(BOP) - During National Reentry Week, Sheila Raye Charles, daughter of the late music legend Ray Charles, came to visit FPC Bryan where she herself had been an inmate over 13 years ago. Ms. Charles shared her story with current inmates to inspire them to succeed when they return to the community.
The 52-year-old singer-songwriter addressed her 22-year drug addiction, the four years she served in federal prison, and her three children born addicted to crack cocaine. She lost custody of all five of her children when the addiction fully took over her life. Ms. Charles encouraged inmates to address addiction issues; she credits her second stint in prison with saving her life, bringing her to peace with God and with herself.
Unit Manager Jerrie ComStock said, "It is rewarding to see a former inmate learn from her past through revelations and insight gained through incarceration. It is phenomenal to see Ms. Charles take her learning experience to the next level by sharing her story and instilling hope for inmates still struggling with their past."
Inmate Priscilla Grace Love commented, "Sheila Rayes' presentation touched me in many ways. It showed me that I have to let my past go in order to move forward."