New York Parole Spotlight

Personal Statement

I am Elroy Skeete. I came up in a loving three member family – my mother, an older brother, and myself. My brother and I were sheltered by our mother. I graduated from high school, followed in my brother’s foot-steps, and graduated from a trade school with 5 years apprenticeship in Electrical Technology. And just like my brother, I was permanently employed by New York City Transit Authority as a Sub-way Car Inspector.

I was convicted by a plea of guilt for 2nd degree murder, and I was sentenced to 15 years to life. Almost immediately after committing the crime, I felt a profound hurt and sadness over what I had done. And I wished there was something, anything, that I could have done to undo it. I take full responsibility for my action. I am deeply remorseful for what I have done, and for the pain and suffering I have caused the victims’ families.

I have often, with much sincerity, thought about my regrettable action. And it saddens me to think of how much more emotionally painful it must have been for the victims’ families. So, I have made significant and necessary adjustments in my thinking and behavior to assure that I never again, under any circumstance, repeat my past action. Programs such as: Macro-Decision Making, Aggression Replacement Training, and Alternative to Violence have helped me considerably.

Academically, I have earned a Degree of Associate in Arts, Degree of Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude, Valedictorian, (Majors: Sociology, Psychology, Social Contract), and a Degree of Master in Professional Studies. These achievements have increased greatly my chances of gaining employment in the field of Human Services, and to mature towards my own peace and wholeness. They have also prepared me for reentry into society as a productive member, where accountability and personal responsibility for one’s actions are expected. But their collective enlightenment and transformative values cannot measure up to or erase the pain and suffering that I have caused.

Incarceration History

EDUCATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Educational Accomplishments:

2001-2002 – Certificate of Completion, Pre-Release Program Phase III

1998-1999 – Certificate of Appreciation in Outstanding Services in Adults Basic Education III

1997-1998 – Master in Professional Studies Degree, New York Theological Seminary

1996-1997 – Certificate of Appreciation, Assistant Interpreter for Sensorially Disabled

1992-1994 – Bachelor of Arts Degree, Summa Cum Laude, Sociology, Psychology, Social Contract, SUNY New Paltz

1990-1992 – Associate in Arts Degree, (Honors) Liberal Arts/Humanities, Ulster County Community College

EMPLOYMENT

Teacher’s Aide for Certificate in Ministry, New York Theological Seminary/Rising Hop

Case Worker, Pre-Release

Case Worker Supervisor, Pre-Release

Peer-Counselor, Pre-Release Transitional Services

Literacy Volunteer, Teacher’s Aide II for Academic Education

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

Facilitator/Participant, Macro-Decision Making Course

Trainer/Participant, Aggression Replacement Training (ART)

Trainer/Participant, Alternative to Violence Project (AVP)

Peer-Counselor in Moral Reasoning

ART Trainer in Structured Learning and Anger Control

Assistant Interpreter, Participant in Alternative to Violence for Sensorially Disabled

SPECIAL SKILLS

Electrical, Radio/TV Repair, Plumbing, Welding

Proficient Group Leader, Facilitator, Educator, Teacher’s Aide, Program Aide II, Computer literate “C” programming

COMMENDATIONS RECEIVED

Letter of commendation and Appointment as Adjunct Instructor for Certificate in Ministry,
Rev. George Webber, President Emeritus NYTS

Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Services in Adults

Basic Education, Linda Hollmen, Education Supervisor Fishkill Correctional Facility

Certificate of Appreciation as Assistant Interpreter for Sensorially Disabled, Alomma Lamb

Coordinator/Translator for Volunteer Services

RELEASE PLANS

Statement of Overall plan:

It is my desire to seek employment in the field of Human Services. I am very interested in counseling and social work, especially working with the youth. I plan to eventually earn a Doctoral degree in Ministry, and become active in a church as a pastoral counselor, and a teacher of the Scriptures. I also plan to take up residence with my only brother and his family.

Potential Employment Opportunities:

Employment opportunities are great because of my electrical skills, teaching and counseling abilities, and my knowledge in computer “C” programming. In the field of Human Services, especially the Youth Turn program, I have promised employment from Rev. Dr. George Webber, a board member of Exodus Transitional Community Inc.

Support from Family members and Others:

I have the full support of my brother and his family, and that includes residence. I also have the full support of Rev. Dr. George Webber, relatives, and friends.

In Closing ....

Clearly, the pain and suffering that I have caused are great – a debt I can never repay. I am totally responsible for my action, and I am profoundly remorseful – a sentiment I will have as long as I live. I trust that my heartfelt repentance would help with the healing process for everyone that I have hurt. And I pray that somehow, in someway, I can be forgiven by them.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have addressed what has brought me to prison. With a strong academic and practical experience in counseling and teaching, I am equipped for my deep-seated desire to serve my community, and to become a productive member.

I would like to thank everyone for visiting this site, and my profile, for their genuine concern, kind consideration, and much needed understanding. I hope that my words of sincerity touch your hearts and encourage you to send your letter of support. May God continue to richly bless all of us.

Sincerely,
Elroy Skeete

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