After having served 20 years of a 26 year minimum sentence, Rimale has decided to file an application for clemency with the Board of Pardons of Pennsylvania:

 

Throughout my incarceration, I have worked to better myself as an individual, to support my success within the community upon my release. I began bettering myself first starting with furthering my education. While incarcerated, I earned my G.E.D/Diploma. I then worked to become certified in both residential and commercial carpentry, and electrical maintenance. I found interest within these areas and felt that by earning certification within these disciplines, I would be able to successfully give back to the community in a positive and constructive way upon my release. Furthermore, while incarcerated, I became a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) within the institution which has allowed me to facilitate groups focusing on smart recovery, Wellness Recovery Action Planning for Reentry (WRAP) which focuses on improving the lives of individuals by incorporating wellness strategies both during and after incarceration, and Criminal Thinking and Cognitive Restructuring (CTCR).

 

Throughout my participation within these programs and experiences gained, I believe I have found what I am meant to do and how I will be able to contribute to my community upon my release. My certification as a CPSS has allowed me to interact with fellow peers and assist them in bettering their lives by focusing on how to reform their way of thinking both during and also after their incarceration to help reduce their chances of recidivism. I truly feel this area of work is my “calling” and I have become passionate in helping others which in turn has allowed me to truly focus on my life after incarceration to also avoid recidivism and become a law-abiding, productive member of society. My experience as a CPSS would allow me to support individuals following my release as my plan of action and serve as my primary source of occupation. I have worked diligently to help others navigate through mental breakdowns, extreme crises, and even just everyday challenges. Helping others by aiding in their ability to make better, more concrete decisions, especially during moments that may otherwise negatively impact their incarceration has become, in my opinion, an area of expertise. For example, as a CPSS within the institution, we work with individuals who have behavioral health needs stemming from mental illnesses such as depression, suicidal tendencies, etc. 

 

My position as a CPSS is not only gratifying but it gives me a feeling of true purpose within my own incarceration. I have learned throughout my work that true love and a listening ear can go a long way for our fellow man. Upon my release, I have planned to continue furthering my education in mental health advocacy. I plan to continue developing my skills and utilize said skills to support those within the community who struggle with behavioral health challenges. I plan to lend my services to others by encouraging them to listen to one another because in my opinion and experiences, oftentimes, listening to someone else can be “just what the doctor ordered” not just for the individual who is expressing themselves but for the individual on the other side as well. 

 

I ask that you support me and my hopes for an early reentry into the community. Your signatures will be forwarded to the Board of Pardons, signifying that you, the people, believe in me and the vision of what second chances really look like. This call is not about justice but rather Mercy and Grace.

 

Please see the link for my petition for support of reentry. Your support is greatly appreciated. I will not let you down.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Carl Rimale Rice 

Applicant/Petitioner for Clemency