First things first...

I guess I could start with what exactly it is that I do, not that anyone is particularly interested, but one day when I'm old and gray I'd like to be able to look back on this and remember it all. :)


I am an AmeriCorpsVISTA* which is the Domestic Peace Corps. I was assigned to be the Good Samaritan Network coordinator for Middle Tennessee. Basically this means that I recruit and train mentors for offenders while they are still incarcerated-to build a relationship for six months or until they are released, and then for the mentor and the offender to continue that relationship on the outside. I started my job in February and it's been a life changing and eye opening experience.

Throughout this blog you'll hear a lot about a few key people.

Robin- my boss, the director of the Department of Correction.
Terry- An inmate incarcerated at Riverbend Maximum Security prison.
Robert- The pre-release counselor at Riverbend Maximum Security prison.
Neely- Another inmate worker at the Department of Correction.
Morris- Another inmate at Riverbend.
Joe- Inmate at Riverbend.
Gaile Owens- a woman sentenced to death at the Tennessee Women's Prison. Her execution date is set for September 2010.

Like I said, I work in prison. This job is a complete 180 from my prior job experience which was being a house parent at a children's home in Texas where I helped raise 8 beautiful children. God put me in this position with zero program coordinating experience...to coordinate a failing program in Nashville. Things have been ridiculously hard, but we are making headway and I couldn't have done it without the determination and support of some awesome inmates and some compassionate non-inmates. :)


Basically this blog is just going to be a place where I can share funny stories- or not-so-funny stories, about my experiences behind the fences.

I am NOT employed by the Department of Correction- so my views are just that...my views...and nothing else. I have the unique ability in my position to be able to work in a complicated system but steer clear of the majority of the politics that come with it.
I just try to love God and love His people, and I go where I am sent.

I hope this blog, if nothing else, shows whoever reads it that there are good people in prison, people who made bad decisions, people who acted out of desperation, and some who might even be innocent. Some of these people have become my dear friends, and while I hate that they have created victims, I'm committed to helping them not create any more.


Soooo, stay tuned...
Tuesdays and Wednesdays I spend at Riverbend.
Sometimes I am at Deberry Special Needs Prison, where the criminally insane and those with disabilities or sicknesses are housed.
Other times I'm at the Tennessee Prison for Women.
And sommmeeetimes I get to travel to other prisons in West Tennessee and East Tennessee.

I only have 6 months left in my year of service and I wish I would have started this blog sooner because so much insanity has happened so far...I hope the next 6 months are just as eventful!


Holler!