• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison

Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison

Changing Lives, One Degree At A Time.

  • Home
  • Who We Are
  • What We Do
  • Impact
  • Donate

A Note From Executive Assistant Deb Soule

November 22, 2021 by Admin 2 Comments

My journey with Hudson Link began when I met Sean Pica at Taconic Correctional Facility. Sean was the first of many Hudson Link staff members who came in to work with us. Everyone was so genuine and helpful, it was immediately clear to all the students that Hudson Link was so much more than a college program. Their efforts brought to mind the courageous women who fought to reinstate college in Bedford Hills Correctional Facility after federal and state governments rescinded financial aid. It was clear that Hudson Link is built on the belief that every person, incarcerated or not, is valuable, and that education has the power to change lives.
During my 26 years inside, I was fortunate enough to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Marymount Manhattan College thanks to the women at Bedford. Engaging in college courses while in prison thoroughly transformed me. As my classes progressed, I matured, grew confident, and felt my self-esteem flourish. I then went on to and work for the college program for many years while incarcerated.
What I love about Hudson Link is that I see that same belief that every person is valuable in every eye of the entire staff. Since becoming a Hudson Link clerk at Taconic, I have known that we support our students universally, while they are incarcerated and once they are released, with sincere intentions and positive encouragement. Hudson Link truly is a team – a family that works together with a common belief and goal.
In September, I was so excited to begin my role as Hudson Link’s new Executive Assistant at such a crucial time in this organization’s growth. We have accomplished unprecedented things in service of our students throughout the pandemic, and I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that has given me so much. I see my role at Hudson Link as an extension of the work I began so long ago in Bedford Hills under the tutelage of those courageous women. It is something that I cherish and want to see flourish and grow for the sake of the people still inside who deserve the same chance to achieve their college dreams as I did.
I know firsthand that 26 years is a long time. But these educational opportunities mean a second chance no matter how long you’ve been away. I encourage you to continue believing in and giving to the work that Hudson Link does for our students. As I’ve experienced, once a person feels empowered, they begin to believe in themselves. Then anything is possible. With your generous support, our students will continue to thrive, and Hudson Link will make 2022 our best year ever!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. William Cheeks says

    December 8, 2021 at 9:47 pm

    Deborah, I really enjoyed your message. I hope that Hudson Link will expand to other women’s prisons in New York State such as Albion and Bedford Hills. I hope that more women in prison will take advantage of the educational opportunities that Hudson Link has to offer. Deborah, I wish you and everyone at Hudson Link Continued success in 2022 and beyond. Thank you for everything that you have done, and will continue to do.

    Reply
    • Sara Alpert says

      December 21, 2021 at 11:18 am

      Hi William,

      Thank you so much for your kind words about Hudson Link and for Deb! We appreciate your unwavering support of the organization and thank you for all you’ve done for our students and alumni.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search this Website

Recent Posts

Kiki Dunston Promoted to Inaugural Community Engagement Manager

Furnishings Provides Real Second Chance

#CleanSlateCan’tWait: Advocacy and Statewide Action

Give Connections this Giving Tuesday

What We’re Thankful For

Life Didn’t End with a 25-year Sentence

Once More to Albany!

Updates from New Beginnings: Hudson Link’s Transitional Housing Program

2nd Annual Faculty Retreat Was a Blast!

Steps Forward for New Beginnings

President Biden Sits With HL Alumnus To Discuss College In Prison

Western NY Alumni, Thank You!

Rise Up 2022: Honoring Our Past While Shaping the Future

Thinking Back & Looking Forward: Part I & II

Ringing the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange

Celebrating Graduates at Greene Correctional Facility

Celebrating Our Largest Group of Taconic Graduates

Jesse Williams Gives Keynote Address at Sing Sing Graduation

Mo’s Place Opens Its Doors

Thank You To EVERYONE Who Made Our Gala Special

Footer

Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison

(914) 941-0794 | info@hudsonlink.org
  • News
  • Videos
  • Policies & Financials
  • Job Postings
  • Newsletter
  • Donate
  • Contact Us


Sign In

Copyright © 2023 Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison

For this year’s Giving Tuesday, Give Connection! We are asking our community to help us provide our released alumni with essential technology for navigating our 21st Century world, as well as other basic necessities like underwear, cozy sweats, and socks.

Supporting the Giving Connections campaign is as simple as shopping on Amazon: visit the Giving Connection wishlist, select the items you wish to purchase for Hudson Link alumni, and make sure to choose Hudson Link’s office as the shipping destination at checkout. Please make sure to include a gift note so we know who each donation is coming from.

Thank you for all you do for Hudson Link alumni, this Giving Tuesday and all year round. We could not do this work without you!

Volunteer With Hudson Link for Higher Education

  • Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 65 MB.