Prison Work Stories - Page 2

Larry H.

Serving a life sentence for murder, Larry H. participated in the first Fort Grant training. During the Post Training follow-up meeting, Larry told us, "You know, I've served fifteen years for murder. And in all that time, until Lifespring, I never had a good night's sleep. For the first time since I was put in prison, I know the reason why I took a life. Before, all I had were excuses. I feel like the weight of the world has been taken off my shoulders."

Larry hopes eventually to get married, take Advanced Course and TC, and work as an arts and crafts instructor. He is hopeful for his future: "Things are looking very good. Because of you people—people who were able to show that no matter who we were or what we'd done, that you cared because we were human beings—I was able to care about myself and others."

Sometimes prison staff will choose to take the training along with the inmates. Lifespring, Inc., through The Foundation, often gives scholarships to prison staff when The Foundation is directly involved with a training at that penal institution.

Inmates who complete the Basic Training have full graduate status and are eligible, upon release, to reaudit the Basic Training and to enroll in other Lifespring trainings. The comprehensive support system that The Prison Program offers is a major part of its strength. Lifespring volunteer training assistants and all graduates of the Lifespring Training Coordinator Program (TC) are encouraged to stay in touch with inmates for an extended period of time following a training.

The Foundation also provides opportunities for graduates of Lifespring trainings to be of service to their communities. The Foundation has worked with Special Olympics, Muscular Dystrophy, and the National Council on Clothing for Kids.