I was born in New York City to Kenneth and Kathleen Bartley, the second set of twins born of eight children. Our parents had great aspirations for all of us. I was known as "the athlete" in high school because of my abilities in both track and field, and in diving. However, I eventually gravitated toward the glamorous allure of the streets. And it is there that my downward spiral began which eventually led me to prison.

I am presently scheduled for my sixth parole board appearance in January 2006. In 1981, I was sentenced to fifteen years to life for second degree murder. I know of no words in the English language which to articulate the depth of sadness I feel toward the victim's family. If I could undo what I did, I would gladly do so. While this is not possible, what I have done and continue to do is to take steps to assure that I will never engage in similar behavior in my life ever again. I say this not to minimize the seriousness of my crime, but rather to shed light on my personal growth and accomplishments throughout my years of incarceration. To atone for the sins of my past, I have made a conscious decision to balance out the scales by taking every available opportunity to do good by others. It is through these efforts that I have grown personally and become socially active.

Early on, I realized that in order to truly seek redemption the journey could not wait until I were released back into society. My path to redemption would have to begin to be paved right where I was. And, through soul searching and faith I have taken the necessary steps to not only change as a person, but to also acquire marketable skills which now enable me to make a positive transition back into the greater community. While none of my successes will ever compensate the tragic loss of life for which I am responsible. I am hoping they will, however, serve as an honest testimony to the sincere and positive changes in my life.

INCARCERATION HISTORY

Educational Accomplishments

• 1999 - Masters of Professional Studies (New York Theological Seminary)
• 1994 - Bachelors of Arts Degree - Behavioral Science (Mercy Community College)
• 1992 - Associate of Arts Degree - Human & Social Sciences (Ulster Community College)

Employment

• X-ray Technician Assistant
• Dental Assistant
• Computer Refurbishing and Printer Mechanic
• Administrative Clerk for Volunteer Services
• Administrative Aide for Educational Supervisor
• Administrative Clerk for General Library

Volunteer Programs

• Co-founder of Prisoners for AIDS Counseling and Education (P.A.C.E.)
• Facilitator for Alternatives to Violence Project (AV)
• Certified Conflict Mediator Facilitator
• Facilitated the Family Works Program
• Facilitator for Youth Assistance Program (YAT)
• American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter
• Old and New Testament and Church History Instructor
• Certificate in Ministry Program (CMP)

Commendations Received

• Writing the curriculum which standardized the P.A.C.E. Program throughout New York State Correctional Facilities
• Coordinated the New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund

Special Skills

• Sign Language

RELEASE PLANS

Several agencies have expressed interest in employing me upon my release. These include: Center for Community Alternatives, AIDS Related Community Services, Rockland Children's Psychiatric Center. Additionally, Rye Presbyterian Church and Exodus Transitional Community have each offered to assist me in securing employment. My family and our collective community have remained supportive and will continue to assist me in making a smooth transition upon my release.

CLOSING

I am both ashamed and torn from what occurred twenty-four years ago. I can only imagine the grief of the victim's family and loved ones. I understand that they have every right to be angry with me, but I pray that they will one day find it in their hearts to forgive me.

This pains me and motivates me to do something about it. I believe that given my prison experience, my education and most importantly, my faith in God, I can make a positive difference in my community and in the lives of its youth--especially upon these young men and women presently exposed to criminal activity, before they become snagged like a fish on a hook. I want to help them to become truly free, physically, mentally and spiritually.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If your intuition is screaming that I am a good candidate for parole, then please support my release and send a letter of support on my behalf.

Kevin Bartley

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