ABOUT US

Lee Chapelle learned his lessons in life the hard way. As a wayward youth, he first found himself behind bars at the age of sixteen. Much of his young adult life was spent incarcerated. In addition to numerous Provincial detention centers, he has firsthand experience with the following penitentiaries:

• Archambault – Maximum Security
• Millhaven Population (J Unit) – Maximum Security
• Millhaven Reception (MAU) – Maximum Security
• Kingston Penitentiary (KPTD) – Maximum Security
• Collins Bay – Medium Security
• Joyceville – Medium Security
• Fenbrook – Medium Security
• Bath – Medium Security
• Frontenac – Minimum Security
• Beaver Creek – Minimum Security
• Pittsburgh – Minimum Security

Struggling to find meaning after receiving an extended sentence, Lee started advocacy work for inmates from within the system, and served numerous years in the various roles of Inmate Committee Chairman (elected position), Unit Representative (elected position), Peer Counselor and Grievance Coordinator.

Lee discovered that he had a skill for conflict resolution, and was frequently called upon by both inmates and staff to negotiate peaceful resolutions to tricky situations. He possesses a unique skill set that allowed him to work within the system, while at the same time maintaining the respect of his peers.

Throughout his years of advocacy work, Lee has had extensive dealings with prison administrators and staff alike. He is a relentless lobbyist for inmate/human rights, and understands the intricacies of the system in ways that allow him to advocate efficiently and effectively.

Lee has supported hundreds of federal inmates navigate their way successfully through the system, providing assistance with rights information and protection, parole applications and parole hearing preparation. Even/especially prior to entering the system, there are many things people can do to ease the transition to incarceration.

Lee brings a compassionate, mindful approach to his work. His reflective and empowering style of communication fosters a sense of trust and security, allowing people working with him to gain the information and inner resources necessary to do their time effectively.

Lee works actively with clients to promote addressing the issues that led to their charges and/or incarceration so that they are not simply “doing time” but rather using their time productively to address the issues that led to their incarceration. This approach lays the foundation to early release, and just as importantly, to staying out.

LIFE AFTER LIFE IN JAIL

Following release from prison and successful completion of his sentence, Lee was drawn to service in the area he was most familiar with: assisting those facing, or serving, jail time, and their families. Realizing that over the years, he had gained specialized knowledge and expertise, that if put to good use, would allow others the chance to avoid many of the challenges and pit falls he himself faced earlier in life.

Lee now dedicates his life experience to helping others and towards the active pursuit of Canadian crime prevention initiatives and prison reform. The following is a listing of Lee’s dedicated actions towards these pursuits since the completion of his prison sentence in 2009.

CRIME PREVENTION

Lee works actively with young people through mentoring programs and crime prevention/anti-bullying motivational speaking engagements. He endeavors to remove any sense of glamour or coolness attached to perceptions of the criminal world, or ‘thug culture’. The message is simple; true strength and true toughness comes from overcoming adversities, staying the course and ‘walking in the light’. Reinforcing the significance and empowerment derived from doing the right thing, ‘especially when everyone is watching’.

UNIVERSITY LECTURER

2014 marks Lee’s sixth consecutive year as a guest lecturer in Criminology classrooms at the University of Ottawa. He has also had speaking engagements at Carlton University, Algonquin College and Sir Sandford Fleming College.

AUTHOR

Lee published his first book on Canadian Corrections and the justice system in the spring of 2014:

One Man’s Journey: Inside & Out: An Insider View of Canadian Justice Policies & Corrections