6B. Patty Prewitt as Department of Corrections volunteers know her (more coming)
FROM A VERY LONGTIME VOLUNTEER
I would like to introduce you to the Patty Prewitt I have known and to tell you how I have experienced her to be over the years. It is my prayer that you will be inspired to join our efforts to help Patty to receive a commuted sentence from Governor Blunt.
I have known Patty for the entire 22 years that she has been incarcerated. In 1986, as a Department of Corrections volunteer, I supervised the first Prison PATCH visit that Patty had with her children. (Prison PATCH stands for Parents And Their CHildren. It is a program that made it possible for inmates to visit with their children in a home-like environment. We considered it important to encourage and help inmates strengthen ties to their families. Many outside of the prison system worked hard to build this wonderful program.) Even though it was 22 years ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. For the most part of the first visit, Patty’s children huddled around her and cried. The children could not be distracted to play with the toys or enjoy the birthday cake that had been baked for one of the girl’s birthday. When not huddled with their mother, Patty’s boys rode the tricycles around and around the PATCH yard as if they rode enough laps around the circle that the craziness in their lives would end.
Off and on for 10 years, I supervised Patty’s visit with her children. The visits were always the same in that the children took turns sitting close to their Mom. There was always a lot of laughter on the PATCH visits and the children always had interesting stories to tell.
It was great when Patty’s grandchildren started coming along on the visits with their mothers. Patty’s children and older grandsons “grew up” with PATCH visits. In June 1996, Patty’s youngest son “grew up” and turned 18. The family was no longer eligible for the PATCH visits.
During the years that prison PATCH was at Renz Correctional Center and then at Church Farm (after the flood of 1993), we were involved in many activities. Anything we did, we could always count on Patty’s 100 % participation. Be it a fund raiser like the Walk-a-thon or Barbeque, Patty and the other board members gave it their all. Patty helped with mailing newsletters; she helped carry pies to the gym for the Christmas party and was always the one to wear the “hot” fury bunny suit at Easter time so that the children could get their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny.
Sometime after 1993, Patty became the PATCH clerk. It was so helpful to have someone as organized as Patty is to keep the paper work flowing and the PATCH area clean and ready for the children to visit. One day Patty came to me with the news that she had been selected to participate in computer training school. It was a sad day for me but I knew that this was too good of an opportunity for Patty to pass up.
I watched as Patty mentored many of the women in the programmer class. In fact, Patty was always helping other inmates and still does to this day. There are any number of incarcerated women who would say that their time was easier and that they are better people because of something Patty helped them with, be it legal issues, or problems related to their children or just talking with them about how they could make a better life for themselves and their children. She helped the women in other ways too, like asking for special permission to visit a dying inmate and by making certain that the women around her did not go to bed hungry.
In the years that I have known Patty, she has gotten a college degree, become a certified aerobics instructor, participated in Prison Performing Arts, and helped start the “Story Time” program. In other words, she has done everything in her power to be an active, vital member of the community that she has found herself in. She has done this with a smile on her face and a genuine concern for others around her. She has maintained her dignity throughout the years.
With no judgment of innocence or guilt, it is my opinion that Mrs. Prewitt has served enough time. It is my heartfelt prayer that the Honorable Matt Blunt will do the right thing and commute the sentence of Mrs. Patty Prewitt so that she can be reunited with her children and grandchildren.
Sincerely,
JP
FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF PRISON PERFORMING ARTS
[+/-] show/hide this post
September 14, 2008
To Governor Blunt:
I recommend that Patricia Prewitt be released from prison and her sentence commuted. I work closely with her and have found no reason for her to continue to be incarcerated.
Patty Prewitt has been involved with Prison Performing Arts since we began our program at Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC) in the Fall of 2003.
Patty has been a part of the Vandalia Women's Theatre since its beginning, setting a good example for the other actors by playing both large and small roles and by never missing a rehearsal unless she has a visit or is ill. The Vandalia Women's Theatre meets for three hours a week, 45 weeks per year, with performances every six months.
