Benevolence: A Journey from Prison to Home

Some fine documentaries have been made about women in prison—such as Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo (VL-11/10)—but few have addressed life after prison. Of the 40,000 women who reenter society each year, 75% will end up behind bars again within five years. As Benevolence Farm Program Manager Tiffany Bullard notes, "Your sentence does not end when you leave that prison." Director Joanne Hershfield profiles this North Carolina-based program, which aims to reduce the recidivism rate. Founder Tanya Jisa, who established the farm on 11 acres in Alamance County, stresses the need for employment. As farm workers, the women grow produce that is sold to the community, producing both economic and health benefits. It's a worthy goal, although Jisa faces more resistance than she expects at a community meeting where locals express concerns for their own safety and also question why their input wasn't sought sooner. According to Executive Director Elly Goetz, the participants come to them through referrals. Aside from the fact that the women don't have violent pasts, they are looking for a new start in life. Hershfield focuses on Missy, Keia, Brooke, Melissa, and Donna, whose crimes range from identity theft to possession of a controlled substance. In terms of their future, Keia plans to become a dental hygienist while Brooke hopes to attend divinity school, but only three of the five will stick it out until the end. Although it isn't without flaws, Benevolence serves an important need and Hirschfield’s fair-minded approach balances acknowledgement of the deficits (some of which may improve over time) with the life-saving service that Jisa and her colleagues provide. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)