Endorsements

It is my pleasure to endorse the S.T.A.C.I.E. Foundation and its founder, Lorraine Reed Whoberry. As a result of personal tragedy and as one who has endured the horrific consequences of criminal victimization to her family, Ms. Reed Whoberry has become a tireless and dedicated advocate for victims of crime, survivors, and even law enforcement personnel. Ms. Reed Whoberry has spoken publicly about her experiences and has been a vociferous advocate for greater attention to crime victims, the impact of crime, and tougher laws and strong prosecution. She has educated the law enforcement community through the personal lens of her own experiences. Additionally, she has been a guest speaker at university classes to provide insight to students in criminal justice and forensic science programs. Ms. Reed Whoberry’s determination to carry on her daughter’s legacy and transform her tragedy into a journey of hope and reform for others is commendable. She serves as an exemplary model of inspiration that will effectively - through the S.T.A.C.I.E. Foundation - enable others who are in the throes of desperation to realize that they, too, can be survivors and move forward with their lives. Karen Bune Adjunct Professor, Maymount University, George Mason University Alexandria Police Department - 703.472.5811

On behalf of the Circuit Court of Cook County Third Municipal District - Family Violence Coordinating Council, we graciously thank you for presenting at the “A Domestic Murder: Lessons Leaned” conference held on Friday, October 16, 2009. Your willingness to take time out of your busy schedule to share your experience and expertise with the attendees is very much appreciated. Due to your participation, the conference was an overall success. We received wonderful feedback regarding your presentation and commend you in your work to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence. Thank you again for your contribution in making our event successful and we look forward to working with you in the future. Joseph J. Urso Presiding Judge Circuit Court of Cook County Illinois, Third Municipal District

This is a letter of support for Lorraine Whoberry and the S.T.A.C.I.E. Foundation. I have had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Whoberry over the last five years while working with her and the International Association of Chiefs of Police on the Enhancing Police Response to Victims Program (EPRV). The EPRV Program was developed based on the experiences Ms. Whoberry shared and the insights she provided to help law enforcement better serve victims of crime, to be conscious of their actions while investigating a crime and not unintentionally “re-victimize” the individuals they are attempting to help, and also to provide much needed support in their time of need. Her assistance was invaluable in the preparation and presentation of this program to law enforcement agencies worldwide and will hopefully change the face of law enforcement from this point on. Raymond J. Rose Chief of Police Mundelein, Illinois

Dear Ms. Whoberry, Ever since you came to LOCI (London Correctional Institute) to share your story with us, I have been wanting to write to tell you how much I appreciated you sharing your story with us. I needed to hear your testimony. You showed me it was OK to forgive. Because of the hate, pain and shame that I felt towards myself, the hatred was so strong I could not look in the mirror because I could not look at the person that was looking back at me. Because of the choice I made to do drugs my mom lost her life. I took my moms life. I was so high on crack cocaine I do not even remember doing it. The woman who gave me life and I miss her every day. So as you can see, I was not open to forgiving myself. My family forgave me years ago. They never stopped loving me. Over the years, my family has asked me to let go of the pain and forgive myself. I have always been willing to try to forgive myself, but I could not fully commit. By forgiving myself, I felt like I was hurting my mom and my family all over again. I just could not do that to them again. After hearing your testimony, something happened. I knew it was time for me to embrace forgiveness. That’s what happened that day in the gym. I asked for forgiveness. Ms. Whoberry, I am not sure I would have been able to take that step towards forgiveness, had I not heard your story. One more thing, I almost did not show up to hear your story. It was meant to be. Thank you for helping me to be able to let all that hurt, pain and shame go. Thank you, Jeffrey 5.19.16

I fully support the efforts of Lorraine Whoberry, the S.T.A.C.I.E. Foundation and the Heal My Wounds Prison Ministry Program. Any program designed and targeted to help and comfort others and that can be beneficial to the community at large is a very worthwhile project. Graycee Gates Family Violence Coordinator State of Illinois, Circuit Court Cook County