Patty was one of the founders of the Spoken Word Workshop, an outgrowth of a poetry class with a visiting PPA artist in March, 2004. Spoken Word is a class that meets 2.5 hours per week, 45 weeks per year, with performances every six months.
Patty Prewitt is a campus leader. One of the inmates described her in this way: "She does everything that's positive. If there's something positive going on, you know she's part of it."
Inez M., who was released from Vandalia in March, 2006, said that Patty was a positive force in her life. Inez had given up on the possibility of getting her GED, as she was having trouble in math. Patty offered to tutor her and regularly encouraged her through her struggle to "Keep trying." She reports that Patty always said, "I know you can do it." Inez now holds her GED and is a student at Forest Park Community College in St. Louis.
R.C., a young inmate who is easily influenced, has benefited from Patty's intervention. When R.C. began spending time with the "wrong crowd," Patty encouraged her to apply for a job in the computer department, tutored her in the skills necessary for success in that job, and, in addition, helped her gain the confidence to join the Vandalia Women's Theatre. R.C. no longer has time to waste with the "wrong crowd," as she is busy with her computer work, the theatre group and other constructive activities.
Patty gives toiletries to women entering the prison who arrive with no money, no clothing and not even a tube of toothpaste. Patty's gifts of soap and other basic necessities have saved many women from engaging in illegal activities to obtain them. Patty is generous beyond her means.
I highly recommend to you this bright, kind, unselfish and noble woman.
Sincerely,
A. W.
To Governor Blunt:
I recommend that Patricia Prewitt be released from prison and her sentence commuted. I work closely with her and have found no reason for her to continue to be incarcerated.
Patty Prewitt has been involved with Prison Performing Arts since we began our program at Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC) in the Fall of 2003.
Patty has been a part of the Vandalia Women's Theatre since its beginning, setting a good example for the other actors by playing both large and small roles and by never missing a rehearsal unless she has a visit or is ill. The Vandalia Women's Theatre meets for three hours a week, 45 weeks per year, with performances every six months.
Patty was one of the founders of the Spoken Word Workshop, an outgrowth of a poetry class with a visiting PPA artist in March, 2004. Spoken Word is a class that meets 2.5 hours per week, 45 weeks per year, with performances every six months.
Patty Prewitt is a campus leader. One of the inmates described her in this way: "She does everything that's positive. If there's something positive going on, you know she's part of it."
Inez M., who was released from Vandalia in March, 2006, said that Patty was a positive force in her life. Inez had given up on the possibility of getting her GED, as she was having trouble in math. Patty offered to tutor her and regularly encouraged her through her struggle to "Keep trying." She reports that Patty always said, "I know you can do it." Inez now holds her GED and is a student at Forest Park Community College in St. Louis.
R.C., a young inmate who is easily influenced, has benefited from Patty's intervention. When R.C. began spending time with the "wrong crowd," Patty encouraged her to apply for a job in the computer department, tutored her in the skills necessary for success in that job, and, in addition, helped her gain the confidence to join the Vandalia Women's Theatre. R.C. no longer has time to waste with the "wrong crowd," as she is busy with her computer work, the theatre group and other constructive activities.
Patty gives toiletries to women entering the prison who arrive with no money, no clothing and not even a tube of toothpaste. Patty's gifts of soap and other basic necessities have saved many women from engaging in illegal activities to obtain them. Patty is generous beyond her means.
I highly recommend to you this bright, kind, unselfish and noble woman.
Sincerely,
A. W.
A DEPT CORRECTIONS VOLUNTEER WHO HAS WORKED WITH PATTY FOR OVER 20 YEARS ADDRESSES GOV. BLUNT
Dear Governor Blunt,
It is with no reservations that I add my voice to those seeking your intervention in the case of Patty Prewitt.
As I am sure you are aware, Mrs. Prewitt has currently served 22+ years.
