Hi Shirley, yes, thanks for asking. Defy Ventures does their incredible work in men's and women's facilities in cities across the U.S. You can learn how to volunteer at https://www.defyventures.org/ It's a remarkable place to volunteer, where your presence makes a huge difference.
I was privileged to teach at a minimum security prison and it was the best experience I ever had as a social worker. I wish I was still there but funding ran out. Now I am retired and hoping there might be a prison nearby in central Ohio. I wish everyone knew what treasures reside behind those barbed wired fences. I believe in each of their potentials. I will do my homework of local places.
I really loved this essay. First it reminded me of the miserable long train rides from Chicago to Carbondale in my college years at SIU. The substance of your essay with the profound impact this program has on the volunteers and the EITs is such a positive & feel good story. Hope to read more follow up on the program.
I am originally from Chicago and attended college in Urbana- Champagne. A woman in my dorm was shocked that I had never heard of Kewanee “it’s the hog capital of the world” she stated, proudly.
This essay was inspiring to read… truly food for thought. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
I am an 80 year old retired university administrator. This story is so inspiring. My niece was in prison for several years for using drugs and doing her make-up while driving on I24. My cousin rear-ended a young married woman and killed her. The event almost broke me. I am going to see if there is anything I can do for the women in prison here in Tennessee.
Dolly, thanks for your note. I am sorry to hear about your niece and cousin, but so appreciate you sharing. I hope you find a way to help in Tennessee, it's such important work. Defy operates several states, but not yet in Tennessee to the best of my knowledge.
This is so worthwhile! I believe in programs like this. Do they have a women’s program? I would be interested in helping out.
Hi Shirley, yes, thanks for asking. Defy Ventures does their incredible work in men's and women's facilities in cities across the U.S. You can learn how to volunteer at https://www.defyventures.org/ It's a remarkable place to volunteer, where your presence makes a huge difference.
I was privileged to teach at a minimum security prison and it was the best experience I ever had as a social worker. I wish I was still there but funding ran out. Now I am retired and hoping there might be a prison nearby in central Ohio. I wish everyone knew what treasures reside behind those barbed wired fences. I believe in each of their potentials. I will do my homework of local places.
With warm regards,
Shirley Curtis
Great essay Mark! Loved it
I really loved this essay. First it reminded me of the miserable long train rides from Chicago to Carbondale in my college years at SIU. The substance of your essay with the profound impact this program has on the volunteers and the EITs is such a positive & feel good story. Hope to read more follow up on the program.
I loved it. Thank you
I am originally from Chicago and attended college in Urbana- Champagne. A woman in my dorm was shocked that I had never heard of Kewanee “it’s the hog capital of the world” she stated, proudly.
This essay was inspiring to read… truly food for thought. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
I am an 80 year old retired university administrator. This story is so inspiring. My niece was in prison for several years for using drugs and doing her make-up while driving on I24. My cousin rear-ended a young married woman and killed her. The event almost broke me. I am going to see if there is anything I can do for the women in prison here in Tennessee.
Dolly, thanks for your note. I am sorry to hear about your niece and cousin, but so appreciate you sharing. I hope you find a way to help in Tennessee, it's such important work. Defy operates several states, but not yet in Tennessee to the best of my knowledge.
That's weird cause this was Jen not Ken...