Veronica Dale learned a hard lesson early in her life, that there’s good in the best of us and bad in the worst of us.
My life growing up was a life of abuse, addiction, and lack of guidance. I was left to my own devices. I became a mother at sixteen and a full-blown addict before I was twenty. Through drug addiction, rebellion, and crime; I caught a twenty year ten-month sentence, which landed me in Federal Prison. This sentence has humbled me and pushed me to be a better version of myself. Throughout my 12 years of incarceration, I have taken numerous classes. Some of these classes have taught me healthy coping skills and how to deal with the traumas of my past. My goal once I’m released is to open a non-profit organization for abused women and children. One of the steps I’m taking toward this goal while incarcerated is sharing my story with women in the RDAP community. I want to be an advocate for women and children who have suffered any kind of abuse. This time of incarceration has allowed me to conquer the demons of my past through the completion of RDAP (Residential Drug Addiction Program), Resolve (which deals with trauma), and Apprenticeship for Teacher Aides while helping others to obtain their GED. I will continue to add to my resume for life to become a productive member of society.
