Jane Pollak Logo
jane-pollak-coaching-retreat

May 24, 2010

My Prison Experience

The drive to the Danbury Federal Correction Institution and the facility itself were surprisingly attractive, if you could look past the sea of barbed wire and fencing all around. I was there last Friday and felt a little bit nervous upon arrival. We were screened as though getting on a flight and had our hands stamped in order to pass through an ultraviolet process and heavy-duty sealed passageway.

My daughter Laura joined me for the job fair at the prison. We set up along with about 10 other vendors including the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), an organization I’m very familiar with and whom I greatly admire. Lucy Baney of Access Technologies also had a table. She and I had met a few years ago when she spoke for WBDC. When she saw me rolling in my cartons of books she came right over and said, “Boy, they let anybody in here, don’t they?” Any nervousness I was feeling quickly dissipated with her warm and funny welcome.

I wasn’t sure who the prisoners were until someone pointed out that anyone wearing all khaki was an inmate. We had met a few women before the event who fit that description, but I thought they were staff. There was no discernible difference in appearance from those visiting and those residing there. The inmates ranged in age from twenty-something to sixty-ish and older. They were very open about how their incarceration would impact their ability to get jobs when released. Many were very interested in entrepreneurship and creating their own futures.

I gave a brief talk to each group that convened in my area. I wanted to convey hope and possibility no matter what the industry they were interested in. I brought my first book, Decorating Eggs, along to show them what I had made a successful business out of. They were all intrigued and could immediately understand the potential of their ideas, whether it was running a beauty salon or helping others with communication skills.

The women were eager to learn. I donated a copy of my newly republished book Soul Proprietor to each of them and was tickled that they lined up to get my autograph. This is the closest I come to feeling like a rock star.

My contact information is in the front of the book. I hope to hear from some of them as they develop their plans. It felt good to share a positive message with women who have served their time and deserve a second chance.

A Possible Comment Tag Line Here

5 Comments

  1. Carrie Wittenstein

    Jane, I am very moved by your initial bravery… and ultimate compassion for these women. Knowing how much you inspire me (and all of your loyal “followers”), I can only imagine the impact you had on these women. Your actions and your words, I’m sure, will be sources of strength for many of them as they begin their next chapters.
    Love, Carrie

    Reply
  2. Lois Pearce

    Greetings Jane,

    I am happy to hear your experience was positive and glad I was among the ones who encouraged you to reach out. You have planted a seed in the mind of some woman who will make a great life when she is out. I’m proud of you!

    Reply
  3. Jane Pollak

    @Carrie
    It felt good and right to be there. I was really glad to have Laura with me. Thanks for your comment.

    @Lois
    Yes! You were a prime motivator. Thank you for that.

    Reply
  4. Lucy Baney

    Jane, I was so delighted to see you there, as well as WBDC. You were so generous in giving a copy of your book to all of the participants and yes, you were surrounded like a rock star! These ladies have such a big strike against them – a felony conviction – and when they are released finding a job even in the best of economic times is problematic. The information and encouragement that you provided was undoubtedly very well received. Towards the end of the Job Fair, a young woman stayed behind as her group progressed on to the next table. She wanted to talk to me about her options once she is released…she was bright, funny, energetic, full of ideas, and unfortunately had several convictions. As she talked I realized she should be thinking more about starting her own business and I told her to go directly to your table with her group. When I approached her a few minutes later, she was grinning and waving your book and said, “I got the last one…it was meant to be.” You should be pleased and proud of the impact you had on many of the women you met.

    Reply
  5. janepollak

    @Lucy
    Thanks for sharing what was happening out of range for me. It was tremendously reassuring to see you there.
    Jane

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published.