VSPW - Valley State Prison for Women - IFC - Inmate Family Council

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"Thank You Ladies"

LONG TERMERS' ORGANIZATION
NEWSLETTER
Seventh Edition, Fall 2005
Webmaster note: The LTO puts out an excellent newsletter inside the prison one to two times a year, depending on help from staff. This is their most recent newsletter. They are very active in many good causes, and are dedicated to helping inmates find ways of remaining positive in the prison setting.

Executive Body:
Tracy Jones,
Chairperson
Kim Martin,
Vice-Chairperson
Angela Shepard,
Secretary
Windy Click,
Sergeant-At-Arms

LTO is accepting contributions for their newsletter. Anyone who would like to make a contribution in the form of poems, information, etc., or have suggestions please send it to:

C/O Hernandez, Facility "B" Program

LTO esta acceptando contribtiones para el newletter. Cual quier contributiones en forma de poemas, informacion, etc., or que tengan caul quier opinones, por favor mandelos con:

C/O Hernandez, Facility "B" Program

FRIENDLY FOODS
By Melissa Rogers
Friendly Foods is a program that was birthed by Denise Coleman, WAC Chairperson, and Tracy Jones, LTO Chairperson. This program originated because of an elderly woman by the name of Ms. Barbara Gene Richardson, who is permanently housed in the Infirmary. She was born July 6, 1932 and is 73 years old, suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia and is currently serving a life sentence. Her illnesses are caused from mental deterioration, memory loss and brain damage. Unfortunately, she is one of many that has no family to care for her. This is where we open our hearts and bring at least one precious smile to her face.

The issue of compassionate release for Ms. Richardson has been approached but to the disappointment of many, she has little family help. Her situation could very well represent our fate so let’s not turn our blind eye to such a detrimental situation.

Friendly Foods accepts donations of food and hygiene for Ms. Richardson. These items are taken to Ms. Richardson where she sees everything then staff keeps the canteen locked up until she needs or wants it. It has been said that she has a sweet tooth! Let’s embrace her and treat her like family…if you would like to donate to Ms. Richardson here are some of the approved items:

Raspberry Shortbread Cookies
Brownies
Chicken Ramen
Cup O’ Noodles
Instant Oatmeal
Breakfast Drink
Duplex Sandwich Cookies
Swiss Rolls
Orange Soda

Also, any hygiene may be donated EXCEPT for the following:

Razors
Perfumed Soap
Tweezers

Ms. Richardson is also in need of sweaters, lap blankets and crocheted blankets. Her size is small so please do not donate anything bigger than that because her disease can cause her to harm herself. Any given property will be adjusted on your property card. You will also receive a donation slip.

Donations can be brought to Our Lady of Peace Chapel when it is announced in your units by the posting of posters. The items will be taken to Ms. Richardson by Chaplain Appleby, Denise Coleman, and Tracy Jones.

Randy Mendoza.... answers a few questions that he hopes will help the prisoners who have a life sentence:

MY PROGRAM
I started many years before I actually received my fist parole date. After being tired of it all, I began to take my program a lot more serious. Before I used to go ONLY for the parole board to get a chrono! I started going to all self-help programs for myself. I went to Anger Management, Breaking Barriers, Victims Awareness, etc. I went to AA to help me prepare for the rest of my life. Along the way I had to deal with roadblocks, temptations, people trying to put me down, saying I was doing it all for nothing. “HATING” in other words!!! The negative and giving up attitude prevails all through prison. As soon as things get rough – most give up and turn to old habits. I learned a trade that I loved, I stayed off the yard as much as I could, and stayed away from the politics of the yard. Stayed out of the cops’ way. Using all I learned to prepare for the day I would walk out of there.

PAROLE DATE
Even though I knew I had been in prison way past what I should of done, I never let that make me bitter or angry. I believed in me and that I’d be a success one day. I was blessed to have an attorney, Cheryl Montgomery, who represented me for five or six years, she worked closely with my sister and fought to get me out. Finally, after 29 years I was given a parole date; in 2003 Governor Davis took it. It was a devastating thing. Only one who has experienced such a thing knows how it tears at the heart, soul, and mind. It can bring you to your knees and overtake you if you’re not strong. The next year I went back, because I did not give up or stop doing what I was doing. I was given another date and by that time Davis was recalled and Arnold was in. He let me go home after 30½ years.

