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About Us

Built by caregivers who have walked this road.

Our Lessons Learned began with the hardest moments of our own lives — and a promise that no family facing the incarceration of a loved one should have to find their way alone.

About Our Lessons Learned

Our Lessons Learned (OLL) is a creative 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2021 and headquartered in Orlando, Florida. OLL is making history as a uniquely new nonprofit. We connect together with caregivers of the incarcerated to empower and inspire along their journey.

We wouldn't be who we are today without the incarceration of our sons and our lessons learned throughout our painstaking ordeal. We realized there is no better way to help others than through our lessons learned.

2021
Founded in Orlando, FL
501(c)(3)
Nonprofit organization
Caregivers
Of the incarcerated, served
The Our Lessons Learned team and volunteers gathered together at a community walk in Orlando, behind an OurLessonsLearned.org banner
Our Lessons Learned team and volunteers at a community event in Orlando.

Our Mission

OLL's mission is to provide support for caregivers whose loved ones have been incarcerated by assisting them with information, guidance, emotional and mental health, and referral services.

Meet Our Founders

Two mothers. The same late-night call. Neither of them had anyone to show them the way — so they built something that would.

Portrait of Lynne Kelly, Co-Founder of Our Lessons Learned

Co-Founder

Lynne's Story

My youngest of three boys was away at college and commencing his dreams to play football and earn his college degree. Imagine getting a call from the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) late Friday evening. Your child is on the other end, "Momma, please come and get me — I have been arrested." My mind became flooded with a sense of fear and panic! My world came crashing down!

I did not have a clue about what to do next. With my phone ringing non-stop with people wanting to know if this was my son and if the accusations were true, all I knew was that I had to help my son.

By faith, we are here to help you. Read Lynne's full story

Co-Founder

Lee's Story

While out shopping, I received a bizarre telephone call from a neighbor. "Don't come home," the voice on the other end shouted, "the apartment building has been shut down, and no one can enter or leave." Unfazed, I continued to shop until two phone calls later when I found out the police were looking for my son. I was told that he was a potential suspect. In what… I didn't know. For the first time in my life, I felt utterly helpless! I thought to myself, this has to be a mistake.

Frantically, I tried to call my son, but he didn't respond. I raced to the precinct, thinking I'd surely get some answers. I thought, "calm down — you know him better than anyone else, and none of this is making any sense."

By faith, we are here to help you. Read Lee's full story
Portrait of Lee Booker, Co-Founder of Our Lessons Learned

Our Board of Directors

The people who set the direction and hold OLL accountable to the families it serves.

Portrait of John A. Brown

John A. Brown

Board of Directors
Portrait of Wanda Easley Perkins

Wanda Easley Perkins

Board of Directors
Portrait of Gary Moses

Gary Moses

Board of Directors
Portrait of Shawn Kinsey Jr.

Shawn Kinsey Jr.

Board of Directors
Portrait of Ixchelle Hicks

Ixchelle Hicks

Board of Directors
Portrait of Francina Brooks

Francina Brooks

Board of Directors

Advisory Council

People who know this road and bring that experience to how we work.

  • Randy M. Moore Jr.
  • Cheryl Tuck
  • Frank Tuck
  • Lela Brown
  • James C. Kelly Jr.
  • Eric Truvillion
  • Gale C. Garner
  • Lawrence Newell

Community Resource Advisors

Individuals who help us reach families in the community and point them to the right support.

  • Kevin BullardCommunity Resource Liaison
  • Kenneth ChristmonSpiritual Advisor
  • MCA Group Inc.Brand Advisor

You don't have to walk this road alone.

Whether your family is in crisis right now or you want to help another family through theirs, there's a place for you here.

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