At T.R.U.C.3 Inc. (Taking Responsibility & Uniting Communities through 3ducation), we believe that cycles of violence, incarceration, and systemic oppression can be broken—one empowered life at a time.
Our journey began behind prison walls, where a shared vision was born between three men who knew the power of transformation because they lived it. Founded in Mount Vernon, NY, in November 2024, T.R.U.C.3 Inc. is the fulfillment of a promise made between Meshach Hewitt, Vincent Swinnie, and Terrence Pair—three formerly incarcerated men determined to return to their communities not in shame, but in service.
This work started years before our official launch. While incarcerated at Otisville Correctional Facility, our founders began developing a platform for healing and change. What started as a concept to confront gun violence in marginalized communities grew into a deeper commitment to education, mentorship, and restorative justice. From gang culture and domestic violence to trauma, reentry, and health disparities, our lived experiences positioned us to speak truths others couldn’t—and to do so with credibility, compassion, and purpose.
We do this work because we’ve lived through the very systems and cycles we now fight to change. We know what it’s like to be counted out. And we know what’s possible when people are given real opportunities to heal, grow, and lead.
That mission was on full display during our first annual 2nd Chance Summit, held on February 21, 2025, in collaboration with the City of Mount Vernon Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, Mount Vernon SNUG, and key community stakeholders. This summit brought together local leaders, justice-impacted individuals, and youth for a powerful day of dialogue, workshops, and resources centered on redemption, accountability, and second chances.
In recognition of our service and impact, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard presented all three founders with an official Proclamation and Certificate of Recognition—a public acknowledgment that our lived experiences now serve a greater purpose.
We do this work to ensure that the next generation doesn’t have to learn the hard way. We do it to shift narratives, restore dignity, and rebuild the very communities we once helped harm. Through every workshop, every summit, every act of outreach—we’re proving that transformation isn’t just possible.
It’s already happening.
A visionary leader and living example of transformation through purpose. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, he was a standout scholar-athlete with dreams of becoming an attorney. But at just 13, he was drawn into gang life and the drug trade—choices that ultimately led to his incarceration at age 20 on charges related to felony murder, gang leadership, and drug distribution. He would spend over 17 years behind bars.
Before his incarceration, Meshach graduated high school, laying the groundwork for the self-discipline and resilience he would carry into prison. Determined not to let his past define his future, he immersed himself in education and leadership while incarcerated—earning certifications in legal research, harm reduction, community advocacy, and violence prevention. He became a peer educator, teaching health awareness courses and mentoring fellow incarcerated individuals, particularly youth. At Sing Sing then Otisville Correctional Facility, he served as the Coordinator and Clerk for Peers for AIDS Counseling and Education (PACE), collaborating with organizations such as The Osborne Association and Hudson Valley Community Services. He organized events like AIDS Walks and World AIDS Day celebrations, fostering community partnerships that inspired his continued work post-incarceration.
Upon his release in 2024, Meshach fulfilled a promise made to two of his closest allies during incarceration—Vincent Swinnie and Terrence Pair—to build something meaningful for the communities they came from. That promise became T.R.U.C.3 Inc. (Taking Responsibility & Uniting Communities through 3ducation).
As CEO and Chairman, Meshach leads with lived experience, a deep commitment to justice, and a relentless drive to interrupt cycles of violence, incarceration, and neglect. He is also an Opioid and HIV/AIDS Prevention Specialist, using his voice and platform to empower the overlooked and uplift the underserved. His work is not just about second chances—it’s about building systems where first chances aren’t denied.
A dedicated Community Linkage Specialist and Peer Facilitator with extensive experience in HIV/AIDS education, harm reduction, reentry support, and violence prevention. After serving 25 years in prison, Vincent emerged as a leader in public health education, case management, and community advocacy.
His journey began in 2015 when he participated in a basic health awareness class at Green Haven Correctional Facility. He quickly advanced through training programs, becoming a Certified Peer Facilitator through the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute. For seven years, Vincent educated incarcerated individuals on HIV transmission, prevention, and harm reduction strategies. At Otisville Correctional Facility, he served as the Coordinator and Clerk for Peers for AIDS Counseling and Education (PACE), collaborating with organizations such as The Osborne Association and Hudson Valley Community Services. He organized events like AIDS Walks and World AIDS Day celebrations, fostering community partnerships that inspired his continued work post-incarceration.
Currently, Vincent is a Community Linkage Specialist for The Alliance for Positive Change, assisting individuals with health education, case management, and crisis planning. He is also pursuing certification as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) and is enrolled in the Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) training program to further his expertise in addiction recovery and behavioral health support.
As Co-Founder and Vice Chair of T.R.U.C.3 Inc., Vincent is committed to reducing violence, advocating for reentry resources, and mentoring at-risk youth. His lived experience, combined with his professional training, makes him a credible messenger who not only educates but actively follows up with the individuals he serves. His work ethic, integrity, and passion for service continue to drive his mission of transforming lives and strengthening communities.
A multifaceted professional committed to community empowerment, conflict resolution, and youth development. As a Certified Facilitator and Registered Member with the Alternative to Violence Project (AVP) USA, he has honed his skills in conflict resolution and community building.
In addition to his facilitation expertise, Terrence is a certified Peer Educator specializing in HIV/AIDS and STI prevention and education. He has led workshops and training sessions, empowering individuals with the knowledge to make informed health decisions.
Terrence is also a Creative Writing Workshop Facilitator, helping individuals express themselves and tap into their creative potential. His work as a Youth Program Coordinator and Facilitator has focused on developing and implementing innovative programs that promote positive youth development.
Currently, he is pursuing a degree in Human Services and Community Justice at John Jay College, further deepening his understanding of social issues and advocacy.
A published author, Terrence shares his insights and experiences to inspire and educate others. His journey from serving 27 years in prison to becoming a community leader is a testament to growth, redemption, and the power of education. His personal history fuels his mission to create safe spaces for at-risk youth, ensuring they have opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.