BOARD APPEARANCE
I am always asked what I did or how I approached the board. First, I quit trying to win the “debate” with them or always try to be right. When I was young I would argue and never admit 100%, always I had excuses minimizing the fact. As I got older, I began being humble. In the early years when they weren’t letting anyone go home I never went unprepared or with a negative attitude. I prepared all my letters from family and friends. I put together 4 – 5 job offers with the help of my family. I was lucky I had a sister who busted her butt to put this all together year after years. I got letters from AA meetings. I got organizations to write letters saying I had contacted them looking for assistance. My philosophy was I was not going to give them any reason to deny my parole. I received no 115’s or 128’s the last 16 years I was in prison. Year after year they had to make up reasons to deny me, because my presentation was tight. Finally, when they were ready to parole me they had all the reasons in front of them. I’ve known all the frustration and heartache of being a lifer. There are not many who can say they went through more. So, I can say NEVER GIVE UP! I went to board 16 times before I finally went home. 1973 – 2004…30½ years.

Never give up, put all your heart and soul into preparing for life on the street. Never let another person tell you, you won’t make it. I will tell you what a woman who ran a lifers group once told us 10 years or so ago, “Stop calling yourself a “LIFER” you are not going to stay in here for the rest of your life. Quit accepting that’s what you are. You are a prisoner doing a life sentence and will someday parole. Prepare yourself for that and start acting like you are going home, instead of staying here as a lifer.” Something in me really clicked with that, it hit home hard. I quit doing that. Some lifers got defensive and wanted to debate her and explain why! Is it any coincidence they are still lifers?!

On Sunday, October 30, 2005, the Long Termers’ Organization of Valley State Prison for Women had its annual walk-a-thon for breast cancer awareness. The women here raised a total of $3,165.76. We would like to thank all the women who participated/donated to the cause!

The Best Thing That's Happened to VSPW in 10 Years By Angela Shepard
Since July 2005, the Honor Dorm, AKA The Lighthouse, has been in full operation. It has been said by most to be operating very well. The whole vision of having the Lighthouse is to provide residents an environment to productively work on being completely independent of the penal system. “Independent Living” is where the residents can see themselves in a place of transition before reintegrating into society. The Lighthouse fosters and promotes self-reliance, responsibility, and independence. Due to the constant accessibility of their rooms, the residents are able to freely move to work, appointments, meetings, shopping, dining, yard, etc. Consequently, rebuilding life skills that may have gone dormant.

On August 11, 2005, Senator Lieber and staff members; Warden Henry, Associate Warden Eichenberger, and Captain Martinez visited the Lighthouse and were very impressed with the calm, clean, and aesthetic environment upon crossing the threshold of the dayroom’s front door.

The Lighthouse is particularly favorable for residents serving a life sentence. Remaining disciplinary-free and accumulating self-help activities are imperative for those women looking to receive a date at their board of parole hearing. Good prison behavior will now easily be measured by residing in a structured environment such as the Lighthouse. There will be documentation in Board reports and residents will receive chronos on an annual basis. In addition, self-help activities will be plentiful as well as more accessible for residents because numerous groups, seminars, and activities may be held in the Lighthouse. If not in the dorm, made more accessible to Lighthouse residents. In all, the Lighthouse is a collective support system which gives way for less distraction and more productivity so residents can clearly focus on reconnecting with themselves, reuniting with their children and families, and successfully returning to society as citizens who are able to live a rich and fruitful life.

If you are interested in residing in the Lighthouse, complete an application and return it to your counselor. To be considered, you must meet the following criteria:

    2 years in CDC
    2 years or more left in CDC
    2 years diciplinary free
    5 years from a SHU term

The Lighthouse gives special thanks to:
Warden Henry
Mr. Williams – Furniture Donation
Lt. Robledo – Inspirational Wall Hangings
Coach Walsh
C/O Estes – Maintains high level of communication
Gloria Doheny – Drawing contributions
Mr. Vega – Plant Donation
Captain Martinez
Ms. Wing – Plant Donation
C/O McClure – Plant Donation
C/O Rodriguez
Associate Warden Eichenberger
Mr. Wallace – “D” Facility Canteen
Sister Appleby – Special Blessing
C/O Clement
C/O DeBruin

W.H.O.W. Block

W.H.O.W. (Women Helping Other Women) is a program that empowers women to successfully reintegrate into the community. It’s women endeavoring to help each other by establishing a positive and nurturing environment adding strength within ourselves. It’s developing a network of partnerships in order to enable each other to maintain a better self-image. It’s fostering a new positive life and living situation. It is about women, for women, by women, supporting and encouraging each other to make a difference in their lives.

