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Overview

I need money to purchase a gravestone for my father. This includes the gravestone and engraving, plus fees for placing it at the cemetary.

Meeting this need will help me because it just means the world to me. I will have a place to go and sit and talk to my dad. It would give him some respect. This will help me so much mentally. Out of all of the things that I need as I go back to the community, knowing my dad is at rest is what means the most to me. I feel like it would make me happy because no one cared enough for him to get him that. I want him to know that his baby girl cares about him. 

My current situation is that I have been incarcerated since I was 14 years old. I'm now 30 years old and about to be released into the community. While I was in prison, my dad passed away. He passed on February 15, 2008. He had AIDS. He meant so much to me, and I really wanted to get out so that he could see and touch me again. He always used to say to my mom near the end, when he was forgetting things, "How meany years until she gets back? Do you think I can make it until she gets out?"

I'm excited that I'm about to go home. I guess the only thing I'm really worried about is my dad not being there when I get out. He played a big role in my life. The world has changed a lot since I was 14 years old, and I have to learn everything all over again as a grown women. When I went to prison, I had never even seen a cell phone. I've only seen pictures on tv. There are so many foods and things I've never tried. So many things I've never done. Places I can't even imagine. I'm ready to start a new phase of my life, but I'm really nervous, too.

I know that I've made mistakes in my life. I wish I could change that, but I can't. But I can only move forward and make better choices. I'm not the same girl who came here and grew up in prison. Now I'm ready to try and succeed as a woman, instead of as a scared, abused girl.

I'm from Chicago, Illinois, but I've been incarcerated for most of my life. I have been in a prison since I was 14 years old, but I am just about to be released to the community.

Something interesting about me is because I was only 14 years old when I was sent to prison, it allowed me to get my high school diploma, graduate from construction, custodial maintence, and work toward my associate's degree. I'm most proud of my achievements since I've been locked up.

I'm happiest when I talk to my mom.

Watch Alexis's video

Validated

Validated by Alexis from CLAIM (Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers) (What does this mean?)

I first met Clinton in prison over a year ago. She was introduced to me through some of the staff at the prison, because they all loved her and thought she had huge potential. It is not often that the staff brings someone to our attention, and so we knew that Clinton was special.

I think meeting this need is important because reentry into society is about many factors. In this case, Clinton is reentering society after truly growing up inside of a prison. When someone is released from prison and starts her life over, she needs a lot of support to successfully readjust. Those things include employment, proper support services, counseling, and family and friends. For Clinton, there is an additional factor of emotional security. She wants to move on with her life, but we don't think she can without this tribute to her father.

While Clinton was incarcerated, she lost almost everyone she knew. She went through a lot in her young life, and her father was always her rock. Through his last few years, he would wake up and tell his caregivers, "I just want to wait until Clinton is out. I can make it that long." Unfortunately, his illness finally overcame him before he could see his daughter again. The family did not have the means to pay for a grave marker, and Clinton did not even get to go to his funeral. Getting this grave marker would make Clinton feel like she is honoring her father and give her the emotional boost she needs to start a new life.

About Alexis

My job title is Pro Bono and Staff Attorney. I have been in this position since April of 2012. My work involves helping incarcerated mothers, formerly incarcerated mothers, and the caretakers of their children. What I like about my job is I get to see families brought together. In the future, I… Read more