(Editor’s note: This op-ed piece was written and submitted by Truth Be Told volunteer Melissa Klein. She facilitates the PEACE program for women at the Travis County Correctional Complex. ) Every Friday morning I go to the county jail to facilitate a women’s circle. I go to hold space for a group of people who […]
Volunteers & Facilitators
A closer look inside
I recently came across an essay on Quora.com. It was written by Tommy Winfrey, an inmate in San Quentin State Prison. His words were in response to the question: “What should everyone know about prison?” As someone who regularly goes behind bars as a Truth Be Told volunteer at Lockhart Prison, I found myself wondering what it would […]
An Amazing Opportunity
Lauren J., a participant in the TCCC Del Valle Program shares her connection with Truth Be Told. I had the amazing opportunity, and hopefully only the first of many, to go to prison today. Only this time I got to leave a short while later! I got released in March of 2011. Since then I […]
SUE AND LOU AND THEIR SUPPORT OF TRUTH BE TOLD
A Piece of History, Nathalie Sorrell, founder of Truth Be Told Before Truth Be Told existed, I was a minister to women at Sanctuary Church, which was then called Tarrytown Baptist Church. I worked with women in this church for several years before going into women’s prison. In February of 2000, I began volunteering at […]
Amber Bode, board chair, shares her story and invites you to support the work
When I found out TBT offered meaningful programs in prison that used artistic creativity to actually work through what brought them there in the first place, I couldn’t believe it at first. Then I wanted to be on the board of directors. I wanted to help change the women’s lives, not only for the participants but for myself as well. I needed to see people find redemption.
Making art at Gatesville: Peg Runnels teaches Exploring Creativity
When it was time, Peggy had the women form a circle, introduced me, and without saying a word I began to dance in the circle, a dance of fear and nervousness. I looked each woman in the eye. Their eyes showed confusion as they glanced at each other. What is she doing, they seemed to say. Then as my vulnerability dance began to change into acceptance, I saw their faces soften and grow warm. We had connection.
Beyond the Fence
Today’s guest post is from Truth Be Told volunteer and supporter, Wendi Romero: Last year, I had the profound privilege of attending a Truth Be Told graduation at Hilltop Prison. I was a changed woman when I walked out of those prison gates that day. At the time, I was at a crossing in my […]
Outside Looking In
This week’s post is by an anonymous TBT supporter and fan: My experience with the Truth Be Told program has been as an outsider looking in. I was offered the opportunity to attend a graduation and on a whim I found myself in a car one day on the way to prison. I got the […]