Breaking the Cycle of Despair

What an inspiration Mimi Silbert is for not only believing that people can make profound changes in their lives, but for dedicating her life to proving it (“Serving Time,” by J.R. Moehringer, Sept. 17). I visited the Delancey Street Foundation website and became even more impressed with the accomplishments of the more than 14,000 men and women who have successfully graduated from the program and are living independent and productive lives.

Silbert has proven that structure, education, respect, encouragement, accountability and trust can reverse the effects of neglect, abuse, hatred, poverty and deprivation. I am not naive enough to think that everyone can be saved. But rather than build more jails and prisons, let’s build more Delancey centers.

Jan Kepler

San Luis Obispo