To Whom It May Concern:

My daughter, Gina Box, was an inmate at Perryville prison back in 2003. Her crime was selling stolen property to support her drug addiction. She had never been in trouble before, but her bad choices and the much older man in her life, separated her from her family and friends. We are a big Italian family and have always been very close, so to see our daughter going into a downward spiral was so very heartbreaking.

We hadn't heard from her in almost a year, she wanted nothing to do with us, and then suddenly one day I got a letter in the mail. Gina had been depressed, feeling like she was worthless and that her mistakes could never be forgiven. She was so sorry about her past and just wanted so badly to be a better person and make her life count for something. She told me she had been accepted to take the "Life Scripting" class offered at the prison and what an impact it was having on her life.

Almost immediately, she started to change. First, it was in her way of thinking, and then it was a change of heart. She told me how sorry she was for everything and that this class had helped her in so many ways. She was finally taking responsibility for her life. It also taught her about self worth and gave her hope for the future. She was like a little frail plant that was being watered, nurtured and cared for, and suddenly growing into a beautiful flower. We had been praying for a miracle in Gina's life, and Life Scripting was her miracle!

My story almost had a happy ending, but tragically, at 25 years old, my daughter died while still in prison from undiagnosed leukemia. It was only 2 months after completing the Life Scripting program. She wanted to become a guidance counselor when she got out and teach other women what she had learned. Life Scripting gave her life purpose again and even though I lost her in the end, it gave me back my daughter!

This program has helped so many women and it is LIFE CHANGING! Gina was just one affected by it in such a positive way, but there are so many others. Because I pen pal with many other women at the prison, I have stayed connected personally with so many who share similar stories. It is so beneficial to them, and gets them ready when they are released to be all they can be.

I highly recommend this worthwhile program. I personally support it 110% and I know it means everything to the Perryville community to continue offering Life Scripting in the future.

Sincerely,

Dianne Panetta (a very grateful mother)

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