Jackie talks. She talks with prisoners. They talk with her. And she speaks with middle school students, judges, church assemblies, high school students, District Attorneys, men’s groups, prison guards, rehabilitation therapists, parole and probation officers, university students, police officers, women’s groups, law students, and residents of halfway houses and group homes.
Her themes are essential: choices, forgiveness, and love.
The Story
On November 4, 1995, Jackie had driven from Madison to Reedsburg to spend a weekend with her friend, John. She was alone in his house when two boys, Craig and Josh, walked in looking for keys to the red Honda parked in the open garage, intending to steal the car. When Jackie appeared and asked what they were doing, the boys were surprised and confused. Without debate, they pulled out their stolen guns and told Jackie to lie down on the living room floor. They then covered her head with a pillow and shot her, point blank, in the back of her head. They drove away in her car and later decided to try to get away with the crime by burning the car and returning to their homes.
Jackie survived. The boys, Craig and Josh, were convicted and sentenced to serve terms in adult prisons.
After enduring a lengthy and ardous recovery, she now devotes her life to restorative justice work, speaking to many diverse groups, including juveniles, inmates, and law enforcement personnel.
Forgiveness
Jackie's message to those to whom she reaches is Forgiveness. Jackie has forgiven Craig and Josh. She corresponds with them, and even visits them in prison.
Choices
Jackie also talks about Choices. Her message is that every choice we make impacts so many others. Jackie's hope is that people will stop and think about their choices before acting, so that we can make better choices, and avoid those that result in tragedy, sorrow, pain, and loss.
Love
And finally, Jackie talks about Love. Craig, one of the boys serving a prison term for the crime, had this to say about love, in a letter to Jackie:
"It is a very strange thing having the person you hurt, almost caused to die, to say they forgive you first of all but to have them say they love you still blows my mind when I think about it because that is 180 degrees from normal in today’s world. At times it is uncomfortable but most of the time it feels good to know Jackie has forgiven me and her love for me has helped me to forgive myself a little for what I did. I react to her love the only way I can, with gratitude."
Awards and Recognition
Jackie's dedication to sharing her experiences has won her the appreciation of many people and organizations. Below is a list of some of the awards and recognition she has received:
- Presidential Commendation (Bill Clinton)
January 26, 1998 - State of Minnesota Department of Corrections
Certificate of Appreciation - Outstanding Contribution During Crime Victims Week - Madison-Area Urban Ministry
Youth Service Award
October 24, 2000 - Columbia Correctional Institute
Certificate of Appreciation - CCI Reaching Out Program
Victim Awareness Initiative
April 28, 1999 - Brain Injury Association
Annual Award (1999)
Individual Achievement - Wisconsin Sheriff's Deputy
Sheriff's Association Presidents Award
Outstanding Courage and Fortitude
January 27, 1998 - Voices Beyond Bars
Certificate of Appreciation
Third Year Restorative Justice Work
February 8, 2005 - Dane County Juvenile Court
George Northrup Award
1998 - Wisconsin State Assembly
Hometown Hero Award
November 4, 1999 - Jefferson Middle School
Very Important Person Award
February 24, 1999 - Templeton Middle School Student Council, Sussex, WI
Certificate of Appreciation
May 1, 2000 - City of Madison, Mayor Sue Baumann
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award Nominee
2000 - Madison Civics Club
Certificate of Recognition
December 6, 2003 - Sennett Middle School
2002-2003 Volunteer - Lincoln Hills School
VIP Facilitator - Victim's Rights
May 16, 2003 - Correctional Education Association of WI
Friends of Correctional Education Award
2004 - Madison-Area Urban Ministry
Certificate of Recognition
Outstanding Restorative Justice Work
2003