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This article was written by 21 tutors at Hutchins to the Editor of the Restorative Justice News in Huntsville, Texas. It was published in their newspaper dated quarterly for the period January through March 2000. We, the undersigned respectfully request a moment of your time so that we may share with you some truly wonderful work being done here at the Hutchins State Jail in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Approximately 2 ˝ years ago Ms Lucy Smith, a Certified Academic Language Therapist began a ministry in God’s name to bring the gift of literacy to the inmates here at Hutchins. It is a ministry that teaches inmates to tutor other inmates in reading, writing, spelling, and now even math. Ms Smith has given selflessly of her time, energy, and spirit to help us in many ways. She is the epitome of a volunteer. She is an inspiration to us all, rain or shine, she is here from 09:30 to 17:00 hours, Monday through Thursday. Considering that she also must commute a minimum of one (10 hour each way), you can see that her time commitment alone is the equivalent of a full time job. But her commitment to us goes so much deeper than time alone. She spends countless hours searching out information and supplies (which she furnishes at her own expense), reviewing paperwork, counseling, encouraging, and sharing her love of knowledge and of Jesus Christ our Lord. Every single life she has touched through this program has been impacted in a positive way. Many of us have made deep, fundamental changes in our lives solely due to the influence of this wonderful woman. Our ministry, HOPE. Literacy, (an acronym for: Helping Others Pursue Education), has expanded into other TDCJ units and even beyond – into several churches serving some of the most impoverished communities in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Imagine! Inmates returning to their blighted communities with a message of hope, education, and love our Lord. Building up those communities instead of tearing them down. This is the vision of Lucy Smith. It is a vision many of us have come to share. Having said this, we would like to find a way to share “Ms Smith” and her vision with others. We are interested in submitting her name and credentials for any TDC community, state or national program to have her work and dedication recognized for what it is – A MIRACLE IN THE MAKING! Any assistance you could provide toward this end would be greatly and sincerely appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration, in Jesus’ name. SIGNED 21 TUTORS AT HUTCHINS STATE JAIL, DALLAS, TX. |