Tiffany Doll “I am Free”
So, here I am, free after being sentenced to 9 years in prison–23 months and 1 day into my sentence. I won my appeal, went back to court and jumped on a plea bargain. They gave me time served and let me come home.
It still isn’t real completely yet. You know, what no one tells you is how crazy the emotional transition is. When you’re doing your time, you’re numb. You don’t think too much about your time outside of prison–you can’t. You can’t do your time and remain sane like that. So you just get through it one day at a time. Then I’m free – from me winning my appeal. I went from prison to home with no re-entry program, no transition. Just released at 8pm at night.
I am so thankful to be free and with my family. Free from the chains of my addiction. Most of all, the incarceration of methamphetamines, for me, was worse than any prison cell.
Now, I’m 2 years and 45 days clean. I have a job doing the trade I learned working for Correctional Industries and I have an awesome support system-my family and friends.
I could not do this without them! We all need support. I can’t imagine how anyone can make it without any help, whether it be family or mentors. How can we expect as a community that we can just ship people off to prison and that will remedy all our drug problems, or problems stemming from drug use, etc? Incarceration is the beginning but we can’t just drop people. We have to have support for their re-entry or we’re defeating the purpose. We need people to support inmates upon their release–jobs, mentorship, and community involvement is the only answer to break the cycle of incarceration-of crime and laws being broken and our neighborhoods being violated.
Say all of you want that it’s not your problem. If you believe that, you’re fooling yourself. Until we come together, one community at a time, nothing will change.
I’m very lucky. My family, The IF Project, Kat and Kim and my boss gave me a chance. Now, I’m living proof that if given the chance, we can succeed after prison!
What are you going to do to help your community?
Tiffany Doll
June 13th, 2010 at 11:49 am
You also have a support system of folks you don’t even know…I’m the Mom of the amazing Kathlyn and she’s told me how much she believes in you. If she does, then I do. Although I’m a long way off, Atlanta, you can still use me as a resource if you need to. Kath will tell you how to get in touch. I’m very proud of you and happy that you’re home with your folks. Keep believing in yourself because you have reason to. Love ya…..Sally
July 14th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
i am so proud of u tiff. i know that road all to well. however i’ve been clean now for 22 months..& i have’nt been back to prison since may 31st,2007. i know u can do it girl.. if u ever need someone to talk to ect. i’m hear for u girl.i am proud of u once again.
July 14th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
i am very proud of you tiff and to see you doing it is a huge inspiration to my i have a little over a year clean now but in that little amount of time i have gained many of the rewards and responsibilities and self respect that sobriety, brings to one-self and when i think that i cant do it i look at others and you are one that comes to mind in these times and realizes together we can make this and help others out of the hole we were once in and again i am so happy for you and proud of you
July 15th, 2010 at 8:21 am
Very inspirational miss Tiffany great job keep up the good work!
July 18th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Your new life has started, and now you are looking forward. Helping those in need, keeping a positive outlook for yourself and others who desperately need that positive influence. We are so very, very proud of you. You’ve ALWAYS had it in you, you just had a bump in the road. It’s alot better ride from here on out, because you have proved you can do it. Keep the Faith and Peace and Love in your Heart for yourself and others you are now helping. We love you with all our hearts, Dad and Mom in hot, humid TX
August 20th, 2010 at 12:01 am
Tiff you are an amazing woman, and i am so proud to have you in my life. the if project has done many amazing things for you, and i believe will keep turning around the lives of women like you and i, women in addiction that are ready to leave it all behind. you are an incredible role model and i look up to you more and more each day! THE IF PROJECT ROCKS… i love you tiff