Before Prison by Shameka Layton

By Women, Family

 The household I grew up in consisted of myself, and six siblings. Since we lived in a two bedroom house, all the children shared one room, with the boys in one bed and the girls in another. Religion was optional so I chose to attend Catholic Services with my...

How Can A Person Win When They Are Dealt A Bad Hand In Life? by Kelly Messenger

By Women, Mental Health

Things weren’t easy for me growing up. I had five brothers and I was the only girl. My parents had a hard time taking care of me and all my brothers. I ended up getting passed from house to house, then group home facility to the next one. As a young girl I didn’t...

People Deserve Another Chance by Ashley Smith

Audio, By Women, Solutions

My name is Ashley Smith—13 and a half years, July of 2026. Well, I’ve done every group that’s been available to me, but because I’m LD, not a lot’s been available until the very end of my sentence. But right now I’m in Jackson College...

One Day at a Time by Madge Matthews

By Women, Mental Health

While sentenced to life after being wrongfully convicted, all I can think of is getting out of prison. This thought consumes me. I have spent 10 years writing letters, asking for legal help with my case, to no avail. It’s hard to prove your innocence!  I cried...

Reflecting Back by Sharon Hunter

By Women, Family, Memories

I was taken from my mother at the age of two, with seven of her 13 children. My father was deceased. I was placed in an orphanage. I lived there from 1968 to 1984.  The orphanage was a home and school. It was Bible-based and very strict. The same opportunities in a...

A Day in the Life by Cynthia McDonnell

By Women, Featured, Life in Prison, Mental Health

I’m deaf. Nearly 70. Most days are the same: Wake up, take care of hygiene, check JPay, get hot water for a cup of tea. Make my bed, if I haven’t already, wait for medicines. I am in a unique position: I am a mentor in the DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) program....