Editor, Times-Union: My name is Darren and I am incarcerated at the Westville Correctional Facility. I would like to create an awareness within my community. Some of the warmest, kindest, finest men I have met in prison. Granted, wherever you go, you’ll have many types of people. I myself have been somewhat of a late bloomer as far as healthy lifestyle choices and criminal behavior. There are many men here and I’m sure at prisons all over the state and the country who genuinely want change. While none of us are perfect, many have surrendered their old way of life, and have taken the necessary steps to obtain some positive pro-social tools for crime-free living. Whether or not your family member, loved one or friend is ready for change or not, I cannot stress enough the importance of a strong support system. Every night after six o’clock, the correctional officer opens up a mail bag with all kinds of mail for us. People will press their faces against the glass in anticipation of receiving any kind of mail. Once the mail is sorted, the officer brings it out and calls the names out of those who are lucky. The way the faces light up upon their name being called is like a child on Christmas morning. (Yes, it’s that serious.) So as you go on about your busy days, remember your loved one in jail or prison.Take 10 minutes to write them and tell them you care. The emotional support it gives is without parallel and is not forgotten. Remember most of us are not doing life, so we’ll have the opportunity to return the love someday. Upon my upcoming release, I have collected the names of a few dozen guys I will be sharing a sobriety newsletter I’ve created with. If anyone in the community has input, or ideas or someone they would like to receive this info, contact me here at Darren Heinzman #198506 5501 S. 1,100W, Westville, IN 46391. Darren Heinzman Westville Correctional Facility
