I want to start this article out by saying thank you Alisha for not only exposing but also utilizing the ugly truth; for the betterment of others that are without a voice and for those voices that are drowned out by the vibrations of discrimination.
During our interview this young lady clearly stated to me. “I come from a place of privilege. I am a young white woman in America, so people are quick to listen to what I have to say. And because I come from a place of privilege, I know people will hear my voice.” Guess what? She’s right people are hearing her voice and not only are they hearing it, but here also I am writing her voice. The magnitude of her words struck me in a candid yet profound way. To all of my readers please meet Alisha Niedziejko founder of Light in The Dark nonprofit organization.
As our interview continued Alisha went on to tell me. Nairobi, it’s very important that I use my voice to shed light on the unjust treatment that is going on behind the walls of the mass incarcerated. It was my sister that brought this awareness to my attention. She was recently released after doing a seven-year sentence. She spoke to me about the brokenness of the prison system and the inhumane conditions of the prison. Like the extreme heat that inmates cannot escape.
That was the start of my movement which led to the beginning of my organization. Not only will Light In The Dark bring truth to light. But it will build communities, bring awareness, and share information. Light in the Dark is a place where you can have civil discussions about what’s going on in the prison system. This organization was built to create sustainable change and form relationships with the people that work in these facilities, so there is a bridge of communication and hopefully unity. Currently Light in The Dark is only filling the gap in the three women’s facilities here in Wisconsin but hopes to expand in the future. Light In the Dark began its operations late 2020 so this is just the beginning of our quest. My short-term goals are to create a website for funding and donations, so that people can make donations at any time not just during fundraising events.
When asked how her organization has changed her, Alisha replied. “It has made me humble and has helped me recognize my strength. It has tried my patience, but for the better and it has given me hope.” I am meeting so many wonderful formally incarcerated human beings that are doing amazing things! Yet society says we should lock them up and throw away the key. Those stigmas are not doing our society any good, in fact it creates a division. It costs society money that would be best used for healing our communities instead. So many people are coming from a place of pain and brokenness but are blossoming and doing stupendous things to bring about change and it’s inspiring! Light In the Dark has recently put together a few fundraisers. They began with the fan loaner program. This fundraiser brought 45 fans that were distributed between the three prisons to women that could not afford a fan. We also did a huge book drive which is how 2 GAIN&GIVE was introduced to Light in the Dark organization. With the help of my teammates Erin Heinz, Sarah Demerath, Allison Peot, Christie Fox, and Tiffany Palo our most recent fundraiser provided Valentines Day cards to all the women in all three facilities. I am also speaking with the wardens to try and get air conditioning for the day space areas.
I would like everyone to know that Light in the Dark is a safe place for anyone to come have civil discussions about unjust treatment in the prison system. You are welcome to join our community listen and feel at home to share your concerns, to help spread education, and be a part of a movement of our society for our fellow humans. I would like to describe myself as a WARRIOR and the driving force behind everything I do is to push forward for the betterment of self and everyone around me. 2 GAIN&GIVE would like to thank you for allowing us a closer look at your organization and for inviting us to be part of this great community that you are building. We wish you growth and success in your endeavors.