An occasional newsletter by and for the incarcerated, Thanksgiving edition.
Voting Rights Restored by Virginia's Last Four Governors
Bob McDonnell (R) 2010–2014 10,000 Made rights restoration automatic for nonviolent felons who completed their sentence and any probation or parole.
Terry McAuliffe (D) 2014–2018 173,000 The Virginia Supreme Court blocked his attempt to issue a blanket order, so he began a streamlined, individualized review process for people who had completed their sentences.
Ralph Northam (D) 2018–2022 126,000 Removed the requirement for felons to complete parole or probation before having their rights restored.
Glenn Youngkin (R) 2022–2026 fewer that 4,000 Ended the automatic restoration process and returned to a case-by-case review, which has significantly slowed the pace of restorations.
Parole Board Grants Zero Releases in September
Of nearly 200 cases reviewed members of the Board were unable to find a single person they felt the VDOC had actually “corrected,” not even among those eligible for geriatric release. They did revoke the parole of four persons, however. Meanwhile, some men at Lawrenceville have come up with a 14-point rating scale that would give the Board a more objective way of making their decisions. Our Valley Justice Coalition has submitted these criteria to our local delegate, who is considering drafting it into a bill to be presented in the General Assembly in January. We’re praying for a positive result, and will keep you posted.
From the Mailbag
Regardless of the circumstances and conflicting emotions of our lives, God wants us to practice gratitude, knowing it will remind us of His love and power and enhance the quality of our lives. To Kingsway Prison and Family Outreach, I express my gratitude: Not only are they supplying me with spiritual guidance in the absence of our prison chaplain, they are assisting me in typing my first publication. Thanks! - Minor Junior Smith (legally blind), Deerfield Correctional Center
I proudly told my interviewer I had been in self-imposed sobriety on 3/3/01. I was floored when he told me my record showed I tested positive for opiates in 2019. It took me two years to finally got it cleared from my file. I had received Narco from Medical for radiation burns from throat cancer treatment.” - Daniel Leneave, Lawrenceville Correctional Center
I know good and respectful men here with over 50 years in prison. A friend of mine, Charles Zellers, had Covid and will have to be on oxygen all his life. Another friend, Minor Smith, is blind. Medical costs are going up, with prisons filled with old people. What could they do to hurt anyone? - Kenneth Pack Buckingham Correctional Center
Milestones by Friends on my Mail List
Steve Colosi and Thomas Reed-Bey, earned degrees, Greg Widener was granted parole earlier this year, and sadly, Henry Gorham, Jr., 69, died of cancer at the Greensville Correctional Center on July 10, one day after being denied release for health reasons. He had served 30 years.
A Much Appreciated Get Well Card From Friends at LCC
I was humbled and deeply grateful for a card signed by some good men at Lawrenceville Correctional Center. It arrived on the day before my surgery at UVA, where I had a small malignant tumor and a couple of lymph nodes removed from my neck. Nothing appears to have spread, so thanks for your prayers!
Dear Harvey Yoder, May God's grace and mercy strengthen you every day. You are in our prayers on behalf of the men here. - David Carmichael
My friend, My prayer for you is that God has already healed you! -Brother A. Parker
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in hope of a blessed healing. God bless you! -R. Robinson
Dear Harvey Yoder, May Allah continue to bless you in your struggle, and overcome it. I would like to thank you for your help! - Muwakki S. B. Shabazzz
ou are in our prayers, Mr. Yoder. Hope you are doing okay and God looks obver you and your family and all of us. Take care, and God bless. - Tim Rankin
Thanks for your love and work for us! God bless. -Randy Clark
"When Jesus heard that, he said, 'This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of Man might be glorified through it.'" My dear brother and friend, You are always a shining light on my path and a sweet blessing in this journey of life. I pray daily for your healing. Thank you for being that special person in my life. Amen! - Jonathan White
Mr. Yoder, May God bless you in all all you do on our behalf. - Darrell Willis
The LORD is with you, mighty man of God. Be encouraged and know he is by your side. - Brother Lopez
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for all your labor. By Jesus's stripes you are healed. Be blessed. Carl 😋
"For I will restore health to you, and will heal you of your wounds, says the Lord."
JEREMIAH 30:17
Praying that the light
of God's presence
will chase away
every shadow of illness.
Wishing You
Health and Happiness!
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Editor Harvey Yoder co-chairs the Valley Justice Coalition, P.O. Box 434, Harrisonburg, VA 22803. He welcomes letters, and may sometimes quote from them unless you say otherwise.
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