Dave and I just returned from our weekly group at CMF--it's now after 7 pm, yet another long day. But I wanted to share an email that was waiting for me when we returned to the office--below is that email exchange. I don't specifically remember meeting this man, but perhaps we did. Nonetheless, somehow, we interacted.
I wanted to send this out to your organization to humbly try to express how much your effort and the material you provide the lifer society in prison is appreciated. Your presence gives hope. I do not say this lightly because hope can truly bring a new reality to men who might be living in a hopeless reality. The information you gracefully deliver touches the humanity of the lifer and gives the feeling of security that lights the spirit up which in turn propels it to not give up. Information is given with directness and is tailored for its audience so that it does not deceive or pull any punches. The work you do is priceless. The often forgotten population of lifers has a champion in you. I personally thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have and continue to do. May God bless you all in all your endeavors.
Sincerely,
JM
Paroled 12-27-23
My response:
Thank you so much for this lovely endorsement of our work--it is much appreciated and I will reflect on this on those days when things seem more difficult than usual. You have touched on all the points we try to hit--hope being the first, but truth (even if not easy), directness, and always, always, the humanity and worth of all those incarcerated men and women we interact with. Each of them touches our lives and our hope is that we can touch theirs as well.
I am delighted for your release and excited for what the future holds for you and the life you can build from here. Please know that we are still here for those who have been released, if we can help in any way.
Thank you again--it's now after 7 pm, we've just returned from a class of 45 lifers at CMF--it's been a long day, but your message ended this day on a wonderful note.
This is why we do the things we do--because it works, because it's needed and because we offer the hope and the help to bring people home. And your support makes this possible. Thank you.