From Prison Bars to Messages of Hope

Heroes of the Phoenix Rising by Vision One World

A Daughter’s First Heartbreak

“I was only in my thirties. Being the oldest in my family, I had to be the one to tell the doctors to take my mother off life support.”

That moment was Carolyn LeCroy’s first life-altering decision. A stable career in Norfolk media and a happy home with her husband George and two sons made life feel secure—until everything changed.

When Life Unravels

George lost his job. Financial and emotional strain fractured their marriage. Carolyn left her media job for better pay managing a restaurant. Slowly, life began to look up.

The Charm That Turned Into Chains

A charming restaurant customer—we’ll call him Steve—entered her life. He showered attention on her and her sons, spoiling them with gifts and outings. It felt like a second chance at love. But behind the charm was control.

Steve subtly urged her to quit work, deposited money into her account, and created emotional dependency. She didn’t realize it was abuse—because it wasn’t physical.

A Truth Revealed in Mexico

Carolyn believed Steve’s wealth came from business—until a trip to Mexico exposed the truth: Steve was a drug dealer. She ended the relationship immediately.

The Illusion of Closure

A year later, Steve called. Carolyn agreed to meet him for closure. They parted peacefully. He asked to store luggage in her storage unit before leaving town. She agreed.

The Arrest That Changed Everything

Shortly after, Carolyn was arrested. Drugs were found in the storage unit. Steve had framed her.Charged with possession and conspiracy, she faced a $250,000 bond and a life sentence.“I was numb… like I was having an outer body experience.”

From Mother to Inmate

With no prior criminal record—not even a parking ticket—Carolyn entered a world she never imagined: prison.

Her ex-husband George reappeared, selling their condo to post her bond. But Carolyn was transferred without notice, cut off from her family. Her only thoughts were of her sons.

The Pain of Motherhood Behind Bars

Visitation was a painful joy. Humiliating strip searches were the price she paid to see her children. “Anything was worth being with my boys.” Her older son was angry, the younger one, more forgiving. But both still said they loved her.

Letting Go Again

She later asked her sons to visit less often. “They were young boys now and had their own lives.”She missed graduations. Birthdays. Christmases. And all she wanted was to tell them she loved them.

A Second Miracle

Then came the impossible: “Carolyn, you’ve made it. You can go back home.”After just 14 months, she was paroled.“I didn’t think I’d ever hear those words.”

Finding Purpose in the Pain

Freedom came with purpose. She had seen too many mothers never speak to or see their children. Many families were broken not by guilt, but by circumstance.

So Carolyn founded The Messages Project in 1999—to give incarcerated parents a way to reach their children through recorded videos.

A Mission Begins

Starting with 60 mothers in one prison, the program expanded to 14 facilities—and then to fathers. Despite resistance, Carolyn pushed through.“I put in my own money. I did whatever was required.”Eventually, even the most reluctant officials gave their support.

Over 10,000 Messages of Hope

To date, Carolyn and her team have recorded over 10,000 videos.Mothers and fathers read books, sing songs, write poems, and send love to their children. Interpreters help for the hearing impaired. Some parents—such as those with court restrictions—are excluded, but most finally have a voice.

Letters of Gratitude, One by One

Carolyn has received over 1,200 emails thanking her—and she replies to every single one.“If someone takes the time to say thank you to me, then I take the time to thank them back.”