Aug 24, 2021
Michael R. DeLeon, a successfully acclimated ex-offender who after nearly 8 years of drug addiction and gang involvement, spent 12 years in state prison and halfway houses for a gang-related homicide.
But that is NOT where his story ended. His story will inspire, motivate and challenge you. We all know someone who has been affected by drug abuse or violence. You will definitely want to share Michael’s story with everyone.
Finding the Purpose for your life is the key ingredient to overcoming trauma and the adverse childhood experiences so many of us endure. Having a relationship with God, who GAVE me that purpose, is why I stand here today.
Since Michael’s release from prison, he has earned 3 Associates Degrees, a Baccalaureate Degree in Business Management, a minor in Criminal Justice, and a CADC Educational Certificate. Michael is now in the process of obtaining his Masters's Degree in Addictions Counseling at Liberty University as well as pursuing his LCADC.
Michael has spoken to over ten million students and young adults as a motivational speaker in many facilities delivering evidence-based student programs around the country. He has presented in centers and schools in all 50 states in America.
“For most of my life, since age 11, I was part of the problem. In my own life, I was the problem. After 12 years in prison, I wanted to be the solution—so I dedicated my life to this purpose.”
During his riveting interview, Michael discusses how we can help fight the main cause of death and destruction of life in America.
Michael is the founder of Steered Straight, Inc. A non-profit organization formed in 2000 designed with the intention of carrying a prevention message to youth and young adults regarding the extreme dangers of drugs, gang involvement day-to-day, and criminal activity.
Michael has spoken to over ten million students and young adults as a motivational speaker in many facilities delivering evidence-based student programs around the country. He has presented in centers and schools in all 50 states in America.
Michael speaks and presents to youth, parents, educators, law enforcement, medical professionals, and community groups throughout the country. He presents to in excess of 1.5 million people each year.
He created two additional educational arms of Steered Straight: Recovery Army and Faithing Addiction, both of which target specific audiences throughout America to educate and prevent addiction and build and support Recovery.
Michael is developing Steered Straight by stressing the importance of young men and women making sound, rational decisions in their day-to-day lives.
Michael is an award-winning filmmaker and has directed and produced four documentaries on addiction, focusing on the opiate and heroin epidemic in America, marijuana legalization, and Addiction Recovery.
Michael also founded the Project Pride Program while incarcerated in prison. After pitching the idea for this program to then-Commissioner Jack Terhune, he worked to develop the message that consequences can be severe and life-lasting. Project Pride is still in existence at the New Jersey Department of Corrections and is the largest prison outreach program in America.