Just putting this out there for anyone who finds this info helpful... I was in FMC Carswell from 2001-2002. I was not in the camp and I still have connections there, if there are any questions that you need answered I will do my best to get them answered for you. Feel free to message me on yahoo or to send me an e-mail.. (personal email address removed. please review PTO policies and rules) Angi

I hope that everyone is doing well and again I reinnerate the fact that I am here to offer any help that I can on information, questions etc. Feel free to contact me..
(personal email address removed. please review PTO policies and rules)

Thank you frmfmcinmate. I imagine once my daughter gets there you will be hearing from me. :)

not a problem!

Hi fmrfmcinmate,

Well, Jackie is in FTC Ok, and should get to Carswell in the next two weeks sometime.

Can you tell me anything in regards to the Life Connections Program? Were you a part of the program?

What do you think of it?

That is why she is going there.

She is also worried she will be shipped back to Tallahassee if they think she doesn't fit the time frame to complete the program. :(

Do you know who I would contact to try to make sure that if she is not taken by the program that she is not shipped back to Tallahasse but comes to Illinois instead?

:( hi . this is willie. i wrote about a month ago and appreciate everyones support. one love. anyway, i fear my friend is in a shu. she suffers from bipolar and is hiv pos with bad tcell count. she doesn't take crap from anybody and i'm afraid with her poor health, solitary might be a death sentence. i read where a girl got 6 to 9 months just for defending herself!what's solitary like? what's the typical length of time or is there one? is carswell any better or worse than any other place? i've read the articles by betty brink from the fort worth weekly and, to tell you ther truth, i'm terrified for my baby. any chance for compassionate release? heard it's like pulling teeth from the bop. she's doin 24 months for parole violation, so she's not going anywhere. i feel so sad for her,.heartbroken and worried. we live in dc, so it'll be real hard to visit her cos i'm mostly broke, but employed. any info or words of encouragement would be appreciated..sincerely, willie t

Willie, I cannot speak specifically for the SHU at Carswell, but at FPC Bryan it was essentially a room in the Lieutenant's office which was mostly windows so the inmate could be viewed. One of our members recently had to visit the SHU at Seagoville while there was an investigation. He relished the quiet for a few days until he was cleared of any wrongdoing.

thanks susan! i'm thinking it's some dark pit with no light. still, the isolation can't be good for her psyche. on second thought, she's always been a loner. hopefully, she'll get some rest and be cleared. thanks for sharing...willie

She will only get outdoors about one hour each day. Meals are brought to her and she has access to books. She still gets mail so write to her and cheer her up as much as you can.

Personally, I wish I could have spent my entire 14 months in there away from the noise.

Willie,

As Susan said, I know it will make a world of difference if you write to her every day and just 'talk' to her as if she was sitting right there with her. My Jackie has told me that she cannot explain just how much of a difference it makes for her just getting that letter from me every single day. It doesn't have to be long, or complex, or full of pithy talk. Just talk from your heart and tell her you are thinking of her.

Jackie says quite often you can tell right off the inmates who have good support and connections with the 'outside' & family and the ones who have no one caring or pulling for them out here.

Good luck, I hope she rests and makes healing use of her solitary time, soon enough she will probably be back in population longing for the peace and quiet.

Maven

THanks Maven! you've really helped me cope. the information was priceless. You and Susan have really helped me out. i just sent her a nice card yesterday,but I will write to her more often. Can't thank y'all enough! Bless you..willie

And God bless you too Willie. Just remember that when you send cards they cannot have any removable attachments such as stickers, eyes, etc. She can also get photos but that's about it. The BOP considers anything else "contraband".

she called! she's not in solitary.she's fine. i really need to get a life. my heartfelt thanks anyway ladies..peace to you

Aw, willie! :) I am so glad to hear that!!! :) She's gonna make it just fine.

You just hang in there and keep on writing to her. :)

One thing I have done - go to walmart and go to the section where they have those smaller cards for just .49 each. Buy several of those and then, on days when you don't have time for a real 'letter' you can pop one of those in the mail to her with a big smile and a hug in it! That way she is sure to have something in mail call every day. :)

Good Luck, you hang in there. I know it is tough, but you will be surprised - looking forward feels like forever. Look back and you will be amazed at how quickly the time really has flown by.

{{willie}}
Maven!