Tracey Reed

Henderson, TX

I'm just a simple country girl with a brain. I either love something or I hate it - either way I'm devoted to my causes, my family, my friend, heck, even my pet.

Tracey signed the petition | over 2 years ago

Take Action to Prevent Child Marriage
Tracey signed the petition | over 2 years ago

Fight Cancer: Tell Congress We Need Real Health Care Reform Now
Tracey signed the petition | over 2 years ago

Legalize Marijuana
Tracey commented on the article | over 2 years ago

Ready for Release?

I spent 15 months in a State Jail Facility for writing hot checks. I have an associates degree in accounting, and knew exactly what I was doing, and that I did not have $10,000 in my checking account. I was hooked on crack/cocaine & also knew that a 30, 60 or 90 day rehab program would not cure me of my addiction. I wish I had known then what I know now. I more or less chose to use prison as my rehab in the hopes that 449 days of sobriety in an environment completely foreign to me would remove any desire I had to use drugs. Prior to my incarceration, I had been a secretary, administrative assistant, computer operator, bookkeeper, and basically had the ability to choose my own job for more than 20 yrs. During my incarceration, because I already had a high school diploma as well as a college education, the only avenue available to me was to take a course in Culinary Arts, which I did. I always loved to cook, & did well in the class, graduating at the top & returning as a Teacher's Aide for the remainder of my sentence.

Upon my release from prison, I found myself totally lost. I couldn't go into a Walmart without having a panic attack & I had lost the ability to make decisions for myself. I spent the first 3 weeks at my sister's house, then moved to a "mission house" which I later realized was more like a "cult". They told me where I could & could not work, what hours, and they expected me to turn over my paychecks to them. I left to go visit a friend for a weekend & was told that if I went I wouldn't be allowed to come back. I went anyway, and then checked myself into the Salvation Army 90-day residential program. I was not on probation of any kind & wasn't accountable to anyone, but in hindsight, I wish I had been.

The first job I got was at Taco Bell. It was the hardest job I've ever had in my life. All the other employees were 20 yrs younger than I was, moved faster & spoke a language I didn't understand. My boss knew of my history & that I lived at the Salvation Army, and he treated me as if I were nothing. I left work each day with aching legs & feet and in tears. Finally, after a couple of months I couldn't take anymore & I quit. I found another job as a telemarketer (I know - I hate em too) for Nextel - a job I also hated, but excelled at. The company folded shortly after I was finally approved for disability.

I suffer from several mental & physical disorders, for which I am now on disability. But had I been in Paul's shoes, I don't think I'd have made it to where I am today.

Today, I do volunteer work for a crisis center, helping victims of rape & domestic violence. I do not get paid for this. But I don't smoke crack anymore, either. I've been clean for many years now, but even that short time in prison changed me forever. I can never get that time back, but thank God I learned from it & didn't give up when I was released. It hurts to have to put down on a job application that you've been convicted of a felony, and been to prison - even if it's only for hot checks. It hurts to have to live with the reality of how I disappointed my children & my parents. But I couldn't have made it through my incarceration without their love & support...which was a long time in coming, by the way. God & I came to an agreement - I'd put Him first in my life, every day, and not do drugs...and He would be there to hold my hand through my fears. I've learned how to be around people again, but it has taken me 6 1/2 yrs to get to this point. I'm now in a relationship with a man who knows all about me & loves me anyway...for nearly 5 yrs. I still HATE HATE HATE going shopping anywhere, but especially Walmart...but I can do it if I have to. I found resources in my community to help me deal with my feelings, my health problems, and my guilt & shame over the things I did.

I pray that the community Paul enters into will embrace him with love & give him a chance to rebuild his life. It won't be easy - it's harder than anyone can imagine unless they've done it. I have, but I have a lot of help. I have my own little house now. I rent because I have no credit & never will. I can't & don't have a checking account, a bank account, a credit card or even a debit card. I don't drive anymore because of my panic attacks, but I do have a picture ID & I'm not afraid of the police today. In fact, in my volunteer work, I have to deal with them on a regular basis....they love me, but hate to see me coming, if you know what I mean. I don't let anyone else's perception of me become my reality today.

I pray that Paul will make it, but the odds are against him unless someone reaches out to him. I felt the need to tell my story in the hopes that someone will be there for him. Otherwise, he may feel forced to reoffend, only to be sent back to the one place he feels most comfortable - PRISON. Let's help this man, so that he knows he has choices.
Tracey signed the petition | over 2 years ago

We Say No To GMOs PETITION to Congress & Obama, CARE & Change.org
Tracey commented on the article | over 2 years ago

Prison Rape: A Hidden Crisis

Until a prisoner - male or female - steps forward, starts talking & doesn't stop until someone in authority will listen, this kind of abuse will continue to happen. It happens to the weak, to those guilty of sex crimes, and to those who are innocent of the crimes they've been convicted of. Rape is WRONG - I don't what the circumstances are. On the other hand, these people didn't end up in prison for singing too loud in church. Evenso, rape is a crime - no matter where it happens or to whom - and it needs to stop. In the words of Dr. Phil, "We can't change what we don't acknowledge". So maybe by speaking out to these wardens and men in position of power, we can put an end to this horror. Rape is bad enough on it's own. Being locked up, trapped by bars, and raped repeatedly...is worse than death. They don't get to run away or cry for help. They don't get to move away. They just have to endure it the only way they can.