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Lift us up

We are death row survivors.
we need your partnership.

Exonerees make up TWO-THIRDS of the Witness to Innocence staff.

We are playing leadership roles in the justice reform movement.

We are asking YOU to partner with us - lift up our leadership - help fund our work.

Our Story

Witness to Innocence was founded by death row exonerees over 20 years ago. From the start, we centered the voice and leadership of those most impacted by wrongful convictions.
Our founding by-laws established that the board must be one-third
 exonerees and include 2 exoneree family members. The board chair has always been an exoneree. 

We've worked hard to increase the number exonerees on our staff.
Today, two-thirds of our staff are death row survivors, including our Executive Director.

To ensure the sustainability of staff positions and the continuity of our work,

we need your support.

our jobs are a lifeline

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I am excited to increase
to a full-time position.

I've faced financial struggles since my exoneration, but I try to never let it stop me from participating in the advocacy work of fighting systemic injustices. I believe it is a calling God has given me and I just try to hold on to the faith that where there's a will, there's a way. 

Communications Assistant

Sabrina Butler Smith

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Witness to Innocence has been my family for over twenty years.
I've traveled the world with these brothers and sisters. Now I have a staff position where it's actually my job to support them, and support their fight against the criminal injustice system.

It is something I'm truly grateful for.

Peer Organizer

Shujaa Graham

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I was on death row for 20 years and came within minutes of being executed.
I know the trauma of being innocent on death row. I can't think of a better job than to be a listening ear and support for people who lived that same nightmare. Without Witness to Innocence, a job like this would not exist. 

Peer Specialist

Derrick Jamison

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I worry about making sure exonerees have the basic financial security they need. 
Life after exoneration is not easy. How is someone supposed to give their heart and soul to changing the system when they don't know where their next meal is coming from? Our exoneree staff positions are an essential way to support the wellbeing, and the leadership, of exonerated death row survivors.

Executive Director

Herman Lindsey

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This job has helped me build my resume and start a business. 
After 22 years on death row, I thought my career prospects were hopeless. My job at Witness to Innocence has helped me build accounting skills and experience. I'm starting my own bookkeeping business and I'm feeling optimistic about the future. 

Office Assistant

Debra Milke

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My job is to check in on my fellow exonerees and help them access what they need.

Being innocent on death row is an isolating experience. And isolation is also something older people struggle with. Even if we can't see each other all the time, a simple phone call, a few jokes, and the knowledge that support is there if needed can make all the difference in the world. 

Older Adult Peer Specialist

Randal Padgett

Will you partner with us?

Will you lift up our leadership?

Will you help sustain exoneree staff positions?

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