Last night Priscilla Hutton was telling the youth group at her Catholic church about her work in the prisons. In the course of her presentation, Priscilla shared this letter from Donna Stites, an inmate at the Indiana Women’s Prison in Indianapolis. A few weeks ago I introduced you to Donna’s amazing story after I visited her in prison. Below, Donna tells her own story.
To All Who Listen:
My name is Donna Kaye Stites and I have been incarcerated in the Indiana Department of corrections for over 25 years. I want to talk to you about my experience with going to school and the importance of getting an education.
When I was in grade school, I was considered a bully and I hated school. I acted out, for the most part, because I was ashamed of my being poor. I felt like I was not good enough. That hurt me and my anger came from those feelings. I was living with my father and his wife on a farm.
When I got to middle school, my financial circumstances changed. I was living with my mother and step-father, who was a wealthy business owner. However, I still hated school. I thought it was a waste of time. I had better things to do with my life, like selling drugs for my mother and hanging out with the older crowds.
I was doing drugs and drinking heavily by the time I entered high school. I was having sex and doing things like shoplifting and credit card theft throughout my high school years. I simply thought that school was not for me. I was in Girls’ School twice, did prison time and was in a work release center before being sent back prison for the final time. I have now been in prison, continuously, since I turned 21.
When I turned 30 years old, I decided things in my life needed to change. I made a list of six changes that I thought would help me. They are as follows:
• Stop doing drugs
• Stop smoking
• Resolve the issues between my mother and me
• Resolve a dysfunctional relationship
• Take better care of my health (I am a brittle diabetic)
• Go to college
I started my first year of college when I was 32 years old. I felt very intimidated and stupid. I felt like I was going to quit at least a hundred times, however, I stuck with it and at the end of my first semester, I had gotten all A’s and B’s on my report card. My GPA was 3.5. I was one point from making the Dean’s List and I couldn’t have been prouder of myself. Even now I am smiling just thinking about it.
After that experience, I decided to make the Dean’s list (my seventh goal) every semester. I received an Associates Degree with academic distinction and I got my Bachelor’s degree with honors. I finished Ball State with having been on the Dean’s List every semester after the first.
I want to encourage you to do the best you can in school now and to continue your education after high school. I am not an old person, I am not someone’s mom, and I am not getting paid to tell you about getting educated. I am someone who has had their life changed for the better as a result of getting educated. Education opened doors for me that had never been opened before. I found out who I was. I don’t believe I could make the sound decisions that I make now without having been educated. I believe that formal education with a solid scriptural foundation is the best way for you to not get caught up in the distractions, like I was. I have a lot of regrets, but getting my college degrees is not one of them.
There’s nothing more important than you taking care of you: your mind, your body and your spirit. It is all you have in the end.
Let God bless you with all that has your name on it. Don’t cheat yourself out of what’s yours and what’s you.
Peace,
Donna Kaye Stites
Inmate at Indiana Women’s Prison
Indianapolis, Indiana
Friends of Justice 
Donna Stites is a dynamic woman! I met her several years ago when I volunteered at the prison. She is sharp, intelligent and talented. She has an amazing love for animals that we share, and was a terrific dog trainer. Donna has had a lot of misfortune in her life, but she does not dwell on that. Donna has found herself and now excels in whatever she sets her mind to. I am extremely proud of her. She never ceases to amaze me!
Donna is thrilled that her letter is posted here. The youth group were captivated by Donna’s story and I have learned that several of the youth have passed her letter on to other students and some have even mailed it to friends and relatives who are quite a distance away. Donna’ greatest desire is that her life and story can make a positive difference in other people’s lives, especially, in the lives of young people. Donna and I look forward to sharing her story with young people, near and far. It seems that a new ministry is being birthed. Thank you Dr. Bean for helping this to happen.
Priscilla Hutton
Donna is a sister in Christ. I had the wonderful privilege to be one of the two facilitators of the Education for Ministry Program (4 year Program) that Donna completed in June of 2009. One of the most wonderful quotes that I heard from Donna was the night she proclaimed, “My God is too big to be kept in a book.” (She was referring to the Bible). Donna came every week to class, even on nights when her health was certainly not the best – but she never gave into her physical pain and she always contributed great theological responses to the class. It is an honor to be able to call Donna my sister in Christ.
~Sally Cassidy
I am one of the several that belong to the youth group that Donna’s letter was presented to. Before Priscilla spoke to us, we were very rambunctious and talkitive but once she started to tell us about Donna I noticed we were all very alert and really wanted to hear what was being said. Priscilla told us Donna’s story and we had a lot of questions afterwards because we were really intrigued and wanted to know more about the type of person Donna is. She stressed to us just how much of a great person Donna was and told us that even though life may come with a few afflictions that it’s just that more important to find God in your life.
I am Priscilla’s neice and met Donna several years ago at the prison. Donna was so easy to get to know. She’s so full of life and spunky that i was no longer afraid. (I was in a prison after all.)
I miss Donna and pray for her every night. I hope to see Donna again and speak to her now that I know her story. Knowing the mistakes that she has made in her life does not affect the way I look at her as a person whatsoever. She’s lived a hard life but has managed to come through and accept God into her life. That shows just what type of person she is. Donna really is an inspiration.
Megan Laughton, 16
I was thrilled to be able to read Donna’s letter. It made me realize how hard she is fighting for the children and teens of the world. THANK YOU DONNA! 🙂
I miss Donna in our bible study class at the prison, but these two posts are like an injection of her spirit, energy, and determination. She’s an inspiration for anyone, even someone who’s never even come close to dealing with what she’s overcome and is currently experiencing.
I know how amazing Donna is….she’s my younger sister. I’ve learned the true meaning of redemption by being a part of her life. She has taught me so much. I learned to forgive because of her. My soul is at peace because of it. The anger and resentment was eating me alive. Her story is filled with pain and abuse, but she doesn’t let that stand in her way. Her journey is just beginning. God bless her on the rest of her journey. I’m here for you Sis. Love Eve
Dear Donna, I read about you several days ago and am very happy to know that you are a special part of our Providence familly. Tha means, I love you in a special way and pray fo you every day. I admire you so very much for how you have faced life! You are even now bringing special graces to many people. I know some of you SP friends. Do pray for me. I’m near 88 years old and do not have much energy to continue being an active friend to our aging Sisters, so I can use some of your prayers. Loe, S. Cecilia Ann
Eve, How awesome is this to read about the peace in your soul.:) It makes my heart FULL OF JOY. I always knew Donna is special and had the ability to show Gods love to everyone!!! If she were to die tomorrow or live to be 100 her walk through life will not go un-noticed. I am at peace by finding this web page and knowing “God is good” and is working through Donna! God bless you Donna & Eve!