Hello, my name is Jacob Welch. I resided in New York State for two decades prior to my recent relocation to Surfside Beach, South Carolina. My origins trace back to Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, where I was born. At the age of four, I was adopted into a family in the United States, which introduced me to my three siblings. The initial seventeen years of my life were spent with my family in South Bristol, NY. While this period was instrumental in my development, it also encompassed inherent challenges stemming from my early environment in Ukraine.

 

During my time in Ukraine, I encountered daily instances of various forms of abuse, coupled with a lack of meaningful connection and support. Consequently, establishing trust and fostering openness with others became increasingly difficult. This situation presented challenges for my parents within our new home environment. Seeking guidance, they pursued professional assistance. Beginning counseling at the age of six, I subsequently experienced placements in group homes and other programs starting at age thirteen. These services were presented to my parents as solutions capable of supporting both myself and them.

 

Regrettably, the initial assessment proved to be inaccurate, as it became evident that not all children were able to thrive within a familial structure. Subsequently, a counselor facilitated a discussion with my parents and me, proposing that my departure from the family unit and independent living could be advantageous. It is crucial to understand that I was not a typical child. My disposition was akin to that of Sheldon Cooper from the "Young Sheldon" television series, albeit with a focus on survival, protection, awareness, and knowledge, rather than rocket science or mathematical concepts. Furthermore, I did not hesitate to express my strong personality and, at times, my assertive opinions to those I perceived as challenging. 

 

The aforementioned communication, originating from an individual who proposed my removal from the family residence, constituted a direct threat. This incident triggered significant emotional distress, including feelings of insecurity, fear, anger, and annoyance. At the time of this exchange, I was a minor, aged fifteen. While my parents ultimately did not act upon this suggestion, they acknowledged their limitations in providing the necessary support, a realization that occurred when I was sixteen. Subsequently, on November 13, 2016, at 6:30 PM, following a familial disagreement, I was apprehended and detained. This resulted in a three-day stay at the Ontario County Jail, followed by a transfer to the Monroe County Jail in Rochester, NY, where I remained for an additional thirty-seven days, totaling forty days of incarceration.

 

My experience within the county jail system provided a unique opportunity to connect with and understand fellow inmates. I actively listened to their personal narratives and life experiences. I distinctly recall an instance where an inmate's mother passed away just two days into his incarceration. The inmate was visibly distraught, experiencing a rapid decline in his mental well-being, and repeatedly pleaded with the correctional officers (COs) to attend his mother's funeral. Regrettably, the COs responded with mockery, ridicule, and the aggressive banging of batons against his cell, while demanding his silence. Despite his distress, he received no support for several days. Left in his feces, unable to move, in a state of overwhelming depression, he became deathly ill. Only when he was on the verge of death, did he get the medical, mental, and other forms of relief and services he needed.

 

Many of these Human beings were treated as if they were less than an animal. As if they were a rabie infected and dying waste of space, with no hope, no potential and no redemption. Moreover, they're charges were often no more than a misdemeanor and many were first time offenders. I will also never forget the 2 correction officers that were transporting me to and from ontario county to monroe county jail. They made bets on me, to see if id make it without being raped in either of the county jail’s, well sitting in the back of the car.

 

Upon getting out of jail, I was sick, angry, and frustrated at the world, our criminal justice system, and overall the unchecked and inappropriate behaviors presented by law enforcement in our jails. Furthermore, I was in awe of how our young Americans were being treated, degraded, and humiliated. while not being offered essential medical, mental or any other appropriate forms of care needed, when in a crisis. Considering an individual's first-time offender status and the misdemeanor charges, it is recommended that an evaluation for second-chance programs be offered.

 

I resolved to actively contribute to the desired changes, and furthermore, I committed to preventing any individual, irrespective of their position or influence, from experiencing incarceration again. During my formative years, I was instilled with the values of family, education, self-sufficiency, independence, and the significance of taking action. I not only internalized these principles but also witnessed their practical application firsthand. My parents' involvement in politics exposed me to zoning, planning, town board, and campaign meetings. Initially, I found these engagements unappealing, lacking comprehension, and at times, seemingly unproductive. However, after several years of consistent attendance, my perspective evolved. I began to pose questions, seeking understanding, and actively engaging with the proceedings.

 

My mother consistently emphasized the importance of actions over words. She prioritized demonstrable results and held individuals accountable for their conduct, particularly within the context of governance. This perspective underscored the significance of fulfilling commitments and upholding one's responsibilities. Consequently, I learned that any promise, pledge, or statement should be accompanied by a commitment to accountability. Furthermore, when making promises to constituents, it is crucial to ensure they are realistic, legally permissible, within the scope of one's authority, and aligned with the interests of the people.

 

At the age of nine or ten, I began to grasp the significance and practical application of these crucial principles. Furthermore, accompanying my mother on her campaign trail provided firsthand experience in understanding persistence, effective communication, active listening, and the cultivation of professional relationships with constituents, and beneficial partners. while ensuring time, coast and practical proposed strategies to address a wide range of issues. I have taken all I have learned and utilized these skills in my own professional and personal life. 
 

I am sharing my background not to solicit empathy, but to establish a foundation of shared understanding, demonstrating my ability to connect with and relate to the experiences of others. I did not come from a privileged background, and I am therefore intimately familiar with the challenges of adversity, the frustration of uncertainty, and the experience of navigating hardship and uncontrolled circumstances. I am currently 25 years old, and I believe that these trials have been instrumental in fostering resilience, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of purpose.