepting help didn’t come easily. But what he found at Dismas House wasn’t charity — it was belief. “I’ve always figured things out myself. No handouts, no shortcuts. But when someone offers to help you with something like your license or a job lead, it’s not about taking — it’s about knowing someone believes you’re worth investing in.”

Navigating Obstacles

Like so many returning citizens, Jayson’s path back into society is lined with obstacles. Each day brings a new challenge, and often, those challenges feel like invisible walls that others may not notice. “The biggest challenge right now? Transportation,” he says, his voice steady but tired. “I’ve got years of experience in concrete and road work, but getting to job sites without a car — it’s tough.” He pauses, then adds, “I’ve taken jobs I normally wouldn’t, just to keep going. But I’m not afraid of the work. I love it.”

And it shows. When Jayson talks about his trade, a quiet pride shines through — the kind that comes from building something real and lasting. “I’ve done underground utilities, park builds, road crews. I’d drive an hour and a half each way if the job was worth it,” he says, eyes bright with memory. “That’s the kind of worker I am — if it needs doing, I do it right.”

Jayson doesn’t ask for shortcuts. He just wants a fair shot — a way to get to work, to contribute, to rebuild. In a world that often closes doors on people like him, he keeps showing up, ready to lay the foundation for something better — not just for himself, but for his community.

Second Chances through Dismas House

For Jayson, internal safety and support began with staff at Dismas House who check in without being asked, volunteers who treat residents with dignity, and a structure that supports growth. It’s a space where effort is met with encouragement, not judgment.

“Not everyone starts from the same place,” he says. “Some of us have a harder road. But if you’re doing the work, if you’re really trying, a place like Dismas House makes that possible. The people who support this place? They’re not just helping people like me — they’re helping us move forward.”

For Jayson, moving forward means more than staying sober or getting a job. It means showing up for his kids, laying the foundation for a new life, and proving — to himself and to others — that a second chance is never wasted when someone’s ready to take it.

Laying the Groundwork for the Future

Jayson dreams of more than getting by. He wants to build something lasting.
“I want to run my own business again. Nothing big. Just enough to do honest work. I’ve done it before — working with people who couldn’t afford big contractors, making it work, doing the job right. Word spread. That’s the kind of reputation I want again.”

Jayson isn’t defined by the choices that brought him to this point. He’s a father, a grandfather, and a skilled tradesman with decades of experience. He’s laying a new foundation of accountability, presence, and quiet strength.

Thanks to Dismas House and the people who believe in its mission, Jayson isn’t starting over; he’s rebuilding — stronger than ever.