A Second Chance for Lady Lifer Ms. Dannielle
In 2014, Dannielle Hadley participated in a historic TEDx performance of “This Is Not My Home” by The Lady Lifers. Eleven years later, she’s scheduled for a public hearing May 9th, 2025 for Commutation. She needs our support as she goes through the process. She dropped us a line so we can learn more about her & how she’s spent the last 38 years.
Edited by BL Shirelle
Please tune in to Dannielle’s public hearing for commutation on May 9th, 2025, 1 p.m. at the following link: https://pacast.com/live/bophearing
Dannielle Hadley and her mother.
Hello, my name is Dannielle Hadley. I am 61 years old, and I have been incarcerated since 1987. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; my childhood was loving. I grew up in a house with my mother, my grandmother, my great grandmother, my mother’s oldest brother (who was also my godfather) and my uncle. My father was not in the picture since I was 7 years old, due to addictions in which my mother was forced to separate from him. I am the oldest by one year of my mother’s two children. I also have an older half brother who is my father’s son. My younger brother and I never wanted for anything. My mom took us on summer vacations all the years I could remember; we even went to Disney World. My mom ran a printing press for a printing company, my grandmother was a seamstress and my uncle was an administrator for homes of abused children.
Dannielle Hadley & family.
I have two sons, ages 43 and 41 and a stepson (35), six granddaughters, three grandsons and I am soon to be a great grandmother. When I left home my children were 6 and 3 years old. Through the grace of God I have a mother who brought my children to see me every weekend for 12 years so we could have a relationship and when they had their children they brought them to me as well. I am truly blessed in that area in my life.
Before my crime happened – I had never been in any type of trouble. My path to drugs started at the end of my marriage and the abusive relationships I found myself in. I used drugs first to fit in, then as an escape. At present I am handi-capable. I have had 4 back surgeries – the last one was May 17, 2024. I am mobile but I need the assistance of a wheelchair and walker. I still work outside of the unit at the chapel. I mostly do paperwork when I am not at work. I read, do puzzles or play cards. Prior to my handi-capable status, I tutored business classes and worked maintenance in the library and kitchen store room. I am also a CPS (Certified Peer Specialist). I recently completed the Impact of Crime and Living Safely for Women programs. As for my other accomplishments over the years, see Women's Resume Project.
Dannielle Hadley introduces the song and sings in choir.
For fun I played volleyball, softball, shuffleboard, did aerobics and pilates, line dancing, talent shows… if it was happening – I was there. Which is how I ended up being a Lady Lifer. I knew back then 11 years ago it was huge, because Muncy NEVER allowed the public to see us in that way before. The dedication my sisters put into it was amazing. I do believe it was the catalyst of the support women inmates now receive. It blows my mind how new people see it all the time and their response is the same as when we first sang the song.
[FREER artist] Ms. Naomi’s recent passing feels like an end to an era; we’re losing so many of our Lady Lifers. Ms. Naomi helped raise me and showed me how to navigate this life sentence with my sanity intact, how to remain compassionate and caring of others. I sang in the church choir in the 90s and her door was always open to me. Before she left we were next door neighbors. Her last words to me were "continue to fight, never give up trust, and believe in our father's will." This application for commutation I am being interviewed for now, she proofread for me. I have always had time to listen and I learned to lead by example for the younger women who have come through here. This is because of what Ms. Naomi did for me and how that guidance made me feel.
Dannielle Hadley & her partner Sincere.
I worked for 5 years as a facilitator for a program for women with mental health issues and because that was so fulfilling to me, I got my certification for a CPS — and even though I am not working as a CPS at the moment, I still mentor anyone who chooses to confide in me. I donate to all the different fundraisers, I have volunteered for hospice and crocheted hats, scarves and blankets for women shelters.
Most people believe if you have a life sentence then you must have killed someone. People believe we are mean and hateful people who cannot be rehabilitated. Another misconception is that LIFE is only 20 years. Though I have been incarcerated for close to 40 years, I can’t help but dream about freedom from prison. I would never take it for granted. I want to help where I can to support those who need it and show that my incarceration made me into a better person than I probably would have been without it. My main desire in achieving freedom is loving on my mother. who is very ill. I would like the opportunity to give her some of what she has given me every single moment of my life. I want to spoil my grandchildren and finally be wholly present for my sons.
Thank you Mo (BL), for your investment in us women who are still here. Like you, if given the opportunity, I want to reach back as well. I would also like to see lifers able to see the parole board. Society needs to realize that this does not mean "all lifers" will get out, it just means that instead of housing human beings – the word “corrections” will actually be put into practice.
PUBLIC HEARING LINK: https://pacast.com/live/bophearing MAY 9th, 2025 @ 1p.m.
Dannielle Hadley
April 2025