I first became aware of Truth Be Told, an organization that provides transformational programs for women behind and beyond bars in prison, through a good friend of mine who was involved. I then attended a graduation ceremony at Lockhart Prison in Texas, where women who had gone through a Truth Be Told class while incarcerated got up and shared their story. For many, it was the first time they had ever done so - and also the first time they had ever had anyone listen to them, respectfully. What I learned and felt there blew me away. I went in expecting not to identify with these women at all - and then I realized that I could be any of them! They were not so different from me, and I thought they were the bravest women I had ever met. The work that Truth Be Told does to help these women behind bars find their own truths, face their life's journey and use it to empower themselves and their futures, is truly inspirational.

I have been involved with The Miracle Foundation since 2004, as a volunteer and donor. I have sponsored children, done pro bono work for the organization, made donations and have traveled to India five times on their volunteer orphanage trips. I can't say enough about the importance of the work they are doing, or the quality of the organization. I was so inspired by The Miracle Foundation that, as a writer, I even published a book about the issues and work with orphaned/homeless children (The Weight of Silence, 2009). If every non-profit organization could be run like this one, the world would be a better place.