I never knew prison was going to be like this. When I first came up with the idea to visit a correctional facility, my boss excitedly agreed to the trip but advised I bring some back up. In the coming days, I prepped myself to see hardened criminals and an ill-maintained facility stripped of compassion… Read More Rockville Correctional Facility: A Deeper View by Amirah Zaveri
by Erin Fleming, Intern Wrangler I was pretty excited when one of our summer interns, Amirah Zaveri, a journalism major from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, approached me earlier this summer to discuss an idea she had for a story about women in prison. (Pat Reuter, the producer of Viewpoints, had assigned Amirah a story… Read More It’s not every day you get to send your interns to prison
By Lydia DeCoud The various programs that Rockville Correctional Facility (RCF) offers get women job certified and prepared for professional assimilation once their sentence is complete. Every offender we talked to expressed joy and gratitude for these optional classes, saying the programs improved their skill sets, encouraged better behaviors and enforced a routine. Having a… Read More My Trip to Rockville Correctional Facility (Part 4: Prison rules, punishments, and the struggle to adjust) by Lydia DeCoud
By Lydia DeCoud Several programs keep offenders busy at Rockville Correctional Facility (RCF) while preparing them for careers and a structured life upon release. Some are: Culinary Arts, Business Technology, Building Trades – for construction skills – and Animals Depending on Prison Time (ADOPT), where inmates train shelter dogs to be house-broken, socialized and obedient. Successful completion of such… Read More My Trip to Rockville Correctional Facility (Part 3: The Work Programs) by Lydia DeCoud
by Lydia DeCoud THE DORMS Rockville Correctional Facility hosts three separate types of living situations. Most live in smaller rooms with about 15 people per room. There are lockers in the middle and bunk beds lining the walls with just enough space in between to walk through and climb to the top bunk. The tight spaces… Read More My Trip to Rockville Correctional Facility (Part 2: The Dorms) by Lydia DeCoud
By Lydia DeCoud AN INTRODUCTION The curiosity surrounding women in prison has multiplied since the growing buzz of Netflix’s original series Orange is the New Black. The show is a hit because of its drama, romance, psychological exploration and the relatable characters that always find themselves in bizarre situations. Questioning the reality of this show… Read More My Trip to Rockville Correctional Facility (Part 1: An Introduction) by Lydia DeCoud
Jane Kleaving 56 yrs 2 children 4 grandchildren I came to Rockville Aug 21, 2012. My EPRD is 2026 Since being at Rockville, I have learned that even in such an oppressive place there are people who care. The counselors that I have had the privilege to have know, have been wonderful mentors. Ms. Loden… Read More Letters from the Inside: Jane
Wendy Jordan 2002-2007 5 years 48 2008-current 7 years 3 children 3 years left. 3 grandchildren I have learned that the past doesn’t define who I am today, for years I allowed the shame & guilt from my past mistakes to keep me stuck. I drown my self in drugs & alcohol in order to… Read More Letters from the Inside: Wendy J.
You can read letters from actual inmates at Rockville, and a behind-the-scenes account of Amirah & Lydia’s visit to the prison on our intern blog: internapalooza Here’s a letter from Dorothy 45 years old No children Arrived here @ RCF December 4, 2008. 7 years in IDOC. My second time being incarcerated since May of… Read More Letters from the Inside: Dorothy
Brigitte Owsley #215625 16 My name is Brigitte Owsley. I’m 51 years old. I have 4 beautiful, lovely kids + 2 precious grandkids who I love + miss so much, I’ve been incarcerated for 6 years + I’ve got 6 years left. Coming to prison has changed my life. Being in the Plus program has… Read More Letters from the Inside: Brigitte O.
Internapalooza 