Meet Kelly Dibert
I am Kelly Dibert, a 42-year-old felon from Huntingdon, PA. I recently served a sentence of 10 to 20 months, being released early after ten months with five years of probation remaining. Unfortunately, Huntingdon County had no facility to house female inmates, so I found myself in the Blair County Prison.
The charges that landed me in the Blair County Prison (BCP) were centered around five controlled drug buys. While I had managed to run a successful business, my journey was marred by substance abuse disorder. Selling drugs became a means to sustain my addiction.
Something shifted within me while at BCP; I came home as a transformed individual. I immersed myself in every opportunity, seeking to rebuild my life from the ground up. From the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to the guidance of a dedicated case manager in this Farming2Freedom program, I grasped every lifeline that would lead me toward a brighter future. I’ve been determined to return better than ever, and my resilience and determination have shown in all I do.
Some of my love will always be with dogs. I previously started a dog grooming business, Kelzdogs LLC. However, as life often does, it guided me towards a different path. I am immersed in the training to become a certified recovery specialist (CRS), a role that resonates with my newfound passions. I’m taking this training and running with it. I want to help others; I want to help our town.
Five months have passed since my return home, and I have achieved significant milestones. I completed the parenting aftercare program following my release from prison, secured full-time employment, and embarked on becoming a certified recovery specialist. Moreover, I have recently obtained housing, a vital step towards stability and a brighter future.
Throughout this journey, my quote has been, “Just ‘show up’ no matter what.” My ultimate goal is to continue my training as a CRS, remaining actively engaged with the Farming2Freedom (F2F) program that has supported me. Together, these endeavors will pave the way toward a better life for my children and myself.
About Farming2Freedom and How to Get Involved
Farming2Freedom (F2F) is an organization started by Joe and Karen Harford in partnership with other Huntingdon County support agencies and the County Parole Department. This private/public partnership unites executives and program participants through entrepreneurial passion and servant leadership to transform lives, restore families and rebuild communities. F2F is administered by the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization.
The F2F program is self-funded, and the program’s growth is supported in two ways – through donations and volunteering. This includes two types of volunteering. First, as Servant Leaders, where Kick-Start or Transformation Academy graduates can become coaches for future participants. Second, as Life Caddies, where entrepreneurs can support graduates with their ongoing re-entry process. If you’re interested in joining the F2F mission, please get in touch with Joe Harford at jharford@farming2freedom.org for more information on how to donate or volunteer.