Sylvia Pena is working with LTO, along with Ms. Reda, OEC Instructor. Ms. Pena paroled from VSPW eight years ago and has dedicated her life to helping women make a success out of their life. She is a sincere lady who should be commended for turning her life around and NOT forgetting where she came from. The article in this newsletter by Randy Mendoza just happens to be Sylvia’s fiancée.

LTO is currently working on W.H.O.W. on the Inside which will work in conjunction with W.H.O.W. on the outside.

W.H.O.W.
WOMEN
HELPING OTHER WOMEN

Therapeutic Learning Center
By Melissa Rogers

TLC (Therapeutic Learning Center) was founded by Laurie Bower in 2000 and is funded through the foster care system but also relies on the donations from others. Mrs. Jackie Collins is the Executive Director. There are currently two homes, one for girls and another for boys. Age requirements range from 6 to 12 years. The homes are located in the Oakhurst area.

TLC has therapists on site for group and individual counseling. Roleplaying is active in the therapeutic healing. Children learn how to openly communicate in a healthy manner instead of the physically violent behavior which could harm themselves or others. The children attend public school and are tutored as needed. The Staff of 25 are a permanent fixture, they are there to take care of any situation that may arise. These children learn to cope and overcome the chaos that has taken place in their lives. These precious children learn not just about overcoming so many obstacles at such a young age, but they also learn the meaning of unconditional love.

When the children reach the age of 12 they are then either sent back to their families, foster care or are adopted. TLC has been blessed to have had three children adopted from their foundation. Donations made to the TLC are used to try to give the children as normal a life as possible. Many of these children have never experienced going to the beach, playing in the snow, going on rides at the fair or amusement park; to have the opportunity of shaking hands with Mickey Mouse to dancing with Belle. These children haven’t experienced camping in the wide outdoors. TLC has taught and showed these awesome little people not only how to be happy, but most importantly to be healthy in every way.

Unfortunately the children wouldn’t be able to experience all of this without our donations. Of course the TLC receives sums to feed, house, clothe and educate these children. But it’s our donations that make it possible for the kids to attend camp, buy uniforms and sports equipment, and vacation bible school during the summer. So many choices!!!! All because of our donations. See, it really goes beyond money. The children also enjoy receiving hand made blankets, quilts, hats, gloves, sweaters, etc. It’s very important for these children to have a personal touch as well.

These children are also taught about God and are active in the Church as well as the choir. Even the evening bedtime routine consists of a story, song, and prayer.

The TLC recently received a donation from the L.T.O which helped to pay for soccer equipment, transportation, gymnastics, and horseback riding lessons. Please remember that without these donations these precious children would not be able to participate in any extracurricular activities. These children have been disappointed enough. Let’s continue to be the ones that work with TLC to keep the hope and light bright in their eyes.

Mrs. Jackie Collins, Executive Director stated, “Thank you very much for your generous donation (L.T.O.). With your gift the children at TLC are able to participate in the Fall activities.”

TABS FOR TODDLERS
By Melissa Rogers

There are parents that sometimes think back to the time of when their children were born, they sadly shake their heads thinking about how quickly time passes. The children who were once tiny babies are now growing into mature adults. Parents never forget their child’s “firsts”; first word, tooth, step, day of school. The memories go on and on. Then the children are excited because they are growing up. One may think that they will grow up to be just like mommy or daddy. Another may think that they will be an astronaut or even President of the United States. As children grow up, the homemade forts disappear as well as the Tonka Trucks and Barbie Dolls. Babies aren’t babies anymore and all we want to do is to turn back the clock and have a chance to do it all again.

Unfortunately, there are also children that are fighting to be able to grow up. Their little bodies have been diagnosed with cancer and these children may not even reach their teenage years. What these children do experience are numerous tests and chemotherapy. The mothers choke back tears, wiping the child’s face with a cool cloth while they are vomiting and broke out in a sweat. Forcing smiles and pushing their own fear aside to help their child keep their hope and strength. Making field trips of window shopping for wigs or finding the ‘coolest’ cap in the universe.

For the parents, there is the fact of having to pay the hospital bills or having to relocate to a hospital that may have better treatment and having to be strong for your child and not let the child see your fear, sadness or even your anger. Then there comes a time when things begin to feel completely out of control. There is hope and help that is within reach. Families don’t have to be alone in the fight to stay together or help their child live a full and productive life. The Ronald McDonald House helps families with places to say and provides both mental and emotional support. A place where a child can almost forget about being ill and the parents can almost put their worries aside. Also, a place where children are brought together. To be able to get to know one another where they won’t feel as if they are the only ones that are ill. That there are other children just like them.

