DON and Donnell

---

Don “Ike” Jones

Sentenced to life in prison at the age of 17 Ike decided that a life in prison would not stop him from being able to make a change in this world. Although the first few years of his incarceration were difficult, he went on to join the NAACP and served not only as Chairman of the Youth Committee he later became Vice President and President of the Chapter located it SCI Graterford (now Phoenix).

It was during this time he started the Education over Incarceration Program with the Latin American Cultural Exchange which gave out college scholarships to local students. He also the cofounder of United Community Action Network (U-CAN), Real Street Talk, and as has trained college professors from all over the world on Inside/Out pedagogy as a member of the Inside/Out Program at Temple University. 

Ike returned home on May 7th 2019 after serving over 26 years in prison. Since his release in addition to co-founding G.R.O.W.N and many other projects and volunteers efforts he currently works at the Philadelphia Anti-Violence Anti-Drug Network (PAAN) as a supervisor for the community crisis intervention specialist.

Donnell Drinks 

Did not allow himself idle time when he was sentenced to life without parole as a juveniles. He obtained his GED, multiple college credits and became a Certified Peer Specialist. He was a member of various organizations including, Lifers, Inc and the NAACP, LACEO and Journey to Change. He also served in leadership positions during this time. It was these opportunities that allowed him to develop his skills and make him an effective leader. 

After over 27 years of incarceration Donnell was released on July 20th2018 and continues to make use of his skills and training. In addition to co-founding G.R.O.W.N he is the president of DKD Solutions, Inc a full service print shop formed with his brothers which allows him to use his certification in Computer Aided Drafting and Design. 

When he is not working with his brothers he works as a Re-Entry Specialist and is also a member of ICAN, FAMM and currently works at the ACLU as the Election Protection Coordinator.