Sharing their stories
Last year, we reached out to our Pre-Release clients and encouraged them to share their stories. What words are you encouraged by today?
Incarceration 101
“Mail call–it can be the best or worst part of your day.” Changed Choices Pre-Release client Like just about everything these days, communication with residents of the justice system has changed dramatically since 2020. Gone are the days of sending letters to inmates through the US postal system, especially in North Carolina. In February of […]
Incarceration 101
Last Sunday, a few of our staff had the opportunity to attend a church partner’s community lunch. In addition to some superb hot dogs and hamburgers, we had the chance to answer questions about what Changed Choices does in our community. Having shared wonderful conversations and questions with supporters, new and seasoned, we often come […]
Prison Mail Access and Limitations
The initial goal was simple: mitigate the flow of contraband moving into state and federal prisons by changing the flow of communication. In February of 2020, North Carolina Department of Public Safety tested this theory with the implementation of TextBehind and mail to the female incarceration population. Mail posted by family or friends to a […]
Unconstitutional Conditions
Multiple courts have ruled incarceration in extremely hot or cold temperatures is unconstitutional
2022 at a Glance…so far
No Known Inmate
When we picked up the mail last week, these words were stamped across each envelope addressed to our remaining client awaiting sentencing at Mecklenburg County Detention Center. She has been held since 2018 awaiting sentencing; most people are held at the detention center for less than two years. After multiple stops and starts, she finally […]
The Pencil Chronicles
Writer: Heather Westerfield I am a 37-year-old mother of two and currently incarcerated at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. I have been in jail for a little over two years and reading and writing have become major tools for my survival. I have been on a quest to better myself and use my time wisely […]
My Dream
“During COVID, I had a pretty amazing dream. I was looking out the window one day, and looked at the clouds. All of a sudden, Jesus appears with Peter. The first thing out of my mouth was ‘OH C_ _ P! (not the most appropriate thing to say in front of Jesus, I know). Angels […]