Irrevocable trust funds were established in 2003 by Missouri architect Lisa Drew-Alton to help Derek and Alex King make successful transitions from prison to freedom and self-responsibility.
The trust funds were established in the belief that children in trouble with the law should never be charged, judged, or punished as adults, no matter how serious their crimes.
The story of Derek and Alex King is a story of justice and decency denied, with the values of our society diminished in the process.
Originally the sole purpose of the Trust was to provide funding to assist in the prison-to-freedom transition: tuition for education, transportation for employment, etc.
However, while Derek and Alex were incarcerated, the Trust donated books to the boys’ facilities, recruited expert mentors, and expanded into a support network of skilled and generous people who believe Derek and Alex deserve a chance to redeem their lives and become contributing members of society.
They give time, expertise, influence, and money to help the King Brothers achieve their life goals. The Trust was instrumental in helping both brothers turn their lives around and to have hope for a better life.
Derek and Alex believe similar trusts should be created in other communities for other kids who, like them, have made serious and tragic mistakes which threaten to ruin their whole lives.