I have known Mrs. Prewitt for more than 20 years through my work with the Organization Prison PATCH. PATCH is dedicated to proved a home-like setting in which inmates can visit with their children. We believe that maintaining family ties makes a big contribution to inmates being successful on their release from prison. Throughout the years, I have grown stronger in my belief that she was wrongly convicted and in my resolve to assist in any way possible to gain her release.
Although my belief in her innocence is partially based on my “gut” feeling, my resolve to seek her release is based on what I have observed over the years. I have seen a woman who has lost her freedom, her husband, a child, and years of her life maintain a positive approach to life that
would be an inspiration to anyone. Even one of those things would have caused most to lose hope and the will to continue. Instead, she has used her time during incarceration to improve herself and the lives of those around her, including the Department of Corrections staff with whom she interacts. She steadfastly holds a positive attitude toward her situation and is a role model for other inmates.
I could write volumes about the reasons I believe it is long past time for Mrs. Prewitt to be released and would be more than happy to talk with you or your staff about the matter. Suffice to say, it is time to FREE PATTY PREWITT and allow her to return to her family and the community. Wherever she locates, I have no doubt that she will be a contributing member of
Society and will have the same positive impact she has had within the walls of prison.
Sincerely,
RB
It is with no reservations that I add my voice to those seeking your intervention in the case of Patty Prewitt.
As I am sure you are aware, Mrs. Prewitt has currently served 22+ years.
I have known Mrs. Prewitt for more than 20 years through my work with the Organization Prison PATCH. PATCH is dedicated to proved a home-like setting in which inmates can visit with their children. We believe that maintaining family ties makes a big contribution to inmates being successful on their release from prison. Throughout the years, I have grown stronger in my belief that she was wrongly convicted and in my resolve to assist in any way possible to gain her release.
Although my belief in her innocence is partially based on my “gut” feeling, my resolve to seek her release is based on what I have observed over the years. I have seen a woman who has lost her freedom, her husband, a child, and years of her life maintain a positive approach to life that
would be an inspiration to anyone. Even one of those things would have caused most to lose hope and the will to continue. Instead, she has used her time during incarceration to improve herself and the lives of those around her, including the Department of Corrections staff with whom she interacts. She steadfastly holds a positive attitude toward her situation and is a role model for other inmates.
I could write volumes about the reasons I believe it is long past time for Mrs. Prewitt to be released and would be more than happy to talk with you or your staff about the matter. Suffice to say, it is time to FREE PATTY PREWITT and allow her to return to her family and the community. Wherever she locates, I have no doubt that she will be a contributing member of
Society and will have the same positive impact she has had within the walls of prison.
Sincerely,
RB
I SUPERVISED PATTY FOR 10 YEARS
Dear Governor Blunt
From 1980 to 1990 I worked at Chillicothe Correctional Center as a college Instructor. During that time Patty Prewitt completed the 60-hour college credit Business Administration course and then continued on with me as my clerk. I have, therefore, been with her for 4 hours a day while she was a student, then 8 hours a day while she clerked.
Having been an employee inside the walls of a Level 5 penitentiary, I have a great deal of experience with inmates. Over those 10 years I have heard and watched hundreds of inmates as they went about their daily lives. Being a people-watcher, I have had the opportunity to observe inmates dealing with the stresses of incarceration. While no one is full proof in evaluating behavior, I do believe that I have a good handle on what people are really like verses what they are saying about themselves. Just as an example, one of my students had gradually undergone a personality change, and I was quite concerned about her. I therefore phone the prison psychologist and reported to him what I was seeing. Within a very short period of time she did in fact kill a staff member.
It is important for me that you value my ability to assess people since what I am asking you, Governor Blunt, is to rely on my evaluation--a very difficult thing for any of us to do. It is my fervent belief that Patty Prewitt will be an outstanding citizen once freed, just as she has been an outstanding inmate. I believe you will never regret your decision to commute her sentence. I
absolutely believe it is the right thing to do.
