Description
In a world where most inmates are selfish, greedy, and negative, there are a few exceptions. Brian is one of those exceptions.
I’ve been down since 1994, and have known Brian for years (he’s been down since 1998 he’s been at Stafford Creek for the past 15 years). He is one of the nicest, most helpful, compassionate, and generous guys I know. In an environment where personal changes can be the hardest to make, he has made, and continues to make his.
But don’t take my word for it. Take a look at some of his actions and decide for yourself:
He helps countless guys with his wealth of knowledge when it comes to legal work and policies. If someone is having technical difficulties on jpay, Brian helps. If you want an extra pancake at breakfast time, Brian is your guy. If you need a stamp to write your wife and kids, guess who’ll gladly give you one? Yep, good ol Brian.
Brian’s generosity spans the spectrum of kindness, from a warm smile followed by a ”Good morning” and a hi-five, to an extra serving of food, and all the way to donating $200 to the prison library. A $200 donation may not seem like a gigantic sum, but you have to factor in that the average prisoner’s wage is approximately .36 (yes, thirty-six cents) an hour, caps out at $55 a month, and even that is subject to mandatory deductions for legal financial obligations. Conservatively, Brian’s donation amounted to 556-hours worth of prison-wage labor.
His kind heart and spirit of love sets a strong example for others to follow. Not only has he inspired me and other inmates, but Brian has also inspired citizens in the community. Upon hearing in the media about Brian’s donation to the prison library, others are stepping up to match his donation. A local couple from Aberdeen, Washington were so inspired by Brian’s selfless generosity that they, too, contacted the Washington State library and matched Brian’s donation. They told the library that Brian’s actions had motivated them to make their donation. Proof that the spirit of love and compassion is alive and well, not only in the community, but inside prison too.
Thank you Brian for leading by example as you shatter prison stereotypes and set positive examples for the whole world to see. YOU, my friend are a difference maker. Keep up the phenomenal work!
To learn more about Brian’s donation, go to:
Brian Matthews (BM83)
