Dianna Duran to speak at fundraiser
Former Secretary of State Dianna Duran will be among the guest speakers at a fundraising event for A Peaceful Habitation (APH), a faith-based nonprofit that provides a home and support services for women returning to the outside world after being incarcerated.
Duran was sentenced to 30 days in jail in
2015 after pleading guilty to misusing campaign funds. The terms of her sentence included performing 2,000 hours of community service over five years and speaking to schools and civic groups. She will be speaking about her transition into a new life.
Other speakers include Denise Seavey, author of “In His Hands: Faith Journey Through Cancer,” and O.C. Fero, who served 32 years in prison for murder. He will discuss his experience of reintegrating back into the community.
APH, which started in 2007, is starting a
new program called “Reintegration Essentials,” which, unlike the current system, does not require women to live in-house after leaving a correctional facility. There will be a variety of workshops on topics like employability, trauma healing and financial training.
“We’re hoping to assist additional women, make more referrals and provide more resources so they can make a successful reintegration with their family and community, and help them become productive members of society,” said APH founder Leticia Chavez-Paulette.