Former Inmates Successfully Transition into Society

By Blair Simmons of Fox 17

“Leaving the Cocoon” is a non-profit organization of mentors who help women make
a difficult transition easier. The program has not only helped these women get back
on their feet, but they say it’s changed their lives.

If you had told Paula Etheridge a couple years ago that she’d be in Brentwood at a
dinner in her honor… she never would have believed you.

“Actually I lived on the streets of Dickerson road for 9 years,” says Etheridge.
She was addicted to drugs and was in and out of jail. But living that type of life
proved to be a whole lot easier than getting out of it.

It was actually in jail that her life changed… where she met Vicki Harvey.

“The amazing thing to me was there was this woman who seemed to love me,” says
Etheridge.

Vicki Harvey spends her time investing in women that society deems unlovable.
“These women are what most of us would consider rejects to society. A lot of people
say why bother? The reason why bother? Number one is they’re a person and deserve
a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th chance — and number two, realize it cost taxpayers $25,000 a
year to keep one person incarcerated,” says Harvey.

Etheridge says it’s thanks to the Cocoon Program and women who loved her when
she felt unlovable, she’s been clean for nearly seven years now. She’s in school to
become a social worker, and she’s giving back.

“When I got out of prison I opened a recovery house for women and decided it was
through a relationship I wanted to give back to the community and help other
women who were in my condition,” she says.

Harvey says when someone is released they usually have no money, no job, and
nobody that really expects tehm to become anything. Her mission with “Leaving the
Cocoon” is to fix that and make a lasting mark on womens’ lives.

“Everyone has nicknamed her ‘Momma Vicki’ because she stepped up to be a mother
when other people couldn’t be,” says Etheridge.

As for Etheridge, she’ll be back in prison soon… but this time as a mentor.
“Going from one side to the other is amazing in itself.”

Former Inmates Successfully Transition into Society – Blair Simmons
Posted: Sunday, September 20 2009, 05:34 PM CDT