There is where we can help. In the housing units and also the Chapel Library and even in the Visiting areas, there are containers all around that ask for the tabs off the top of the soda cans. When we choose to put our tabs in these containers we are giving our support to each child. In our own little way, giving them a hug or offering them a smile as they lay in their hospital rooms or they are lying down in a bed at the Ronald McDonald House scared of what is in store for them. We are showing a strength that in the long run just may save a child’s life. Unselfishly we play a part, if even a small one to help these children grown up and continue to dream and even have dreams come true. I know that I can put that on my tab. How about you?

On Sunday, October 30, 2005, the Long Termers’ Organization of Valley State Prison for Women had its annual walk-a-thon for breast cancer awareness. The women here raised a total of $3,165.76. We would like to thank all the women who participated/donated to the cause!

MISSION STATEMENTS

LTO consists of an executive body and its charger members, all of whom are serving time just like you. “Long Termers” are lifers or someone sentenced to 10 years or more. Our organization is not politically or religiously motivated. Our goals are to present positive options to “doing time”, to keep you informed of the laws that affect you, and to help you prepare for what we all value most, our freedom. LTO consists of six sub-committees:

BOARD OF PAROLE HEARINGS: To prepare new lifers for this journey and to focus on Legislative and legal issues directly related to lifers and the Board of Prison Terms.

Preparan nuevos “Lifers” para este trayecto y concentran en los cuestiones/asuntos legales y sobre el Legislativo relacionado de inmediato a “Lifers” y el Directorio (BPT).

CHARITABLE PROJECTS: True and pure happiness radiate through the power of giving. The Long Termer’s Organization, Charitable Events sub-committee’s mission is to present an opportunity for everyone wishing to give from the heart to be of service to others. We are committed to giving back to the General Population through self-empowerment, as well as developing a positive relationship with supporting outside communities. Only through pure happiness will one’s heart heal.

Verdad y felicidad pura, radia atraues de el poder de dar. La organisacion para personas con largas sentencias, el committee de eventos caritativos tienen una mission es: presentar la oportunidad a los que deceen dar de corazon. Y estar en servicio para otros. Nosotros somos el commite que les da de regreso a todo el pueblo en general atraues de ayuda propia. Asi como tambien desarrollamos una relacion positiva con el soporte de las comunidades de apuera. Solo atraues felicidad pura los corazones sanaran.

EDUCATION: The Education Committee’s objective is to empower, motivate and assist the inmate population with their academic goals. We encourage educational and self-help programs. We believe that education enhances our ability to be a productive member of society, while deterring crime. Education is a tool that will reduce recidivism at VSPW. Our scope is to support our peers as they broaden their horizons.

El objectivo de el Comite de Education es a autorizar, motivar, y ayudar la problacion de presas con sus metas academicas. Nosotras le damos animo a pgrogramas educativos y de ayuda propia. Nosotras creemos que la educacion mejora la aptitud de uno para ser miembro positivo de la sociedad mientras impede el crimen. La educacion es un instrumento que va reducir la reincidencia aqui in VSPW. Nuestro incumbendia es a apoyar nuestras pares mientras ellas amplian sus perspectivos.

LWOP (LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE): It is our goal to collectively gather information relating to our specific issues so that we may educate others. Our focuses are daily living, enduring our environment and gaining our freedom.

Nuestra meta es collector l formacion r elacionada de nuestras preocupaciones para que nostros podams educar alos de mas. Nuestro enfoque del diario vivir para soportar este lugar y hanar nuestro libertad.

MEDICAL AND HOUSING: Identifies and works to resolve health, housing and safety issues that affect long termers and lifers. Strives to establish a bette line of communication with staff that we might work together towards creating a healthy, safe and sanitary environment for all.

Identifican y trabajan para resolver cuestiones sobre la salud, su vivienda, y seguridad que afectan los “Long Terms y Lifers”. Esforzan tambien para mejorar y establecer una linea de communicacion con el personal de la prision para que podramos a trabajar juntos hacia crear un medio ambiente sano, seguro y sanitario para todos.

PUBLIC RELATIONS: Keeps the long termers and lifers informed by sharing positive ideas and information through the LTO Newsletter that will enrich the long termer and life population as a whole.

Mantienen los “Long Termers/Lifers” informados por compartiendo ideas positivas y informacion a traves de la hoja informative de LTO a la que va enriquecer a la problacion completa de “Long Termers y Lifers”.