Mary hit rock bottom and made a decision to leave New Mexico and start a new life. In legal terms it was a terrible mistake -- she hadn't dealt with her legal issues yet and became a fugitive. In personal terms it was what may have saved her life -- away from the ghosts and social circles of New Mexico, she reinvented herself.
Landing in Berkeley, Mary received treatment and support from Berkeley Mental Health system. She worked her way through the programs and supportive housing systems, recovering from addiction and her mental health issues. She found full-time work and was able to enjoy the satisfaction of once again having her own apartment to call home.
Mary chose a profession where she could help others that were struggling, working as an outreach worker and advocate for people with mental health issues in Alameda County. She worked tirelessly: organizing, supporting, and helping others. She became a leader in the Alameda County Pool of Consumer Champions where she volunteered hundreds of hours over three years, and was hired by Alameda County Behavioral Healthcare Services to oversee Consumer Relations where she is greatly admired and highly respected.
But now, that fateful choice to flee New Mexico has come back to haunt her. On February 1st, two US Marshalls entered her work place where they arrested and hand-cuffed her, taking her to Santa Rita Jail where she is currently held without bail while she waits to be extradited to New Mexico.
Mary is in real danger of losing everything she has fought so hard to attain -- her job, her apartment, and her ability to do the things that keep her mentally well. The community is in danger of losing a great leader, supporter, and role model as well.
We know that Mary must be accountable for her past. But we ask the court to consider that this is a loving, loyal, and hard-working woman who is not only fully rehabilitated, but actively making a huge contribution to the community, helping others to break the cycle of mental illness, homelessness and drug addiction as she has done.
Is the purpose of our judicial system punishment or rehabilitation? If the purpose is to rehabilitate people and stop crime, then that purpose is better served by freeing Mary on probation and allowing her to return to her work in Alameda County helping others, not imprisoning her.
Sign this petition if you believe the court should FREE MARY to return to Alameda County!
Updates
February 20, 2012
The reach of this petition has hit a threshold that allows us to move forward with formal advocacy. I have initiated contact with the legal review board to request a meeting regarding Mary's case file. We are preparing a formal brief that incorporates the testimonials gathered here to present during our next scheduled consultation.
6 Comments
i work with mary and shes a total inspiration to everyone here. dont take her away from the people who need her help.
Eight years is a long time. She has clearly learned her lesson and is a productive member of society now. Waste of taxpayer money to drag her back.
People change. She turned her life around completely and that should count for something! Let her stay and keep working.
ridiculous. let her live her life.
Mary is an amazing person who helped me when i was at my worst. locking her up now makes zero sense when she is doing so much good for the community.
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Mary hit rock bottom and made a decision to leave New Mexico and start a new life. In legal terms it was a terrible mistake -- she hadn't dealt with her legal issues yet and became a fugitive. In personal terms it was what may have saved her life -- away from the ghosts and social circles of New Mexico, she reinvented herself.
Landing in Berkeley, Mary received treatment and support from Berkeley Mental Health system. She worked her way through the programs and supportive housing systems, recovering from addiction and her mental health issues. She found full-time work and was able to enjoy the satisfaction of once again having her own apartment to call home.
Mary chose a profession where she could help others that were struggling, working as an outreach worker and advocate for people with mental health issues in Alameda County. She worked tirelessly: organizing, supporting, and helping others. She became a leader in the Alameda County Pool of Consumer Champions where she volunteered hundreds of hours over three years, and was hired by Alameda County Behavioral Healthcare Services to oversee Consumer Relations where she is greatly admired and highly respected.
But now, that fateful choice to flee New Mexico has come back to haunt her. On February 1st, two US Marshalls entered her work place where they arrested and hand-cuffed her, taking her to Santa Rita Jail where she is currently held without bail while she waits to be extradited to New Mexico.
Mary is in real danger of losing everything she has fought so hard to attain -- her job, her apartment, and her ability to do the things that keep her mentally well. The community is in danger of losing a great leader, supporter, and role model as well.
We know that Mary must be accountable for her past. But we ask the court to consider that this is a loving, loyal, and hard-working woman who is not only fully rehabilitated, but actively making a huge contribution to the community, helping others to break the cycle of mental illness, homelessness and drug addiction as she has done.
Is the purpose of our judicial system punishment or rehabilitation? If the purpose is to rehabilitate people and stop crime, then that purpose is better served by freeing Mary on probation and allowing her to return to her work in Alameda County helping others, not imprisoning her.
Sign this petition if you believe the court should FREE MARY to return to Alameda County!
Updates
February 20, 2012
The reach of this petition has hit a threshold that allows us to move forward with formal advocacy. I have initiated contact with the legal review board to request a meeting regarding Mary's case file. We are preparing a formal brief that incorporates the testimonials gathered here to present during our next scheduled consultation.
6 Comments
THIS IS SO UNFAIR. She is a completely different person now. Leave her alone she has worked so hard to get where she is.
i work with mary and shes a total inspiration to everyone here. dont take her away from the people who need her help.
Eight years is a long time. She has clearly learned her lesson and is a productive member of society now. Waste of taxpayer money to drag her back.
People change. She turned her life around completely and that should count for something! Let her stay and keep working.
ridiculous. let her live her life.
Mary is an amazing person who helped me when i was at my worst. locking her up now makes zero sense when she is doing so much good for the community.
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THIS IS SO UNFAIR. She is a completely different person now. Leave her alone she has worked so hard to get where she is.