PRISONER RELATIONS

Her vision and enthusiasm continue to inspire and enliven the dynamic projects being developed and executed for the true rehabilitation and improvement of the lives of selected and qualified post-prisoners. Utilizing a proven combination of compassion and strict adherence to honesty and truth, Carol has proven that there is a positive and affirming alternative to the vast majority of post-prison programs which promise so much but deliver so little.

Breaking the complex cycles of dependency and sheer force of detrimental habits requires the personal interest and follow-through which are rare in most projects or services which purport to reduce recidivism. Prisoner Relations includes intervention and advocacy for prisoners in dealing with the impersonal and often callous prison administration.

Isolation and regimentation are conditions which are created by prison administrations for the sake of keeping order; however, the dehumanizing effects exact a heavy toll on the inmate.

Without outside intervention and help for prisoners, including contacting family, friends, courts and financial institutions, the average inmate is only further alienated and discouraged from working toward personal responsibility and self-sufficiency. People Visiting Prisoners is only one of Living In Truth's prisoner relations projects.

Living In Truth is currently recruiting licensed volunteer attorneys who will assist prisoners in their legal situations.

In early pursuit of our ultimate goal for building and maintaining a self-sufficient community, we were not prepared for the unfortunate and even shocking reaction from a group of local residents. Fear based on misconceptions and misunderstanding was fanned into flames of abject prejudice and summary judgment.

From its very foundation, Living In Truth has always promoted programs into which only strictly pre-qualified ex-offenders would be admitted for a short-term transition into being productive citizens, most of whom would ultimately relocate far from the local area as they pursue employment and other opportunities.

Violent offenders or any others who could possibly pose any immediate threat to the safety and security of the local population were -- and are -- NEVER considered as worthy candidates for Resident Programs. After all, the Founding Director and staff are all residents of this rural community as well; it would be the height of folly to even consider admitting anyone who might pose any threat to safety, security and peace in a place where we have chosen to live and raise our families.

Even though our initial purpose and ultimate goal has of necessity become the long-term destination, we choose to light a candle of hope rather than to curse the darkness of unfounded mistrust, suspicion and despair.

2. Acknowledge that damage has been inflicted on the psyche and want it repaired.