We need YOUR help to reach our first-ever fundraising goal of $6000 from individuals. Holly Miller of our Advisory Group has led the way with a generous gift of $2500. One supporter like you will match the next $1500 raised, dollar-for-dollar, by 12/31/15. With your help, we can make the last third of that challenge by year’s end.

YOU CAN HELP create change because opportunity can turn a life around. Your gift will help us provide:

• 56 weeks, or 84 hours of skill-, confidence- and community-building among Vermont’s female inmates
• weekly story sharing to educate the community about issues and impact of prison
• four printed anthologies of writing for participants and local distribution
• public readings by released women
• team training to maintain the program’s integrity and uniqueness

“My inner confidence and self esteem emerged before me tonight. I always end this group with more understanding of my potential.” – SH

In writing of her artwork (above), SH wrote this week:

PIECE OF ME

Suddenly and everywhere,
there stood a piece of me,
with parts unknown and parts misunderstood.
It set my mind at ease.
As the brush glides and my thoughts flow,
it felt like a river in Egypt.
My emotions and feelings grew
as if I were telling my life story.
With so much to say and so little time,
I had to squeeze it all in.
As I turn to my right with respect and grace,
and a smile coming from within,
I proudly say – This is me, strong and different.
Suddenly and everywhere,
there stood a piece of me!
– SH