Florida Department of Corrections Banner, Secretary Mark S. Inch

 
Advisory
December 5, 2019

Contact: FDC Communications
(850) 488-0420
 


Florida Women’s Prison to Host Therapeutic Dance Program Founder

WHAT:
Media are invited to attend the Dance to Be Free Program (DTBF) at Lowell Correctional Institution. The program is offered to inmates in 13 prisons and eight states across the country. DTBF Founder Lucy Wallace and former inmate, Demetrius Gatson will be present at this upcoming event and will be available for interviews. Ms. Gatson is now an active DTBF volunteer with the Nebraska Department of Corrections. Media representatives will have the opportunity to interview consenting participants.
WHY:
The goal of the Dance to Be Free Program is to “use dance to change the trajectory of women in prison with the goal of helping women heal from depression, anxiety and complex trauma through the body.” FDC is proud to partner with groups such as DTBF which offer meaningful programming to equip inmates with competencies conducive to rehabilitation and successful social reintegration. For more information about the program and examples of prior media coverage, please visit their website at dancetobefree.org.
WHO:
Founder Lucy Wallace and former inmate participant, now DTBF Volunteer, Demetrius Gatson will be in Florida from December 18-20 for the event. Director of FDC’s Office of Programs and Re-entry, Patrick Mahoney, will also be available to speak to media about the program.
WHEN:
Friday, December 20, 2019 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Media should arrive no later than 1:15 p.m. for processing through security and equipment set up. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
WHERE:
Lowell Correctional Institution
11120 NW Gainesville Rd.
Ocala, Florida

Media space will be limited. Please contact the Florida Department of Corrections’ Office of Communications as soon as possible at (850) 488-0420 or PublicAffairs@FDC.MyFlorida.com for more information and to reserve a media slot for this opportunity. Attendees will be required to complete a media background access form.. Media attendees will have an opportunity to interview and film/photograph consenting inmates and program volunteers.

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