About Livin' It

Transformation Retreats had been inspired as a response to HIV/AIDS by Bishop Sullivan’s Task Force in 1989.  This volunteer organization had years of experience in leading non-denominational spiritual retreats for men and women living with HIV/AIDS.  In 1998 Transformation Retreats became incorporated as an independent 501c3 non-profit organization.

Later that summer of 2000, at the National Catholic AIDS Network (NCAN) International Conference in Chicago, several delegates from Transformation Retreats attended a workshop given by Maria Annel, a physician and Maryknoll sister, who was then working in the Archdiocese of San Salvador.  She presented an HIV/AIDS prevention program, which had been developed over a period of years, for incarcerated women in El Salvador and Costa Rica.  It was so well received there that judges consider graduation from the program an important factor in parole hearings.  A deal was struck!  The San Salvador women generously shared their work with Ruth in exchange for purchase of the red ribbon necklace the inmates made to support their program in El Salvador.  However, it was written in Spanish!  Volunteers were found,  The material was translated.  Time somehow appeared and the work began.

Connie’s approach to the Fluvanna Correctional Facility Warden was encouraging and subsequent meetings with the Assistant Warden, Phyllis Baskerville were highly productive.  Meanwhile, a search for team members and money began.  Initial funding was gratefully received from The Board for Women’s Health and the Catholic Diocese of Richmond Respect Life Fund.  Team members were recruited, some from Transformation Retreats, for their proven skills, expressed interest and known dedication.  Together with the aforementioned three founders, they included: Jane Kaatz, ACRN,MS a specialist in women, HIV/AIDS, treatment and prevention, Shirley “T” Burke, a popular  motivational speaker who uses music and movement, HW, a young woman living with HIV/AIDS who is also in recovery, and an experienced community organizer, trainer, educator and licensed clinical social worker, Terrie Pendleton, M.S.W.

The San Salvador program provided a framework within which the Richmond group evolved and continues to grow.  A new series was designed to meet the particular needs of women in the USA.  The material was piloted, refined and updated, the language acculturated and the content personalized by the collaborative efforts of the women on team who all volunteered their time during winter of 2000 through the summer and fall of 2001. A series of nine sessions was developed with the goal of “reducing the risk of harm”  for incarcerated women.  While enrollment is open to all, priority is given to women close to their release date and those known to be HIV positive.  The program addresses issues relating to physical and mental health, addictions, self-esteem, empowerment, conflict, spiritual identity and practice.  The final session is a graduation day, which incorporates setting goals, clarifying a personal plan, a ceremony and a shared celebratory meal.  The women receive a certificate.

While there was always a close and collaborative working relationship, the prison project was formally adopted by the Board of Directors of Transformation Retreats, (aka The Renewal Projects, Inc.) in 2005.  At the time of writing, more than two thousand women have graduated from the programs offered at Virginia correctional facilities since the fall of 2001.  Hundreds of women spontaneously sign up for the sessions. The inmate’s evaluations indicate that the women rate this experience very highly and for many it has had a profound effect.  In a letter, the warden said “This series is… the most well received outside program we have ever offered…if funding could be obtained we would welcome the opportunity to present this program on a continuing basis…we fully support and greatly appreciate your efforts on behalf of our inmate population.”

Livin’ It continues to evolve and would like to build new teams, take the program to other facilities and offer peer-training opportunities for its graduates.  While the program presenters volunteer their services, training, management support, supplies and travel expenses constitute the major costs of the program. Finding a solid base of funding to allow this exciting program to continue is a critical need.  

2000

The Women and Children’s HIV/AIDS Task Force designs an HIV/AIDS program for use within the prison system. A series of nine sessions is developed with the goal of reducing the risk of harm for justice-involved women.

2001

Livin’ It! A Prison Project is piloted by The Task Force together with expert contractors in the fields of women’s health, behavior and lived experience at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women.

2003

Ninety-two inmates graduated from three pilot programs offered at the Fluvanna Correctional Facility in 2001-2002. Over two hundred women sign up for the second and third sessions and the waiting list continues to grow. A day of Re-Connection is held for 60 graduates.

2004

Livin’ It! is offered at Diversion Center in Chesterfield and Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women. 120 justice-involved women complete the program and graduate.

2005

The Women and Children’s HIV/AIDS Task Force agrees to transfer management of the program and Transformation Retreats Board of Directors vote to formally adopt Livin’ It! Ruth Fitzsimmons continues to represent Livin’ It! on the Board and a salary position is established for the first time for an Executive Director to coordinate both programs.

2010

The Board seeks to develop a Strategic Plan, strong fundraising and build a website. An internship program with Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work is established to assist in the office and reach out to the community.

2012

The Prison Project builds new teams and continues to offer these programs to people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. The Board hires a new executive director and formally changes its name to The Renewal Projects, Inc.

2013

Board and Prison Project Manuals are revised and updated. 1,350 women have been served at two facilities to date. 11,136 hours have been donated at a value of service of $278,400.00 (using the state rate).

2016 

Livin’ It! incorporates as an independent 501C3 charitable organization in the State of Virginia and establishes its own Board of Directors. The Renewal Projects retires in dissolution.

2017

Livin’ It! recruits volunteers, updates the manuals, plans programs at three facilities in central Virginia, develops its own website and works to extend its reach in Virginia.

2018

Groups served at Central Virginia Correction Unit 13.

2019

Spring and Fall programs were completed at Central Virginia Correction Unit 13. Spring program at Fluvanna

2020 

Spring program was presented at Chesterfield Women’s Detention & Diversion Center 

2021 – Present

Spring & Summer & Fall programs at Community Corrections Alternative Program (CCAP)