Graduate Stories

Leslie participated in our Talk to Me Movement program. Using the improvisational, body-centered practice of authentic movement, Talk to Me Movement invites women to write and embody the story of what they believe put them on a path to prison. She is one of seven Truth Be Told graduates performing and hosting a workshop during the New Story Festival half-day virtual retreat this Saturday. For schedule and registration, visit here.

TBT: You’ve said, “We don’t heal from what we don’t talk about.” Will you elaborate on what you mean by this and how it applies to your personal healing journey?

Leslie: I spent most of my life trying to hide my flaws and shortcomings, trying to hide my drug addiction. I felt that as long as my image was bright and shiny, it didn’t matter what I was doing in the dark.

While incarcerated, DJ participated in Truth Be Told’s Talk to Me Movement program. Using the improvisational, body-centered practice of authentic movement, Talk to Me Movement invites women to write and embody the story of what they believe put them on a path to prison.

TBT: Describe a typical day in your life these days.

DJ: A typical day in my life consists of morning meditation, going to work (I love my job), bettering myself through my education, and providing myself with much-needed self-care and love.

While incarcerated, Tammy graduated from Truth Be Told’s Talk to Me Writing program, where participants are invited to write and share in safe community the story of what they believe put them on a path to prison.

TBT: Will you share a little about your life before you went to prison?

Tammy: I came from a great family. My parents have been married for over 54 years, and, growing up, our house was always filled with love. The real problems began later in my life.

While incarcerated, Sharon participated in Truth Be Told’s Talk to Me Movement and Let’s Get Real programs. Using the improvisational, body-centered practice of authentic movement, Talk to Me Movement invites women to write and embody the story of what they believe put them on a path to prison. Let’s Get Real is a trauma-informed reentry program that offers life skills and support to women as they prepare to leave prison.

TBT: In talking about your incarceration and the women you met in prison, you said: “Something brought us there – it wasn’t just the crime, but it stems from something deeper.” Will you speak more to what you mean by this?

Sharon: I firmly believe my pathway to prison came about as a result of violent childhood trauma. My very first memories are of a fight between family members. I witnessed a lot of abuse, and I was abused physically and sexually from a young age.

Barbara has been a poet her whole life, but it wasn’t until she participated in Truth Be Told’s Talk to Me program that she read her poetry out loud in front of others. “[That class] is where I found my voice,” she says.

Truth Be Told is a program that gives women a voice. Whether it is through writing, speech or movement, the Talk to Me classes allow us to take what is buried deep inside and get it out into the open and heal.

I am equally proud that I did my 15 years in prison and never turned bitter. I am proud that I still love life through and after all the pain, and I wholeheartedly owe this to Truth Be Told. Through their healing classes and freeing talks, I learned peace in an unpeaceful place.

I believe the most important lesson I learned in my Truth Be Told experience is that I am worthy. I have something to contribute to society. I realized I can still be beneficial to my community and that I can do this by sharing my story, not hiding it.

I use the tools I learned in Truth Be Told in my everyday life. When I get down or discouraged, I go back to the lessons I was taught and the wisdom and encouragement Truth Be Told spoke into me. I also try to be a mentor and encourager to other people I have encountered along my way.

I am most proud of the fact that I have committed myself to a life of accountability. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in 2017. I am happy with the strides I have made, the friends I have, and the relationships I have built with my family, friends and coworkers.