My name is Bryan Long. I’m 38 years old and live in Kokomo, Indiana. I recently found recovery from opiate addiction, and for the first time in years, I can finally see a future worth fighting for. Addiction took so much from me — people I loved, the stability I needed, and any real sense of direction. But recovery has given me something I never expected: clarity, hope, and a reason to rebuild my life from the ground up.

In treatment, I learned that sobriety isn’t just about staying clean. It’s about creating a life that makes staying clean possible. I had to face myself honestly and ask who I wanted to become. Barbering kept coming back to me. It’s something I’ve always been drawn to — not just as a trade, but as a way to connect with people, to give them confidence, and to be part of their day in a positive, meaningful way. It’s a career where my past doesn’t disqualify me. If anything, it helps me understand and support others who are fighting their own battles.

To turn this into a real future, I need training, licensing, tools, and the ability to focus fully on school. Tuition and basic living expenses during the program are more than I can manage on my own. I’m not asking for a handout. I’m asking for a chance — an investment in the life I’m working hard every day to rebuild.

I’ve already done the hardest part: I got clean, and I’m staying clean. Now I’m ready for the next step — a stable career, a legal income, and a future I can be proud of. Your support would give me the chance to stay focused, complete my training, and turn this new beginning into something lasting.

I’m not running from my past anymore. I’m building something better. And with your help, I can make that future real. Student loans will cover my tuition but I need an additional $25,000 to help my family, cover rent, transportation, food, and basic living expenses so I can dedicate myself fully to school without the constant pressure of trying to make ends meet.

I know $25,000 is a lot to hope for, but this amount would carry me through the next 12 months of schooling without adding more debt to the weight I’m already working to overcome. I would be forever grateful for such a miracle — and when I’m in a position to do so, I will pass that kindness forward to someone else who needs a second chance.

I was reaching out because I am planning to start my studies to become a Barber at the Salon Professional Academy in Kokomo, Indiana. I have added up all my bills for the entire 12 months I will be in school. The other 25,000 will help me pay rent, keep up on my car payment, car insurance, gasoline, food, and other bills. I wanted to see if this was a possibility as this will help me be fully committed to school because the hours for school make it difficult to work also outside of school. This second chance will help me build a life for my family and I. The hours in school will be from 9am to 4pm, 5 days a week which leaves not muc time for a job. The $25,000 is a one year's salary at minimum wage so I can keep my bills paid. I have tried for private loans, scholarships, you name it. I am asking for this donation as my last bit of hope that I have so I can create an amazing future for my family and I. This is my dream!

Thank you so much,

Bryan W. Long