March 2021

Dale White uses his testimony to guide others

Dale White, the re-entry program manager of Mercy House at Good News Outreach, continues to be a catalyst for positive change in the community. Through his work at GNO and his personal testimony, White makes it his duty to help others escape the horrid fate of 

re-incarceration and drug and alcohol abuse.

   The need far exceeds to help available. Mercy House, Good News Outreach’s response to the need to help men make the transition from prison to society, has only 11 beds. The state’s prison system, however released 30,030 prisoners between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019, according to the Department of Correction’s annual report.  White’s been building his expertises to help those he can since his childhood.

   Growing up, White said that he was raised in a good Christian home. He and his family went to church every Sunday. The family owned a large farm that shipped out 70 million pounds of tomatoes a year from South Florida. He described his parents as good people, who didn’t drink, do drugs or fight. His favorite memories from his childhood are of  his family gatherings during the holidays and going camping and fishing on his dad’s cattle ranch. 

   At 14, White said his entire world turned upside down. His parents divorced and remarried to people that he did not get along with. White’s life began spiraling out of control, to cope with the pain. He started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. As a result of his abrupt behavior, he was sent to military school in 11th grade. While he was away, his stepdad began molesting his sister. By the age of 18, White was arrested twice on DUI charges, totaled two cars, was arrested for possession of weed with intent to distribute and his best friend hung himself. 

   White attended numerous treatment centers before he discovered Celebrate Recovery in Tallahassee and found what he was longing for, a relationship with God. He said that the people at Celebrate Recovery loved him back to health. He had finally found hope. 

   White could have continued to fall victim to his circumstances but through God he found solace. He set his focus on what was important. 

   “Today, it’s not about Dale anymore. It’s about what I can do to serve God today,” he said.

   For almost 10 years, White has dedicated his life to helping men coming out of prison to navigate through their struggles. 

   “The biggest asset I have in my life today is the time I spent in prison! It gives my work credibility,” White said. “I have walked in the shoes of the formerly incarcerated and understand their challenges and struggles, their hurts and habits, their survival modes and their brokenness because I am one of them.”. 

   As of today, White has been clean for over nine years. He continues to be a positive light in the lives of formerly incarcerated men, helping them avoid the fate that he, with God’s help, escaped himself.

Listen to Dale White talk about his tumultuous life at:

https://fiorecommunications.com/2021/03/01/episode-22-dale-white/

(Photos courtesy Crowson Photography)

GNO playing a role in prisoner reentry symposium

Dale White

Director, Mercy House

Mercy House Director Dale White and GNO intern Olivia Hitchcock are participating in a free, online discussion April 10 about helping people reenter society after prison. White is a nationally recognized reentry expert and founder and CEO of Reentry Solutions Network. He will be one of seven panelists discussing how communities can help. Hitchcock covered crime for four years as a newspaper reporter and now works as a research technician for the Institute for Justice Research and Development. She is helping White review the programs at Mercy House. To register for the 10 a.m. symposium, use the "Register for the Event" button.

Olivia Hitchcock

GNO Intern

Former journalist sees a good story to tell others

  Christ’s words and a Nigerian saying inspired me to become a Good News Outreach volunteer. 

   I’m Laura Ruane, newspaper journalist for more than 35 years. 

   I retired in early 2019 and moved to Tallahassee from the Fort Myers area with husband, Don Ruane, to live closer to several family members.

   We learned of GNO and its ministries first through a food drive at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, where we are parishioners.

   When Executive Director Donald Parks asked us to form GNO’s communications team, it felt like a good fit. 

   A journalist is called to community service through sharing information that potentially can motivate responsible decisions and actions. 

   I report on GNO ministries, and also help recruit interns through the journalism and PR programs at area colleges and universities.

   I’m impressed by the diversity and depth of GNO’s ministries, which touch people of all ages and from many backgrounds. I want greater Tallahassee to know about GNO. I’m excited about the opportunities to expand services and to invite young and old to support GNO by sharing their time, talent and treasure.

   My father died while I was still in my early teens. Neighbors and my church helped keep me on a good path.

   I try to do the same through my writing and mentoring of young journalists. 

   I take seriously these words:

   “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required.” — Luke 12:48

   And:

   “It takes a village to raise a child.” — Igbo proverb

   Please ask yourself: How is God calling me to share my resources with Good News Outreach?

“Sometimes you get lucky!” a grateful Isaac Brooks said as he received a microwave oven that will make it easier for him to prepare meals. He, Stephen Cordle and Casandra Lane and her daughter and nine other seniors living in one of the lowest-income areas of Tallahassee are receiving the ovens thanks to a grant awarded, Good News Outreach by the Florida Blue Foundation.

Growing intern program provides growth in community assistance