photo
by Ava Berkofsky from production, 900
Women
Accepting an invitation from a childhood friend, Pam Turner-Dunmore, Coordinator of the Upper Marlboro Correctional Facility Addiction Treatment program, I shared my testimony to a gathering of women prisoners, administrators and other staff. Another childhood friend, Minister Omie Brown, took off work to accompany me simply because she believed this opportunity was God's answer to her prayer to open wide the doors for me to minister to people in prison. After my talk, a young woman, not caring to hide her tears, sashayed to the podium and read these words from her white-lined paper:
Miss Anderson: Let me start by saying on behalf of everyone here, "Thank you." When we started reading your book, I was at once overwhelmed with one thought, "Finally, an around-the-way-chic telling it like it really is." You see, where I come from, an around-the-way-chic is just that-a chic from around the way. She could be your sister, your neighbor, your brother's girlfriend, anyone who grew up in your neighborhood experiencing the every day trials and tribulations that went with growing up in the places we did. For most of us, there is no Mayberry, U.S.A. with Opie and Andy Taylor happily going to the fishing hold while the whole town whistles a tune to see them off. So when people who have never walked in our shoes tell their tale of woe, we usually shrug it off. That's why your book is so important. You could be any woman in this room. Thank you Stanice, for your courage to tell it like it is-really is. For your strength and for your faith. Thank you for being "an around-the-way-chic" who didn't forget where she came from. Thank you for showing us it is possible to overcome. Thank you for giving us HOPE!! Sincerely, 28-Day Program
Photo
from UB Post
and
Women Released from Prison
You are such an inspiration.
I came across your web page as I was looking for prison ministries and
ministering to women in prison. When I started to read excerpts form your
book I burst into tears. I felt as if you were reading my mail. I felt
as if for the first time I had found someone that understood what I had
gone through. I have over come an abusive marriage and had been incarcerated
because of my involvement with the drug subculture. I rededicated my life
to the Lord in prison. I have wanted to help others that may be going
through what I went through or prevent it from happening to anyone else.
Your page has inspired me to write my own story, which the Lord has been
urging me to write for some time now. Although I am not sure in what capacity
and direction He is leading. I was instructed to write so I am writing.
I just wanted to say thank you for touching my heart and my life with
your own life story. Michelle C., Ontario, Canada
and with
our help are rebuilding their lives...
2006 Graduation of Friends
of Guest House (transition house) 
It was powerful!! Stanice gave me
hope that if I stay my course, that I can become anything that I want
to. She also helped me with Judging Books by the Cover. I would have never
known that Stanice went through the things she has gone through by just
looking at her. --Janet (J) Davis
I am writing regarding the graduation ceremony on 7/30/06 for the women of Guest House. The speaker Stanice Anderson was very powerful. She motivated me in many ways. She was good food for my soul. She let me know that as long as I stay clean and sober that anything is possible. She gave me the hope, courage and faith that I have been lacking for a long time. - Kathy Goode
My name is Deborah Johnson
and you recently spoke at my graduation from the Guesthouse. (7/30/06)
First and foremost, I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to
speak and give us some encouraging words. Second, I wanted to let you
know how your speech affected me. Being that I am not a substance or alcohol
abuser, you showed me that the same principles you apply to your recovery
and I can apply to my everyday life. I needed to have more faith and start
"packing my boxes" for my move. It seems that I give it to him
and then I take it back and that I just need to let go and let God. You
truly inspired me with the relationship with your son and I apply that
with the relationships to my son and daughter. There really are not enough
words to describe how I feel but I will say God did the right the thing
in you because you told me a story that was true and I believe. (Ref.
your poem, Tell Me)
l-r Mary Ehlers (Board), Stanice,
Edith Johnson (Sr. Case Manager), Kari Galloway (Executive. Director).
Stanice holds pearl earrings presented by Ms. Ehlers who owns The Nugget,
a jewelry store in Alexander, VA, She also blessed each of the graduates
with pearl earrings.
People continue to tell me HOW inspirational that they found you! You
truly have a gift. Thanks for sharing it with the rest of us!! Kari
Galloway, Executive Director
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© 2006,
Stanice Anderson http://www.stanice.com
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