Because you are busy, you can stop reading here if you are willing to bypass the details. These are some of the reasons I would commute her sentence if I had the power to do so:
• She is extremely truthful. In all the years I worked with her, I never o knew her to shave the truth or put a spin on anything.
• She is kind. In numerous situations Patty demonstrated her concern for others and put that concern into action.
• She is first and foremost a daughter and a mother. She is respectful to her parents and considerate of their concerns and needs. As a mother she is constantly in contact with her children and even from prison being the examplethat those children need. Even though the kids are now grown, she still is a mother to them, but now is also a best friend.
• She is loyal. If Patty has befriended you, you are truly a blessed person.
• She would literally give you the shirt off her back.
• She is an encourager. Whether prisoner or staff, she was always a supporter.
• She was willing to help an inmate work through bad attitudes, denied paroles, and the many other disappointments they experience.
• She is straight. In a prison where many, and possibly even most, tend to be “gay for the stay," Patty was an example of how to live out the lifestyle she believed to be right.
• She is intelligent. She took advantage of every opportunity to learn and encouraged others to do the same.
• She would help those who were having difficulties, and yet never made them feel inferior.
• She is a goal setter. In every aspect of her life, she looked at the various he is disciplined. Her ability to discipline herself has been visible to all who know her.
• She is trustworthy. Just one of the many examples I could use: For years at Chillicothe Correctional Center she was chosen to do the mowing outside the fence. This was a huge area and quite often the officer would not even have eye contact with her. She ALWAYS came back!
• She loves her family and is loved by them. I have frequently met Patty's parents, children, and other relatives. They have continually been involved with Patty and Patty with them. Patty places a very high value on family.
• She is prepared for the future. Knowing that justice may never be done, she will deal with spending the rest of her life living in prison with a dignity that very few of us could manage. However, she has continued to stay prepared for that day she believes will happen when she is finally set free.
• She stays up on the news, prepares herself vocationally, is abreast of societal changes and flexible enough to adapt to the changes that have occurred in the 2+ decades since she has been free.
• She is nonviolent. I have never seen nor heard of Patty throwing a tantrum, being angry, or making anyone in any way uncomfortable.
• She is involved. She is a very useful, helpful, resourceful person who is an asset any where she is.
• She is forgiving. She doesn't hold grudges. She tried to do the best she can in whatever circumstance she finds herself, and she assumes that others are doing the same. She is quick to forgive.
• She is a leader. Because the other inmates look up to her, the fact that all her good behavior is rewarded by a commuted sentence will cause those inmates to work even harder on their own behaviors.
I would gladly welcome Patty into my community, as my next-door neighbor, or
as a member of my household. She has been an inspiration to all of us who
know her. Please set her free.
Sincerely
PK
From 1980 to 1990 I worked at Chillicothe Correctional Center as a college Instructor. During that time Patty Prewitt completed the 60-hour college credit Business Administration course and then continued on with me as my clerk. I have, therefore, been with her for 4 hours a day while she was a student, then 8 hours a day while she clerked.
Having been an employee inside the walls of a Level 5 penitentiary, I have a great deal of experience with inmates. Over those 10 years I have heard and watched hundreds of inmates as they went about their daily lives. Being a people-watcher, I have had the opportunity to observe inmates dealing with the stresses of incarceration. While no one is full proof in evaluating behavior, I do believe that I have a good handle on what people are really like verses what they are saying about themselves. Just as an example, one of my students had gradually undergone a personality change, and I was quite concerned about her. I therefore phone the prison psychologist and reported to him what I was seeing. Within a very short period of time she did in fact kill a staff member.
It is important for me that you value my ability to assess people since what I am asking you, Governor Blunt, is to rely on my evaluation--a very difficult thing for any of us to do. It is my fervent belief that Patty Prewitt will be an outstanding citizen once freed, just as she has been an outstanding inmate. I believe you will never regret your decision to commute her sentence. I
absolutely believe it is the right thing to do.
