. @MiddletownPress Features Robin Cullen’s service with Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Updated, w/ video at bottom of this post

Jailed 8 years for drunken driving, Middlefield woman earns MADD’s top honors

By Kathleen Schassler, The Middletown Press
Wednesday, December 30, 2015

MIDDLEFIELD >> Nearly 20 years ago, Robin Cullen drunkenly crashed her car in a fatal accident that claimed the life of her girlfriend and passenger.

Since that fateful day, a lot — both good and bad — has happened to Cullen. She served an eight-year prison sentence, began working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, become a trauma counselor, and built a small contracting business as painter.

Cullen says it’s remarkable she received top honors from MADD for her dedicated work at the nonprofit’s Community Champions recognition ceremony in November.

“Coming from my circumstances, and especially at the time of the crash, I would never have imagined it would have turned out this way,” said Cullen Wednesday.

“We congratulate her heartily,” said a post on the Judy Dworin Performance Project website, where Cullen serves on the advisory board. “We can’t think of a person more deserving of this recognition.” MADD honored Cullen for her high-profile contributions, both as a volunteer and a 10-year employee, and presented her with the Hilda Davis Achievement Award, named after the founding member of the first MADD chapter in the state.

Complete article

Wally Lamb Facebook post: A richly deserved honor for my once-upon-a-time York Prison student, Robin Cullen, who has done such exemplary work on behalf of MADD, incarcerated women, and women reentering society. Robin's is a Happy New Year story of redemption, hope, and mercy. Great article, Robin. Congrats!

Cool Justice Editor's Note: Cullen was a featured panelist at a Hartford Public Library forum on life after prison in November 2015

Complete coverge, library forum

On demand via YouTube — panelist Robin Cullen at Hartford Public Library forum:

Ready for Freedom? Life After Prison in Connecticut

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