I want to dedicate this article to those who remain behind the walls of prison, who refuse to give up. You are my true source of light – Jaime, Matt, Dave, Andrew, Tyson, Roy, Shawn, Matt Z. Justin, Evan …
As 2025 begins, we lift up those behind prison walls. Fill their hearts with hope, their minds with peace, and their spirits with strength. Guide them toward growth, healing, and transformation. May this new year bring opportunities for change, reconnection with loved ones, and the assurance that they are never forgotten or alone.
Reflections on 2024: Lessons from a Year of Advocacy and Challenges
As the final day of 2024 unfolds, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with triumphs, struggles, and profound lessons. For those of us who are advocates, activists, or family members of incarcerated loved ones, this year has been a whirlwind of emotions and revelations. The challenges of a broken system, coupled with the chaos of a divisive election year, have tested our resolve, but they’ve also reaffirmed our purpose.
Living in Aurora—a city often in the headlines for illegal immigration debates, gang violence, and gun-related tragedies—I see the cracks in the system every day. Yet, it is not only the streets but also the prisons where injustice is glaringly evident. Studies show that at least 4% of those behind bars are wrongfully convicted—innocent individuals paying the price for a system that seems to care little for truth or accountability.
The Lessons of 2024
This year has been one of stark contrasts. I’ve encountered broken systems and corrupt practices, from ineffective lawyers to biased judges and unethical attorneys. Reentry programs often fail those they are supposed to help, leaving families and communities to pick up the pieces.
But alongside these disheartening realities, I’ve also witnessed moments of connection and progress. I’ve built relationships, found allies, and yes, even made enemies. That’s the nature of advocacy—standing for something inevitably means some will stand against you. And that’s okay. What matters is staying true to your purpose.
For me, that purpose is clear:
- Fighting for the wrongfully convicted.
- Challenging unjust sentencing practices.
- Advocating for legislation that creates meaningful change.
- Giving a voice to those silenced by the system.
- Pushing for a cultural shift within institutions like the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC).
A Vision for Change
One of the most critical issues in 2024 has been the dysfunction within reentry services. Reintegration into society is supposed to be a bridge to a better future, but too often, it’s a dead end. To truly address this, we need to rewrite the playbook.
We must also address staffing shortages in facilities, which lead to unnecessary lockdowns and limit family visitation. Families are not adversaries of the system—they are allies in the rehabilitation process. Building stronger relationships between CDOC and families is not just ideal; it’s essential.
Looking ahead to 2025, I remain cautiously optimistic. The upcoming budget hearings could provide an opportunity for change, but hope alone isn’t enough. Real change requires action, collaboration, and accountability. It requires meeting each other halfway—not as adversaries, but as partners working toward a common goal.
As this year ends, I carry both the weight of what remains broken and the hope for what can be mended. Advocacy is not easy, and it’s certainly not for everyone. But it is necessary.
For those of us in this fight, let us never lose sight of why we began. The system may be flawed, but together, we can push for a future where justice is not just a word but a reality. Let 2025 be a year of action, understanding, and progress—for the incarcerated, their families, and society as a whole.
We owe it to ourselves, our loved ones, and the countless voices behind bars who still dare to dream of freedom.
The DNA Scandal That Shook Colorado: Lessons from 2024 and Hopes for Accountability in 2025
As 2024 comes to a close, we are left grappling with the fallout of one of the most significant scandals in Colorado’s criminal justice history: the DNA debacle tied to Missy Yvonne Woods. Once heralded as the “golden child” of the state, Woods’ actions have left a trail of devastation, calling into question the integrity of the very system meant to deliver justice.
The Weight of Corruption
This scandal, carried over from 2023, has revealed just how deep corruption runs within Colorado’s criminal justice system. Woods, through greed and an almost sociopathic disregard for the truth, has altered evidence, destroyed lives, and undermined public trust. The full scope of her actions remains unknown, as agencies like the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) appear hesitant—if not outright afraid—to uncover the full truth. The fear of exposing the systemic corruption and the high cost of accountability has stalled progress, leaving innocent men and women languishing behind bars.
The Colorado governor’s response—an executive order to create the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services Committee—has so far yielded little in terms of tangible results. Instead, it seems to have added another layer of bureaucracy, funded by taxpayers, while failing to address the urgent need for justice.
The Human Cost
The scandal is more than a bureaucratic or political issue; it is a human tragedy. People’s lives and freedoms are at stake. Innocent individuals remain incarcerated, bearing the weight of sentences rooted in manipulated evidence. Meanwhile, those who should be held accountable for their crimes remain free, shielded by a system that prioritizes its reputation over justice.
