United Returning Citizen Gala Honoree, Tyrell Oliver On Overcoming Social Stigmas And Changing His Life After Incarceration
“When you can take money out of the equation and fill it in with love, you’ll be doing it for a long time,” asserts United Returning Citizen of the Year and entrepreneur Tyrell Oliver.
How Oliver transformed his life after incarceration
Oliver has a checkered past. While many may have written him off after returning home from incarceration, he decided to use his experiences to build a business while unknowingly becoming a beacon of light for others. He was in prison for drugs and felonious assault, then Rico conspiracy acts for five to seven years.
“The guys on my case with me, I’m saying I didn’t know none of them. But then I finally got to know them inside of there. They became great people…I still talk to them to this day.”
Having a positive outlook on his experience inside of prison, Oliver profoundly announced, “Being locked up made a man out of me…you know, it showed me what I didn’t want to do, where I didn’t want to be.” That showed tremendously with a transition to coming home. Being in prison for over half a decade, he is “truly honored to be seen as a human” from URC.
He describes his unwavering commitment to his community through his entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly his transportation enterprise, 10 Dolla Holla.
Though it hasn’t always been this smooth, he recounts his journey returning home. “When I first came home, I came home with 75 dollars, and I was walking…it was one of the most humbling times. And I enjoyed it; at that point, I could take time out and care for my kids.”
The business provides budget-friendly transportation for community members, running errands within the city limits of Youngstown, with plans for expansion into Mansfield and other metropolitan areas.
Recognizing an untapped niche in the market, Oliver saw an opportunity to fill a void in Youngstown, which needed more ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, with only one remaining taxi service. He seized this market need as an opportunity for growth.
His entrepreneurial pursuits span a broad spectrum, encompassing real estate, used car sales, and trucking operations. Equipped with a determination to leave a lasting legacy for his family, he exudes an exceptional work ethic that continues to steer the success of his diverse portfolio. Oliver’s dedication to rewriting his family’s history and demonstrating the potential for success, even if he may not fully witness the fruits of his labor, underscores his understanding of the importance of sowing the seeds for future generations.
Unlike many returning citizens who lack familial support and connection, Oliver acknowledges his hometown rallied behind his business, consequently driving growth.
Oliver’s success scratches the surface of what’s possible for empowered returning citizens
The work of United Returning Citizens in empowering formerly incarcerated individuals in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties has ignited a revitalization in the area. By altering the prevailing perception of formerly incarcerated individuals, we are proud of our successes, but we understand much work is to be done.
Spurring homeownership with innovation for returning citizens
Over 800 individuals are released from incarceration in the Mahoning Valley annually, and many of them will encounter obstacles after every turn, especially when securing housing. Homeownership is the cornerstone of self-sufficiency, but for formerly incarcerated populations, this dream is rife with barriers. From struggling to access gainful employment to landlords refusing to rent to individuals with criminal backgrounds, it can take years for some to find safe and secure housing. As such, URC is working to create new pathways to affordable housing with two initiatives, EZ Way Homes and Project Good Homes. Together, these programs revitalize existing houses while providing long-term financial education, mentoring and support for returning citizens and their families.
This year, our flagship fundraising gala, An Evening in Casablanca, is on October 6 and will feature keynote speaker Jay Williams, President and CEO of the Hartford Foundation and former Mayor of Youngstown. While it’s an opportunity to celebrate local changemakers like Oliver, we know that to build our capacity, we will need the support of everyone. Join us and take the first step in creating a truly equitable community.