My name is Steven Bennett and I have served 15 years of a 200 years to Life sentence for Robbery, Kidnapping and Rape. I have taken full responsibility for my past actions. This is something I will live with for the rest of my life.

Over the last 15 years I have matured and made many improvements in my life to become a better person with rehabilitation. I have given up the young boy mentality and made my education/future a top priority. During my 15 years I have made sound decisions that I am proud of today. I have dropped from a level 4 yard to a level 2 yard. I am at the lowest points I can get which is 19 points. My risk assessment is a one out of five. I am a certified welder today and with vocational learning I get to learn on the inmate day labor job sites. Which has given me great opportunities to continue to grow and rehabilitate myself for the day I go home to my family. Furthermore, I have earned my GED, Legal Assistant/ Paralegal Diploma, Child Development an currently enrolled in college. After I complete my units,  I should be done with AS Degree in business an AA and Behavior Social Science.

In addition to my educational achievements,I have completed and attend self-help programs. Such as Alternatives to Violence, Light House 9, Criminal/ Gang Members Anonymous, Anger Management, Fathers Behind Bars,Partnership for Re-Entry, Life without a Crutch, AA, NA and Victim Awareness, etc.

Since becoming incarcerated I have maintained family support and have became a man of God. My family and I both continue to encourage each other to stay positive and remind ourselves to grow as a better person each day. As a father, I want to grow in my son’s life and help encourage him to be a responsible young man, watch him graduate high school, and be a positive male role model for him as I need at his age. 

Please allow me to show that I am no longer the young man I used to be. Now a 38 year old man who has gained insight, remorse, and responsibility. I have a family to come home to, employment waiting, and the support of my family and friends. If given the opportunity, I believe the Governor and the Parole Board will see how I’ve turned my life around to become the man I am today.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story and showing your support!