In this quest to get 2 GAIN&GIVE book club up and running, I have been reaching out to a lot of individuals, organizations, foundations, and resources. To my pleasant surprise one person has lead me to another. As I engaged in meaningful conversations with these individuals I was shocked to learn about so many different organizations that I was unaware that exist. It’s amazing what people are doing to help others that are at a disadvantage and that are floundering in different areas of their lives. But what’s more extraordinary is that while we are in the middle of a pandemic; some struggling financially, others are emotionally bankrupt, and some on the verge of a mental breakdown, yet there is compassion. Help and change is in our hearts and on our minds. We are the same people that the justices system and society label as ex-felons, goons, repeat offenders, thugs, ex-cons, misfits, former inmates, outcast and hopeless. We are the individuals that are reaching back and trying to bring forth change. We are the individuals that are trying to find the root issue and provide help and healing and solutions. No matter what we may be labeled as, the Fact is not all of us are bad people. Some of us just made bad decisions and bad choices. Some of us grew up in poverty, no structure, no guidance, no direction. Some lacked education and skills that’s required to just get by in this world that we live in. This young woman that I am about to acquaint you with is one of those individuals that just needed help, and direction. Unknowingly battling bipolar disorder was a migrating factor in some of the bad choices she made.
It’s my honor to introduce Ashley Walker. Ashley Walker is the Founder of Annie’s Hands Nonprofit organization. This organization provides donated clothes to the women that are being released from two out of three women’s correctional facilities in Wisconsin.
When I spoke with Ashley I asked her what is the reason for this organization? She told me. I remember when I got out of prison. I literally just had the clothes on my back. How was I supposed to look for a job or go on an interview? In prison I was making 10 cent a hour. Your lucky if you see $13 a month on your monthly statement. How can you prepare for your release or save money for clothes when you’re already scraping to get by. My goal is to set these women up for success not failure. Prison is designed for recidivism. And because of that I have created a list of employers that hire ex-felons and I offer my time to help with resumes and cover letters free of charge. I also offer free rides home to the ladies that are being released and don’t have transportation. Ashley went on to tell me. The reason behind the name Annie’s Hands! Annie was actually my mother in law. She wasn’t always my mother in law. When I was first introduced to her she was my best friend’s grandmother. Later on down the line I married Annie’s son. I had been in their family for years. When I was released from prison in 2009 I found myself between a rock and a hard place. I didn’t want to go back to Jefferson county where I was from. It’s a small town so everyone knows you and everyone is in your business. To return their was a for sure trip back to prison. You can look at someone wrong and they will call your parole officer. And the way probation and parole is set up that just an accusation can send you straight to the county jail with a probation or parole hold. Some accusations can send you back to prison even if they’re not true. For me to go back to Jefferson county would be setting myself up for failure. So I decided to ask my best friend if I could move in with her, but at the time she was living with her grandmother. So she had to speak with her grandmother. Her grandmother agreed and welcomed me in her home. If it wasn’t for my best friend’s grandmother and my now husband I don’t know where my life would have gone. Annie and my husband was my support. A lot of people get out of prison and have no support system and just the lack of support can lead on another trip back to prison, a parole violation, or just a wrong decision. There was a few times when I didn’t have the proper resources or support and I re-offended and went back to prison. Annie was very instrumental in changing my life around and getting myself together. She passed away unexpectedly in 2016. Annie passed rapidly after she was diagnosed. We were granted two more weeks with her. I miss her everyday. She was very fundamental to the woman I am today. If it wasn’t for Annie’s hands I don’t know where I would be. This is why I named the organization Annie’s Hands. It was her hands that embraced me, guided me, pushed me, held me, provided shelter for me, and supported me. It was her hands that showed me new direction. It was her hands that prompted change in my life. Because of Annie’s Hands I am free today.
If you been recently released from prison and need clothing, help with a resume, cover letter, or if your release is in the near future and you need clothing or a ride home Annie’s Hands would love to help. To show your support or make a donations please go to Facebook. Annie’s Hands nonprofit organization.
Ashley Walker we appreciate you sharing your story with 2 GAIN&GIVE readers. I also want to personally thank you for noticing the need and for doing your part to fill the void. I respect and support your cause.