The email sent to me today.

Here is the email I found in my inbox when I got home tonight. Before you read it, know that tonight, Thursday, is the night that boys can have visits from family. While some kids were spending time with Moms, Grandma and cousins, I was talking to some of boys who did not and almost never get a visit. I talked at length to two kids today. Both of them thanked me for talking to them. Sigh.
One of the Loosen the Leash boy's father was killed almost exactly a year ago. His mom is an addict and he says she just recently got "locked up". I asked him where he will go when he gets released. He doesn't know. Today he got a "I am breaking up with you" letter from his girlfriend. The outside of the envelope had the word "Good bye" printed on it. He can barely speak. I am already so worried about him. You could advise me (and some have) to not get involved, "keep your boundaries" . Well, tell me where they are going to go and when someone is going to care for them for awhile. Not by someone who doesn't want them or who is mostly absent or a drug addicted, but a healthy person. Then I will have much better luck with my boundaries.

So, after that loooong introduction, here is the email that has my emotions at full throttle tonight:
"Hello. My name is (blank) and I am an ex-offender. I was incarcerated at the age of 17 and spent almost 11 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. I grew up in prison. I was one of the first offenders chosen to be a part of the CHAMP prison program when it started at Vandalia. I was a trainer in the program until I was released in 2007 and I still volunteer for the organization. Not sure if you are familiar with CHAMP, but they train assistance dogs. I wanted to share with you from the perspective of someone who has been there that what you are doing WILL impact the lives of these teens. You will have struggles out the wazoo trying to deal with their baggage as well as the dog's baggage. But each little success will feel so amazing and even though the kids may not show it, it will dramatically change their thinking process. I have worked with youth offenders while incarcerated through the Outreach/Scared Straight program and having been one myself, I understand just how much effort it takes to break through the layers they have built. If you would ever need assistance or would like someone to speak to the kids, please feel free to contact me. I would love to help with your mission in any way I can. Unfortunately, with a prison record it's hard to find meaningful employment or I would donate financially".

For the record, I don't know a great deal about CHAMP personally, but what information has come by me has all be exceptionally positive. I would love to collaborate with them in some way. Somebody send some love to CHAMP.

So this wraps up day 4 and I don't tell you the half of it.
Peace.
Cindy
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