Letters from Inside - Leslie Van Houton

NOTE: Lesle Van Houten has recruited 100 incarcerated women to sign up for our Mindful Kindness Program. Those who complete the course will receive a reduction in their sentence. Ms. Van Houten has been recommended for parole five times, all of which were denied by California governors.

7-17-22

Dear Mr. Carnine,

I want to thank you for the card you sent back in March of this year. It is a pleasure for me to do all I can to introduce mindful kindness to California Institute for Women. It is a wonderful program.

At the end of March, I was once again informed the governor had reversed the parole board’s suitability finding. I want to share with you that by applying the skills mindful kindness has given me, I was able to deal with this heartbreak in a healthy and, surprisingly, gentle way. By that I mean I did not begin to beat myself up over my past. I was able to stay focused on my immediate circumstances and maintain my focus and balance. Of course, it hurt and still does, but I guess I’m trying to say, it does not define me. I cannot thank you enough for putting this process together and offering it so freely. My very best to you.

Sincerely – Leslie Van Houten