November 2025
Dear Friends of NCCAN,
We know this season brings many appeals for your attention and generosity. Still, we ask you to take a moment to read the brief letters below from two NCCAN clients—individuals who never stopped fighting for their freedom and who worked tirelessly to build productive lives even while incarcerated.
Lavone Hill was exonerated after 17 years of wrongful imprisonment. Kushawn Miles, convicted as a juvenile and maintaining his innocence throughout his 32 years of incarceration, was finally granted parole due to his extraordinary record and unwavering commitment to growth.
Lavone Hill: Claudia, your support has been invaluable in my journey.
My current work involves assisting individuals in registering to vote and providing them with information about the voting process. I believe in empowering people to exercise their right to vote and contribute to the democratic process. In addition, I have been collaborating with various home services, occasionally performing home improvement tasks. I have recently worked with a lawn company for a second time. I am considering pursuing a degree and would like to enroll this spring. Life has been fulfilling. Counseling, encouraged by NCCAN and others, has been helpful. Thank you.
Kushawn Miles: During my time in prison, I had to educate and discipline myself to change my thinking and prepare myself for freedom. I obtained over 150 self-help certificates, I attended college, and made the President's list. I was featured in many prison art exhibits.
Since I have been freed, I got a job working for Crossroads of Michigan, I've had two art shows one at the Flint institute of Art and one with the University of Michigan, I've received my driver's and chauffeur's license, I have been doing public speaking. I am in mental health therapy sessions and it's been a struggle and a challenge. I have had a lot of support from family and friends and NCCAN, and the U of Michigan Justice Fund and SADO (State Appellate Defender Office). I am adjusting.
Thanks to you and your support of NCCAN, Lavone and Kushawn are free. To date, thirteen people have been exonerated because of our work, and ten people have been paroled.
Once again, we ask for your support so we can continue bringing people home—restoring them to their families, their communities, and to lives where their strength and experience can uplift others.
Thank you in advance,
Claudia Whitman, Director