Personal Statement:
My name is Nicole Meece, though I am currently known as inmate number 07881509. My incarceration began on March 23, 2021 and I’m actively serving a 188 month sentence for drug-related offenses. My projected release date is February 2032. I am currently housed at Atwood Satellite Camp in Lexington, Kentucky.
This release plan is a personal commitment to rebuilding my life. It is a tool I have developed not only to prepare for my eventual reintegration into society, but also to hold myself accountable for the life I intend to lead.
Background:
I am 36 years old, and I was born in Frankfort, Kentucky in 1989. In 1990 my parents divorced, and my mother remarried. By 1994, following a second divorce, my mother and I relocated to Douglasville, Georgia. A few years later, we moved in with her boyfriend, who not long after, started abusing her. Although I never remember witnessing the abuse first hand, the emotional toll it took on our household deeply affected me. I lacked the attention I needed as a little girl from my mother.
At the age of 13, my mother was brave enough to break the cycle that had its hold. With her freedom, came mine. But, I lacked the structure and guidance to navigate through adolescence. After early exposure to domestic instability and emotional neglect, I began drinking and experimenting with drugs, finding comfort in unhealthy relationships. In and out of my own vicious cycles, my destructive ways led me down a dark path of addiction and criminal behavior. Eventually leading me to where I sit now, Federal Prison.
Conviction:
On December 13, 2021, I was sentence to 188 months in prison for Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute Methamphetamines’ .
However, from the moment I was sentenced, I made the decision to use this time for growth, reflection and renewal. My actions were rooted in years of unresolved trauma, addiction and poor choices. I take full responsibility for my role in the offense and understand the harm I caused. Not only to my children and family, but also to my community.
Conviction: (Rehabilitation Journey)
On January 26, 2022, I took my first step on the largest women’s compound in Aliceville, Alabama. After a few months of transition, I applied and was accepted into the Life Connections Program. LCP is a residential program focused on emotional healing, trauma, spiritual growth and addiction recovery skills. Through this 18 month program, I confronted years of emotional and physical abuse and addiction. I learned to set healthy boundaries, regulate my emotions and found the freedom of forgiveness. I learned to not only forgive others for the harm caused against me, but also to forgive myself for all the harm and heartache I caused my children and family. I rediscovered my values and dreams that I lost in my addiction. The Life Connections Program did just that, connected me to life. It redirected my moral compass towards God.
Upon completing this program and maintaining clear conduct, my security level reduced, and I became eligible for camp.
In November of 2023, I transferred to Atwood Satellite Camp. Since then, I have held a variety of meaningful positions that reflect trustworthiness and my commitment to change.
Soon after my arrival, I was asked by the nurse to be her orderly. I assisted the nurse and physician assistant with daily appointments and administrative support.
A few months later, I transferred to an outside position in safety and recycling. I was in charge of pest extermination for the prison and administration building, inspecting fire extinguishers, and making sure eyewash stations functioned properly. I also bailed and separated plastic and cardboard facility wide. I obtained certifications for forklift operator and lead paint removal.
Summer arrived and a position was available in Unicor. I became one of three workers in this department, continuing with warehouse experience. My department shipped and received scopes and harnesses through a contract with the military. Also, while working with Unicor, I volunteered my weekends to prepare our project house for community service activities. Women complete quilting and crochet projects that are donated to Shriners Children’s Hospital and Women’s Domestic Violence shelters.
After six months of working Unicor, an opportunity arouse for me to work in the most critical department, commissary. Due to prior issues with trust and performance, a new team was formed, and I was asked to eventually lead this team. With the new team, the department now insures integrity and trust, along with smooth operations.
Through these roles I have gained experience in customer service, safety compliance, ordering , inventory and warehouse operations. I am currently on track to complete my Material Handler Coordinator apprentiship in May of 2026, through the Department of Labor.
I have participated and completed numerous of classes including:
*Non- Residential drug treatment and drug education- Reinforced my understanding of substance use and relapse prevention.
*Resolve Program- Building emotional regulation and coping skills. ( I have consistently been active in group and single sessions for a year and a half )
*Parenting 1 and 2- Learning to transition back into motherhood.
*Victim Impact- Deepend empathy, accountability and responsibility.
*Assert Yourself- How to be assertive and communicate in a healthy manner in the most effective way.
I am also actively participating in education courses such as public speaking, real estate, creative writing or anything else that becomes available. I take every opportunity to learn and continue to grow while I am here.
In addition to my primary job assignments, I volunteer in various departments such as facilities, responding to sewage backup, and snow duty in the winter. I make myself consistently available to staff for tasks as in stripping floors, reorganizing the attic, office cleaning or assisting with other facility needs.
I also help mentor another individual through the Resolve Program.
During my time in custody, I’ve committed myself to personal growth. Through intensive programs, therapy and spiritual development, I have confronted the root of my decisions. While on this journey, I have matured not only as a woman but as a mother. I now understand the value of presence, stability and unconditional love. Because of my addiction, I was in and out of my son and daughters lives, unable to be the consistent, nurturing presence that a mother should be. That pain has stayed with me everyday of my incarceration and has fueled my determination to change. My greatest goal upon release is to rebuild those relationships with integrity, to be a positive role model, and to offer my children support and guidance. They deserve the best version of me, and that is exactly who I am working everyday to become. I know my family, but most of all my children have seen my growth and hard work that I have put into my recovery. Recovery is not only about being sober, but truly having the determination and will power to rediscover yourself and work through everything that made you lose yourself to begin with.
My two favorite quotes that I have held onto a long the way are “bloom where you are planted”, and ” you’re not stuck where you started; you’re stuck where you stopped. They both show that no matter how far you have fallen, you can always find the strength to work through your past mistakes not letting them define you.
Release Plan coming soon.