Judges continue to hand down lengthy, and often illegal, sentences with little oversight or accountability. The silence surrounding these practices has become normalized, creating a culture of complicity that allows corruption to flourish.
A Turning Point in 2025?
Despite the bleakness of the current landscape, I believe 2025 holds the potential for a seismic shift. The saying, “You can run, but you cannot hide,” rings true. Corruption, no matter how deeply buried, has a way of surfacing. Just as the DNA scandal is merely the tip of the iceberg, I anticipate that the coming year will expose even more about the systemic issues plaguing Colorado’s justice system.
Accountability is not just a hope; it must be a demand. Public officials and agencies must be held to the highest standards, and citizens must use their voices to insist on change. The tools are there—whether through legislation, public advocacy, or grassroots movements—but we need collective action to wield them effectively.
The broken system in Colorado, long ignored because it “smells horribly,” cannot be swept under the rug any longer. It’s time to face the stench head-on and clean up the mess. The DNA scandal has taught us that complacency is not an option when lives are at stake.
2025 must be the year of accountability. It must be the year when we refuse to accept excuses, demand answers, and push for meaningful reforms. Whether it’s through holding public officials to their responsibilities, ensuring transparency in forensic investigations, or challenging the status quo of sentencing practices, the fight for justice cannot waver.
For those still sitting in prison because of this scandal, time is running out. Their freedom, their lives, and their futures depend on our collective willingness to act. Let us take the lessons of 2024—the cost of corruption, the pain of inaction, and the power of advocacy—and use them to fuel a better, fairer system.
Colorado’s criminal justice system may be broken, but it is not beyond repair. The work ahead will be hard, but it is necessary. Let 2025 be the year we stop playing with people’s lives and start rebuilding a system that truly upholds justice.
Colorado’s DOC in 2025: A Call for Reform, Accountability, and Collaboration
As we step into 2025, the Department of Corrections (DOC) in Colorado faces mounting challenges that demand immediate attention and meaningful reform. The past year has underscored systemic issues within the DOC that impact incarcerated individuals, their families, and the broader community. From overpopulated prisons to allegations of contraband smuggling and a lack of accountability, the system is crying out for change.
Budget Challenges and the Proposition 128 Effect
One of the most pressing issues is the DOC’s push for increased funding during the 2025 budget hearings. With the passage of Proposition 128 in 2024, which mandates individuals convicted of heinous crimes to serve 85% of their sentences and habitual offenders to serve 100%, Colorado’s prison population is poised to grow. While 62% of voters supported this measure, the demographics reveal a generational divide. Older voters, many of whom are financially secure, favored the proposition, while younger and more reform-minded voices were drowned out.
This policy may satisfy a tough-on-crime narrative, but it will undoubtedly strain resources, worsen overcrowding, and deepen the chasm between the DOC and those seeking meaningful justice reform. Building a new prison—an idea floated during discussions—is both financially and socially unsustainable. Instead, Colorado must explore alternatives, such as sentencing reforms, restorative justice programs, and improved reentry initiatives.
Parole: A Broken System
2024 revealed the cracks in Colorado’s parole system. Far too many deserving individuals were denied parole, leaving them to spend another holiday season behind bars when they could have been reintegrating into their communities. The parole process often feels like a performance, where individuals must “sell” their freedom to a board that relies on limited files and subjective judgments.
This lack of transparency and accountability in parole decisions leaves families in limbo and reinforces the perception that the system prioritizes incarceration over rehabilitation. Reforming the parole process, including clearer guidelines, independent oversight, and a focus on rehabilitation, is crucial for building trust.
The Contraband Crisis
Contraband remains a persistent issue within Colorado’s prisons, with reports suggesting it is easier to obtain drugs inside some facilities than on the streets. While some family members may be complicit, the overwhelming majority of contraband enters through employees. The lack of transparency around these incidents fuels mistrust between the DOC and the families of incarcerated individuals.
It is time for the DOC to publicly report contraband-related incidents involving staff. This doesn’t mean revealing names or specific details but providing aggregate data on the number of cases, types of contraband, disciplinary actions, and legal consequences. Transparency will foster accountability and demonstrate a commitment to addressing this pervasive issue.
Medical Care and Staffing Shortages
The DOC’s ongoing staffing shortages have severe consequences for the incarcerated population. Lockdowns, delayed medical care, and inadequate mental health support are daily realities for many individuals behind bars. While these issues are not new, they have persisted for years without significant improvement.
Ensuring adequate staffing levels and prioritizing healthcare for incarcerated individuals must be a top priority in 2025. These are basic human rights, and neglecting them perpetuates cycles of harm and dehumanization.
