Sarah, 43

Meet Sarah…

My hope is to get out and become a productive member of society. I learned by helping others that change begins on the inside and it is never ending.

Sarah, 43
Incarcerated: 17 years
Housed: La Vista Correctional Facility, Pueblo, Colorado

I never thought I was capable of taking a life. My worst nightmare became a reality and led me to incarceration. I was lost. I had no idea who I was or wanted to become. The only thing that I knew is that I had to be a good mother, girlfriend, daughter, sister, and friend. This meant taking care of everyone but myself. Just over 17 years ago I knew I needed to change. Little did I know just how much I would change over these years. When I found Go, I learned to lean heavily on all of his promises. He has seen fit to use me to help people inside with all kinds of different programs. Once I accepted responsibility for my actions, he helped form my character.

I went from being a liar, manipulator, and victim to being a woman who is transparent, honest, and owns what I do, good or bad. Knowing I have hurt so many people, I dedicated my life in service to honor my victims. It is how I hold myself accountable to the wrongs I’ve done. My hope is to get out and become a productive member of society. I learned by helping others that change begins on the inside and it is never ending. Happiness is a choice. I choose to be happy and I hope others will too.

Rolando, 37

Rolando, 37

Meet Rolando…

I’m working on furthering my education. I am also in self help groups to better myself and to find my way out of prison.

Rolando, 37
Incarcerated: 18 years
Housed: Valley State Prison, Chowchilla, CA

I’m in prison on a murder charge. I like to stay busy and out of trouble. I love to play soccer and listen to reggae, oldies and rap. My favorite movies: Fast and the Furious, Titanic and Twilight. I like to cut people’s hair.

When I started my time, I didn’t know anything about prison. One day, I was standing next to three people fighting in the yard. When the officer came to separate them, he thought I was fighting too. I told him I had nothing to do with it, I saw a commotion and walked away. He then asked the officer in the tower what he saw, he said I had nothing to do with it. That was one of the scariest incidents I’ve been through. Another time an officer dropped something while talking to a sergeant. I waited for him to finish talking, and told him he had dropped something and that he could get in trouble. He was proud of me, because he said there are not too many people like me. He told me to keep up the good work. I felt proud. I’m working on furthering my education. I am also in self help groups to better myself and to find my way out of prison.

Juan, 58

Juan, 58

Meet Juan…

I shot two men in a Jack in the Box in Waikiki to defend her with the pistol she used to try to save our lives. I’m schizophrenic and my English is not good, but I’m thankful for you.

Juan, 58
Incarcerated: 33 years
Housed: Halawa Correctional Facility, Aiea, Hawaii

I shot two men in a Jack in the Box in Waikiki to defend her with the pistol she used to try to save our lives. I’m schizophrenic and my English is not good, but I’m thankful for you. Throughout all these years, I haven’t gotten a single write-up. Here, they consider me a model prisoner, but unfortunately, they attacked me, broke my teeth and I’m currently suffering in my liver, heart and kidneys. I work in the chapel Monday to Friday, but for no reason, I have more enemies than friends. However, most of the staff and prisoners appreciate me a lot. May God bless and be with you. 

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