What People Are Saying About The Messages Project and Women in Transition

Comments From the Public as a Result of the 2008 CNN Heroes Award

In 2008, Carolyn LeCroy was nominated for the CNN Heroes awards. She made the top ten and as a result the Messages Project was brought to public attention. Here are some comments received via email.

Lauren

Carolyn, I saw your story on CNN Heroes last night and just wanted to tell you what a wonderful thing you are doing. My mother was incarcerated for a year and a half awaiting a hearing and I was lucky enough to be able to visit her, and I'm overjoyed to see that your organization hasn't forgotten those who aren't so lucky. People sometimes don't think of those in jail as human beings like them who have made mistakes or are victims of circumstance. I'm glad you understand and will be donating.

November, 2008

Randy

Aloha Carole! I was truly inspired by your story. I was one of the silent victims mentioned in your tribute. Like your sons, my mother was incarcerated for 5 years, and we were fortunate enough to have the means to visit my mom with monthly visits. It never occurred to me that many children do not have this privilege. Thank you for bringing this issue to the national forefront. I am making a donation today so you may continue for valiant efforts. God Bless you! Malama Pono from Hawaii!

November, 2008

Read More Comments Resulting From CNN Heroes Award ->->

Comments From Virginia DOC and Other Officials

Thank You From Old Dominion University Professor Lucien Lombardo, Dept. of Sociology and Criminal Justice

"Thank you so much for your thoughtful and informative presentation at the Interrupted Lives program: Interrupting Family Lives - Military and Prison Experiences. Your willingness to give of your time and energy have helped make this program thought-provoking and consciousness raising experiences for our community."

October 2, 2008

Excerpts From Letter Sent by Va. State Senator W. Henry Maxwell

"It is my pleasure to commend to you Ms. Carolyn LeCroy. Carolyn worked closely with my aide ... and myself during the 2003 Virginia General Assembly Session with several bills in my legislative package. Her input at the consultations with the various state department heads and the representative members of the Virginia Coalition on Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions (VCCCCC) my aide and myself was invaluable.

...

She was extremely professional, very well organized, reliable, and an invaluable team player. I am deeply appreciative for all of her assistance and applaud her civic leadership. ... Should you need any further information on Carolyn, please do not hesitate to contact me."

July 16, 2003

Letter From the Principal, DCE Adult School, Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women

"Let me express my sincere thanks for all your hard work and dedication to the women at FCCW, VCCW and PCU. You are a full-fledged family member of the Department of Correctional Education. I do not always see you but know you are here and working your magic, touching the lives of the women through your Women in Transition Program."

May 20, 2002

Letter From Transition Education Specialist, DCE Adult School, VA Correctional Center for Women

"I join the women of our TOP class in extending our sincere appreciation to you for volunteering your time and expertise as our graduation speaker on July 31st. Your patience and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of the women at VCCW is more than commendable. Your ability to provide such important and helpful first-hand information about reunification, employment and having a dream is so valuable. You instilled hope in the TOP graduates."

August 2, 2001

Comments From Inmates

Letter From Inmate at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women about Messages Project

"I want you to know how very much my daughter & my family enjoyed the video. It brought a few tears (of love) and a few laughs — it brought me 'home' for the holidays! I had never been away from home and family and friends for Christmas or any other holiday until 1998. ... Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sending me home for the holidays. May peace and grace travel with you always."

January 15, 2000

Letter From Inmate at Goochland Correctional Facility about Messages Project

"Just a few lines to say 'Thank You' for the time and effort you have displayed for the women that's incarcerated. The videotape for our children is surely another positive attempt to maintain contact with our children. I feel it's very [important] to keep strengthening our relationship with our children. ... There is not a lot of people ... willing to aid the vital, meaningful and difficult task of still being a mother, even [through] our incarceration."

December 13, 2001

Letter From Inmates

"This card couldn't express in magnitude our appreciation for the opportunity you and your staff gave us to send warm thoughts to our children. Sometimes people forget that we too are human and have family whom we love dearly. Thank you for not forgetting that."

- Not Dated -