Opinion

Andre Mouton Is A Model of What the Formerly Incarcerated Can Achieve

Published

10 years ago

March 7, 2016

By Troy Williams

With all the news in mainstream media about the dangers of so many men returning home from prison, you would think that it would not be hard to find success stories.

But that is not the case.

One person, in whose footsteps I’d like to follow, is Andre Mouton, a resident of Oakland, father and primary care taker of his five daughters, a student in a masters degree program, and the founder of S.A.F.E., Student Advocates For Education.

After spending two years in Folson State prison Mouton was released in 1992. In 2005, he applied for a pardon but would have to wait another six years before Governor Jerry Brown recognized his efforts to keep young men out of the prison pipeline.

The pardon from Governor Brown, which reads in part that Mouton was granted a full pardon because “since his release from prison, he has lived an honest and upright life, exhibiting good moral character, and conducted himself as a law abiding citizen.”

As someone who is formerly incarcerated and desires to change perceptions about the men who return home from prison, I was most interested in Mouton’s work with youth in the community.

From what I’ve been told by youth who participate in S.A.F.E., Mouton has been someone who shows up when they’re in need, provides resources, time and money out of his own pocket to assist them in their personal and educational development.

One participant named Maurice Patterson dropped out of high school. When he decided to re-enroll, the district told him that he had aged out.

That’s when Mouton and his organization went into action. Because of his knowledge of school district rules and regulations, and more importantly his willingness to sit with youth and understand their unique circumstances, he made sure that Patterson had the educational opportunity.

He eventually graduated from high school with honors and is currently making plans to attend college.

S.A.F.E. operated from 2000 until Mouton was injured in 2012. “That’s when I turned my efforts toward furthering my own education,” he said. “Now I am restarting the organization because youth continue to lack advocacy, and we need leadership that will advocate for our them.”

Mouton has earned an AA degree in political science and liberal arts a Bachelors of Arts in political science with a pre-law option. He is currently enrolled in a masters program in public administration at Cal State East Bay.

The S.A.F.E. program offers participants a one-on-one mentorship, rewards for academic performance, and a cross-country road trip to educational and historical sites, including Black colleges in Atlanta, GA.

Mouton says S.A.F.E has a 95 percent graduation rate, making it an excellent model for the City of Oakland, Oakland Public Schools, and community-based organizations to create a more holistic approach to the challenges facing African Americans and Latino in Oakland.

“The approach,” Mouton said, “should be of single mind and direction without bureaucracy, red tape and politics.”

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Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

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March 22, 2026

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Advice

Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

Published

3 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.  