GUESTBOOK
Thank you for visiting this site! I imagine that there will be people from
various perspectives that were drawn to visit for a wide variety of reasons.
Please feel invited to share your thoughts and opinions by clicking
here.
What an awesome site this is. Cheryl's pictures tell so many stories of sadness,heartache and hope. Incarcerated women need the support of more people like Cheryl who are willing to volunteer their time in order to give others a glimpse of a more positive life behind/beyond bars.
Beth Rietema-Shannon <
bethrietema@msn.com>
USA - Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 22:00:40 (MDT)
I would have to say that this program is a true asset to the women at WCCW. I personally was a part of RPP and if it weren't for everyone in the program I honestly don't think I would've been able to cope with being incarcerated. It has made me a stronger indiviual and helped me to turn my life around, not only for myself but for my son. This program helps you to focus on what really matters and that is being the best parent you can be. Everyone in this program comes from a different background but RPP makes you feel like you have a family, especially when you are away from your own. All the woman care about each other and are always there to lend a helping hand. Once again I can't stress enough what a wonderful program RPP truly is.
Christina
Silverdale, WA USA - Saturday, July 03, 2004 at 15:45:30 (MDT)
What an amazingly accomplished project! It is art which maintains a point of view, which educates, which inspires, and which shows the beauty that grows in each of us. Charyl has created a body of work both beautiful and challenging. It makes me think of the Phil Ochs song "There but for fortune. . ." . It makes me glad to know that there are programs to uplift the spirits of the dispirited. Cheryl's work gives a voice and a face to people usually ignored. She has skillfully and gracefully used light to illuminate a serious problem and a response to that problem. Thanks for a wonderful job.
Paul Stetzer <
pstetzer@earthlink.net>
NY, NY USA - Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 13:00:53 (MDT)
What a wonderful depiction of a program that makes sense on so many levels.
In years gone by, there were residential programs, like the Booth Maternity Centers, for young mothers. These residential experiences offered young women at risk the opportunity to build their parenting skills, and receive an education. It also provided an opportunity for young mothers, many homeless, to avoid going back to the streets and ending up incarcerated. It amazes me that it has taken all these years for this incredibly valuable intervention to reach the prison population. One need only look at the joy in the faces of the youngsters and the pride in their motherâs faces to know that this is an opportunity, like no other, to break the cycle of imprisonment and the destruction of the mother-baby-child bond.
Thank goodness Cheryl was able to tell this story and document the joy and pain of the women and their babies. It is a poignant reminder of the power of motherly love to change lives, refocus mothers at risk, and heal.
Congratulations to Cheryl, the mothers who try, the babies who giggle, and the officers who shine their light on this project.
Penny Armstrong <
parmstrong@une.edu>
Portland, Maine USA - Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 11:29:19 (MDT)
It is inspirational to see a project of this type. As a photographer, I know the dedication, the time and the commitment it takes to produce a project of this scope. Compliments to Cheryl for the insite and determination to bring this to our attention and to those who allowed her to document their lives. It is a fabulous body of work!
Karyn
WA USA - Friday, May 28, 2004 at 20:35:22 (MDT)
As the mother of a mother who was in the RPP program I fully endorse the program. The "J" unit is a positive environment for the residents and their babies. I can't imagine a better beginning for those babies who are fortunate enough to have mothers who are willing and able to go through this program. It creates a safe place for new Mom's to learn how to be above average care givers. The ability for both Mom and baby to be free to bond and be together at this critical stage is a great way to start the beginning of a new life for both.
Connie C.
Arlington, WA USA - Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 12:16:57 (MDT)
Thanks for providing a look into this special program. It's a win-win program for everyone. I hope these pictures and stories will encourage other prisons to adopt this program and for Purdy to get the funding to expand their Residential Parenting Program. Great pictures!
julana hansmeier
USA - Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at 23:19:49 (MDT)
