Sacramento – Earlier today, Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes attended the Board of Parole hearings in Sacramento to support and testify on the pardon application of Kimberly Carter. Carter, a constituent of the 47th District, turned her life completely around after being formerly incarcerated, and not only went on to earn an accounting degree, but became a community advocate and beacon of hope for women and children in her community. A few hours after the hearing, the Parole Board made its recommendation to Governor Brown to pardon Kim Carter.
“Kim Carter is a shining example that it is possible to break the cycle of incarceration. Kim’s story is validation that change is possible, that the cycle doesn’t have to continue. That in spite of the statistics the chain can be broken. But Kim’s story is also one of hope –not only for her and the women she helps, but for the children who live and witness a different life than the one they were destined to live. Their story will be different because Kim Carter dedicated her life to make that happen.” said Assemblymember Reyes in testimony during the parole hearing.
In 2002, Carter left the corporate world in order to start the Time or Change Foundation. Its mission is to help women and children transition from homelessness and recidivism to self-sufficiency. To date, the foundation has helped over 1000 women in and around San Bernardino to make the transition and empower themselves by taking control of their lives and has a 97% success rate for women in the program.
The recommendation for a pardon comes after 24 years of a changed life dedicated to public service, civic engagement and community empowerment.
Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.
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Contact: Galen Dobbins, galen.dobbins@asm.ca.gov, (916) 319-2047