I have a good life-long friend who owns a business in Wilson, NC. He has been the best friend/big brother/role model that I never had when I was growing up.

I met Van when I was 18 and in jail on Christmas Eve. He was a bail-bondsman, and he would come in and out of the jail all day. I would ask him for reading materials, and he would give them to me. I think he saw potential in me because he noticed how fast I was reading the newspapers and magazines. On the night of Christmas Eve, the jailers opened my door and told me to get dressed because I was leaving. I had no idea how this was happening, because I didn’t have any family or friends that would help me.

When I came out of the jail, Van was waiting for me, and I got in his car and he talked to me. He asked me where my home was, and I told him I didn’t have one. He took me to his house and has been my best friend for the last 11 years.

He has saved me and helped me through so many situations, and not just financially. He introduced me to his family and friends, and they all accept me like I am family. Without Van, I would probably be dead or in prison right now.