On behalf of the Commissioners and Staff of the U.S. Parole Commission, thank you for participating in the Commission’s Second Annual Training Seminar. You did an outstanding job serving as a panelist and discussing the challenges that ex-offenders face in returning to the community. I believe that our staff gained a wealth of knowledge and information from you discussion. The information that you shared will benefit them in performing their jobs more efficiently and effectively.
Isaac Fulwood, Chairman
United States Parole Commission
U.S. Department of Justice
On behalf of the Administration, Staff and Inmate population, we would like to thank you again for coming to share your powerful story with the inmates here at the Jennifer Road Detention Center. As was stated at the end of your presentation, some of the participants were very grateful to you for coming and sharing your story that in turn has given them hope to make a change in their own lives. We commend you for your fortitude and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, and we look forward to having you come back again in the near future to continue to spread your story that can play a role in touching and healing those who are hurting.
Brenda Shell-Eleazer, Correctional Facility Administrator
Karen P McDonald, Volunteer Coordinator
Jennifer Road Detention Center
Anne Arundel County, Maryland
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Excerpts from Thank You letters from students at Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) program, Washington, DC. OIC/DC is a licensed Post Secondary Education Institution for non-degree students in the District of Columbia. OIC/DC is also a part of a network of 46 international affiliates in 18 countries including several African nations, Poland, and the Philippines.
“Mr Roach, you inspired me to want to do more with my life; such as set more goals for myself, and don’t let no one keep me down. I learned that only I can judge me. I now see that I can do anything I want to do, if I just believe in myself.” – Roxanne R.
“I could really relate to you and I also take my hat off to you for being a man of your word. They let you go perform and you did not run. I know it took a lot, because me personally, I probably wouldn’t had been that strong-minded. You are a role model for the brother on the other side of the wall who’s trying to get where we are.” – Michael W.
“Mr Roach Brown, I want you to know that outside of my parents, you are one of the first persons to inspire me. Before I thought I knew what I wanted out of life and what my purpose of life was, but really I was just stubborn. I want you to know how you help me to realize that life is not about how high you can get or how fresh you can get; life is about maintaining and helping another.” – Danielle R.
“I know for a person that was facing something as mentally difficult as life in prison, it must have been somewhat of a task to get where you are today. That alone lets me know that no matter what situation you’re in, we all have a purpose to be great in life. You just have to strive for it.” – Dalaura E.
“Mr. Roach, I want to encourage you to keep doing what you are doing and just let God lead you in the right direction.” – Ebony T.