Do you want to see university students, adult offenders, or juvenile offenders changed? It is hard to find words to express the IMPACT Lorraine’s presentations had on students at Indiana Wesleyan University, adult offenders at Miami Correctional Facility, IN and juvenile offenders at Grant County, IN Juvenile Detention Facility. I still marvel at the impact God had on so many through Lorraine’s testimony. Jack Brady IWU Jack Brady Assistant Professor, Coordinator of Criminal Justice Indiana Wesleyan University

This is from a young man who is never going home. Mrs. Lorraine, I would like to thank you sincerely for sharing your testimony. I went to this classes event with my own preconceived notions that this was going to be loving at best and a complete waste of my time at worst. Good lord, was I ever wrong? Mrs. Lorraine you completely blew me away! I just think you are amazing. I believe wholeheartedly that you’re one of the strongest women that I’ve ever met. Realizing that I had only met and listened to you for 90 minutes only testifies to how strong your life’s story is. I feel sorry for your loss. I am thankful for your strength and perseverance so that I and others can listen, learn and grow from your words. I had wanted to ask you a question when you had finished speaking, however, I could not find the strength to talk. Your speech had left me without words and awe struck. Thank you so much for sharing. Your words mean so much and do make a difference. This letter was posted as he wrote it, his words. This young man is serving a life sentence and will never go home. We can’t forget his crime and have to remember he’s there for a reason. But also can’t forget that we serve a mighty God who gives us specific instructions: Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners’ Hebrews 13:3a, and I needed clothes and your clothed me,. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me. Matthew 25:36 Please know I do not share these endorsements as to put myself above anyone else. I share these letters as a testament to our Lord and Savior that He and only He can touch a life and change a man’s heart so deeply. I’m merely the messenger God has called to be a voice to the voiceless, my daughter’s, Stacie. Thank you for your prayers and support of this amazing journey. Marion Correctional Facility, Ohio Victim Awareness Classes

I would like to briefly share what a blessing Lorraine Whoberry has been in my life. We became friends through the American Baptist Leadership Academy of Ohio three years ago. Over these years Lorraine has shared her journey with Jesus Christ with me, personally, and with my church. The congregation was deeply moved as they listened to the transformation she experienced through the power of forgiveness. I am grateful to know Lorraine Whoberry and her family; God has done an amazing work in their lives. I pray the Lord opens many doors in the future for them to share their testimony of perseverance, forgiveness and hope. Rev. Pamela A. Wantz Linden Avenue Baptist Church

Lorraine Whoberry, On September 24, 2010, I had the honor of attending your “Impact of Victimization” presentation at the Liberty University School of Law in Lynchburg, Virginia. Although we had met before, I had never had the opportunity to hear your presentation or to hear about your experience. As the lawyer representing Paul Powell, who committed the crimes against your daughters Stacie and Kristie, I had a unique interest in hearing your views. I was not disappointed. Your presentation should be mandatory for all who work with victims of trauma. Whether they be police, clergy, doctors, nurses, prosecutors, judges or defense lawyers, they could all learn valuable lessons from your presentation. Your presentation gives expression to a view rarely heard from. I would not be surprised if none of these professionals have ever received feedback from victims of trauma as to how their behavior changed the events and experience from the eyes of the person most affected. Your multi-media presentation was also engaging and extremely moving, bringing the audience to tears several times. I know that I, as well as many others in the room, was surprised by many of the insights you shared during your presentation and I will always value what I learned from you that day. Please continue your mission to bring this message to others. Jonathan P. Sheldon Attorney Jon Sheldon Defense Attorney of Paul Powell Fairfax, Virginia

Lorraine is a graduate of the ABC/Ohio Pastoral Leadership Academy of 2010. Lorraine is a strong Christian and has an amazing story to tell. What happened to her daughters is unimaginable and hard to comprehend, and yet Lorraine has risen above a dark tragedy and made her self available for God to use in the lives of others. A ministry on behalf of others has arisen from the ashes of despair. Her heart is a testimony to God’s forgiveness and hope in what at times can be a very dark, dark world. Her love, compassion, and forgiveness is needed in a world often devoid of all. Sincerely, in Christ Rev. Dr. James L. Van Zile, Dean ABC-OH Leadership Academy Campus: First Baptist Church, Sunbury, Ohio