Buck’s presentation of A Message from Jessie at the WI Dept. of Corrections leadership conference was inspiring, thought-provoking, and powerful. It received a standing ovation and tremendous positive feedback. One Corrections Program Supervisor said it was the best he’s ever seen in his D.O.C. career. Others recited quotes from the presentation that elevated their personal awareness and self-motivation. The LOVE>hate Project is having a growing positive impact in our WI state prison system with both inmates and leadership.

School counselors be ready. We had girls and young women come up to us afterwards to talk for the first time ever. They were empowered. They were alive with new hope. They understood for the first time that they were not alone, that it was not their fault, and that it was time to heal. There were tears. There was Truth. I saw victims who had lost faith in humanity transforming into survivors with new strength and purpose.

I have been astounded by the impact of her legacy and the LOVE>hate Project on this community. This effort to shine Light in the darkness, to raise awareness, to shift cultural norms, and ultimately to END physical violence, coupled with the most stunning demonstration of Forgiveness and Love that I have personally ever seen, is clearly an idea whose time has come. Our children, and ALL of us, need this message.

“Students were transfixed. During that hour, each [was] deeply moved to leave behind the distractions of texting and social media, to think beyond their own context, their own little world. They considered the plight of others, experienced radical empathy, and were inspired to become the start of a movement of lasting change.”

I watched a room filled with leaders hang on every word. Not one person was looking at a cell phone, or looking out the window, or daydreaming. Everyone was engaged listening to this powerful story. They asked questions. They stayed after to talk to Buck. A Message from Jessie is for any organization looking to inspire leaders or help people grow.

The room felt alive, emotional, and there was a collective sense of vulnerability … a shift in the way our students think about violence against women … many of them opened up about their stories … to voice their experiences for the first time. Students continue to mention Buck’s presentation … the impact he had, and their confidence in discussing a topic that can often be difficult … many mentioned feeling empowered to change the way they respond to violence and hopeful for a future where women DON’T experience sexual assault/abusive relationships. The idea that we can truly forgive anyone was new for many students, and they were inspired … to see love in a horrible situation. This message is for everyone.

Eloquent, engaging, sensitive, authentic, and powerful.

L>h has had a truly significant impact here at the Emergency Lodge. It is so important for people here to understand that others have experienced brokenness and found the courage to step forward and share those raw and dark emotions, [to see] there is hope. Profound. I believe [this has] the power to transform lives. Thank you for bringing your messages here. We so need to experience the power of LOVE being greater than hate.

As I write this, I am overwhelmed with emotions. I am a special education teacher in the West Bend School District and our juvenile detention facility. Today the students and staff at the detention center were fortunate to hear a profound presentation from The LOVE>hate Project. We are still processing the astounding experience. A student even asked me how he could schedule this at another juvenile detention center and his school. As a teacher and parent, it is critical that everyone hear this message.”

FANTASTIC job once again. Your ability to reach and connect with our offender population has been amazing to me. I couldn’t be prouder of the inmates and how they show their respect back to you and engage in meaningful conversations.

Last night was amazing. I believe under God’s guidance the evening was perfect. Your words helped so many ladies open their hearts for the first time. Last night one of the women was able to share her story for the very first time—she is now empowered to protect her beautiful daughter from the very same person that raped her. This morning another woman came to see me seeking Christ—she said when she saw how God had not abandoned you she knew there was still hope for her. Many women shared their stories and their hearts—they found support and courage from your words. I believe God wants you to know how pleased He is. He was delighted last night to see darkness pushed back and light begin to shine in secret places.

“Life changing” … “Extraordinary” … “Changed the way I look at life and the world” … “I thought Restorative Justice was just another empty slogan, until I heard the LOVE>hate presentation.”