Bridging the Divide: Families and the DOC
One of the most contentious relationships in the correctional system is between the DOC and the families of incarcerated individuals. Communication is often adversarial, with both sides feeling unheard and disrespected. This tension overshadows the shared goal: the well-being of those behind bars.
In 2025, there needs to be a concerted effort to rebuild this relationship. Advocacy groups, families, and DOC officials must come together to establish a framework for constructive dialogue and collaboration. Transparency, empathy, and mutual respect must guide these conversations. The focus should always remain on the incarcerated individuals—ensuring their rights, safety, and dignity.
Moving Forward
Retaliation against incarcerated individuals or their families for speaking out is a harsh reality. Similarly, inappropriate behavior from some family members has hindered efforts for constructive change. Both sides must acknowledge their shortcomings and commit to doing better in 2025.
The challenges facing Colorado’s DOC are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and collaboration, the state can begin to rebuild trust and create a system that truly rehabilitates and reintegrates.
As we move into a new year, let us focus on solutions rather than blame, on action rather than words. It’s time to put the needs of the incarcerated individuals and their families at the center of the conversation. Together, we can create a DOC that reflects the values of justice, fairness, and humanity.
Farewell 2024: A Year of Nonprofits, Challenges, and Hope for Change
As 2024 comes to a close, I reflect on a year filled with both triumphs and frustrations, especially in the realm of nonprofit organizations and reentry services. It was a year when nonprofits seemed to sprout like mushrooms after the rain, promising hope and change for those in need. Yet, behind the glossy brochures and lofty mission statements, some revealed themselves to be more about profit than purpose.
The Problem with Oversaturation and Accountability
The sheer number of nonprofits working in reentry services has become overwhelming, and many seem to lack true accountability. Despite receiving millions in grants from local, state, and federal sources, some organizations fail to deliver on their promises. The men and women leaving prison—often with nothing but a small box of belongings and a $100 check—find themselves homeless, jobless, and hopeless because the system built to support them is riddled with greed and inefficiency.
Take, for example, Second Chance Center, an organization that reportedly received nearly $16 million last year. With that kind of funding, one would expect tangible, impactful outcomes: housing, food security, and sustainable support. Instead, doors remain closed, and those seeking help are turned away. This isn’t just mismanagement; it’s a betrayal of trust.
In contrast, organizations like Denver Dream Center stand as a beacon of hope. Their work over the past decade has been nothing short of transformative. From hosting community events to providing unwavering support for those in need, they embody the true spirit of service. They’ve proven that it’s possible to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment that fosters growth and second chances.
Community Corrections: A System Screaming for Reform
Another glaring issue in 2024 was the state of community corrections. These facilities, which are supposed to help individuals transition back into society, often function more like trap houses. Corruption, inadequate resources, and a lack of accountability plague these programs, leaving residents vulnerable and disillusioned.
The case of David Coleman—a convicted murderer running a community corrections program—raises serious questions about oversight and integrity. How does someone with such a background gain control of a system designed to rehabilitate? This isn’t just a failure; it’s a dangerous precedent.
The Decline of Legal Integrity
Attorneys and the legal system also came under scrutiny this year. The overuse of 35C motions in Colorado highlights the desperation of those seeking justice in a broken system. Too often, clients are left with subpar legal representation from lawyers more interested in padding their caseloads than fighting for justice. Stories like that of my friend Michelle, who spent $300,000 on empty promises, are far too common.
The era of honorable attorneys seems to be fading, replaced by a culture of greed and shortcuts. The legal profession must face its own reckoning if we are to rebuild trust and provide true justice.
The Silver Linings of 2024
Despite these challenges, 2024 wasn’t all bleak. I had the privilege of witnessing true resilience and strength from those fighting for their freedom and rebuilding their lives. I forged friendships with people who showed me the power of hope, determination, and transformation.
These experiences reminded me why this work matters. For every broken system and corrupt organization, there are individuals and groups fighting tirelessly to make a difference. They inspire me to keep pushing for change, to keep advocating for those whose voices are too often silenced.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we welcome 2025, I hold onto hope that real reform is possible. Legislators must step up and demand transparency and accountability from nonprofits and community corrections programs. Policies like Aurora’s requirement for nonprofits to produce financial records before receiving funding should become the standard nationwide.
We must also address the systemic issues in reentry services, legal representation, and community corrections. Change won’t come overnight, but with persistence and collaboration, we can create a system that truly supports those seeking a second chance.
2024 taught me many lessons—some hard, some hopeful. As I say goodbye to this challenging year, I’m ready to embrace the opportunities and battles that 2025 will bring. Together, we can build a future where justice, compassion, and integrity prevail.
Goodbye, 2024. Don’t come back.
Justice Unlocked. 
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