Pushin’ Pays Project was founded by Nathaniel Williams, a man who’s not only walked the walk… he’s run the whole marathon.
Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nate grew up surrounded by addiction, instability, and survival. His entire family battled addiction and cycled in and out of prison, offering little to no help. By the age of 10, Nate had already left school and was spiraling into a world of drugs, alcohol, and crime. Living in the streets and bouncing between juvenile halls and prison, he spent 22 years of his life incarcerated, caught in a cycle that started long before he ever had a fair shot.
After serving an 8-year sentence, Nate was released from custody in January 2024. At first, it felt like the same story: he relapsed quickly and stood on the edge of returning to prison. But this time, something shifted. He went to 90 AA meetings in 90 days, found a sponsor, and took back control of his life, one day at a time.
Since then, Nate has been building a life filled with purpose. He’s working a steady job, showing up for his son, coaching 4th grade basketball, feeding people on the streets, advocating with lawmakers, and traveling the world. He’s housed, sober, and in a strong, healthy relationship. But more than anything— he’s present.
Nate knows firsthand that prison breaks more than it teaches, especially when society never gave you a foundation to begin with. The support he received from his recovery community and loved ones made all the difference this time.
That’s what inspired him to create Pushin’ Pays Project— a real, raw reentry initiative designed to meet people where they are, without judgment or red tape. Nate’s goal is to turn this project into a nonprofit that helps others push through the pain, find their footing, and build something better.