Because you are busy, you can stop reading here if you are willing to bypass the details. These are some of the reasons I would commute her sentence if I had the power to do so:
• She is extremely truthful. In all the years I worked with her, I never o knew her to shave the truth or put a spin on anything.
• She is kind. In numerous situations Patty demonstrated her concern for others and put that concern into action.
• She is first and foremost a daughter and a mother. She is respectful to her parents and considerate of their concerns and needs. As a mother she is constantly in contact with her children and even from prison being the examplethat those children need. Even though the kids are now grown, she still is a mother to them, but now is also a best friend.
• She is loyal. If Patty has befriended you, you are truly a blessed person.
• She would literally give you the shirt off her back.
• She is an encourager. Whether prisoner or staff, she was always a supporter.
• She was willing to help an inmate work through bad attitudes, denied paroles, and the many other disappointments they experience.
• She is straight. In a prison where many, and possibly even most, tend to be “gay for the stay," Patty was an example of how to live out the lifestyle she believed to be right.
• She is intelligent. She took advantage of every opportunity to learn and encouraged others to do the same.
• She would help those who were having difficulties, and yet never made them feel inferior.
• She is a goal setter. In every aspect of her life, she looked at the various he is disciplined. Her ability to discipline herself has been visible to all who know her.
• She is trustworthy. Just one of the many examples I could use: For years at Chillicothe Correctional Center she was chosen to do the mowing outside the fence. This was a huge area and quite often the officer would not even have eye contact with her. She ALWAYS came back!
• She loves her family and is loved by them. I have frequently met Patty's parents, children, and other relatives. They have continually been involved with Patty and Patty with them. Patty places a very high value on family.
• She is prepared for the future. Knowing that justice may never be done, she will deal with spending the rest of her life living in prison with a dignity that very few of us could manage. However, she has continued to stay prepared for that day she believes will happen when she is finally set free.
• She stays up on the news, prepares herself vocationally, is abreast of societal changes and flexible enough to adapt to the changes that have occurred in the 2+ decades since she has been free.
• She is nonviolent. I have never seen nor heard of Patty throwing a tantrum, being angry, or making anyone in any way uncomfortable.
• She is involved. She is a very useful, helpful, resourceful person who is an asset any where she is.
• She is forgiving. She doesn't hold grudges. She tried to do the best she can in whatever circumstance she finds herself, and she assumes that others are doing the same. She is quick to forgive.
• She is a leader. Because the other inmates look up to her, the fact that all her good behavior is rewarded by a commuted sentence will cause those inmates to work even harder on their own behaviors.
I would gladly welcome Patty into my community, as my next-door neighbor, or
as a member of my household. She has been an inspiration to all of us who
know her. Please set her free.
Sincerely
PK
FROM A VOLUNTEER
I am writing this letter as a volunteer in Missouri’s state correctional center. I am writing as a Missouri citizen to let you know my personal thoughts about Patricia Prewitt.
I began volunteering inside the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC) facility in Vandalia about two years ago. During that time, I have interacted with her and other offenders during parenting classes, planning meetings and enhanced visits with her family.
I find Patty to be exceptionally and consistently positive in her thinking and behavior. I do believe she is an inspiration for many women on the inside of the Vandalia facility; however, I believe there is a more significant purpose to her life.
With the increasing numbers of female offenders, Patty Prewitt’s involvement in the preventative side of the criminal justice system – outside the prison walls, could change the course of many young women who otherwise might enter the criminal justice system
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
TG
I began volunteering inside the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC) facility in Vandalia about two years ago. During that time, I have interacted with her and other offenders during parenting classes, planning meetings and enhanced visits with her family.
I find Patty to be exceptionally and consistently positive in her thinking and behavior. I do believe she is an inspiration for many women on the inside of the Vandalia facility; however, I believe there is a more significant purpose to her life.
With the increasing numbers of female offenders, Patty Prewitt’s involvement in the preventative side of the criminal justice system – outside the prison walls, could change the course of many young women who otherwise might enter the criminal justice system
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
TG
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home