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Post by pakman on Mar 15, 2018 15:33:07 GMT -5
Interesting update to Dirk Van Velzen, AMW Capture #579. Apparently he has started a non-profit to help prisoners get through college. The article is unfortunately behind a paywall, so I can't access it, but it's an interesting update to an old AMW case. www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2018/03/08/patti-payne-once-americas-most-wanted-this-man.htmlVan Velzen was captured back in August 1999. He was the leader of a burglary crew whose victims included the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department. I always enjoy seeing these fugitives who turn their lives around for the better.  |
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dirk
Detective
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Post by dirk on Jan 15, 2019 15:08:31 GMT -5
Interesting update to Dirk Van Velzen, AMW Capture #579. Apparently he has started a non-profit to help prisoners get through college. The article is unfortunately behind a paywall, so I can't access it, but it's an interesting update to an old AMW case. www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2018/03/08/patti-payne-once-americas-most-wanted-this-man.htmlVan Velzen was captured back in August 1999. He was the leader of a burglary crew whose victims included the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department. I always enjoy seeing these fugitives who turn their lives around for the better. Just ran into this... and thanks for the kind words. Here's two articles, the recent Puget Sound Business Journal article and my old AMW write-up: 1. PSBJ PSF_VanVelzen.pdf (215.47 KB) 2. AMW-compressed.pdf (294.72 KB) And two vids about what I've been up to that was made in partnership with John Legend's " Unlocked futures" accelerator program, along with a link to the Prison Scholar Fund. Education is a great vehicle to reinvent yourself, and we are opening that opportunity to others. |
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Post by Scumhunter on Jan 15, 2019 15:32:48 GMT -5
Hello Mr. Van Velzen,
As the admin of this forum, just wanted to say welcome.
Of the AMW fugitives caught over the years, it seems very few sadly have turned their lives around (of the ones who had the opportunity), so I congratulate you for overcoming the long-odds!
Of course, while I do believe in personal responsibility, sometimes the way society is set-up and the resources available also don't help matters and don't make it easy for those who honestly want to turn their lives around, so what you are doing is amazing.
Also, there has been a lot of talk about prison reform lately and even bipartisan legislation on prison reform passing last year which is very encouraging.
Keep up the good work!
-Scumhunter (admin- amwfans.com)
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dirk
Detective
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Post by dirk on Jun 29, 2019 22:34:04 GMT -5
Hello Admin!
Thought I'd revisit your page after my return from D.C., speaking of criminal justice reform. Saw and appreciate your comment.
Take a peek at our Twitter page (@prisonscholars) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/prisonscholars/) and check out our briefing Congress on reinstating the Pell grant ~ see posts June 27, 28, etc. Politics is a tough game but we remain optimistic that we can open access to education for all prisoners.
Thank youi
Dirk
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