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 Blog Post

QBC Hosts Impact of Crime Speakers

September 10, 2019 12:00 AM
By: Melissa Billotte

PA Coat of Arms

On Aug. 20, Erica Hargenrader addressed a group of 140 male and female Boot Camp and State Intermediate Punishment inmates about her domestic violence ordeal. She began by telling a bit about her family life at age 16 and how there was a lot of love and innocence. As her tale progressed, she gave a detailed description of the horrible things she endured at the hand of a boyfriend.

Erica Hargenrader speaks to inmates

Some of the key points she made were:

  • anger is not a bad emotion; how we deal with it is the deciding factor
  • there is not enough room in your heart to love and hate at the same time
  • when you hurt someone who has hurt you, you just sink to their level – rise above
  • hate is destructive
  • be better tomorrow than you were today

Hargenrader really touched both inmates and staff with her story. We thank her for sharing.


On Aug. 21, Deborah Borza, mother of the youngest Flight 93 victim, spoke to a group of 112 male and female Boot Camp and State Intermediate Punishment inmates on the impact of a crime.

Borza discussed how 9/11 impacted her, her family and everyone in the audience. She was able to convey that even though you may not think you impact anyone by your actions, there is a ripple effect that touches more people than you know.

Deborah Borza speaks to inmates

By Borza sharing her experiences and feelings, she touched many in the audience. She left the group with a few key thoughts: there is hope in your future; don't let what you've done influence who you are; and the importance of forgiveness and leaving a positive legacy.

The QBC staff and inmates appreciated Borza visiting the facility and impacting everyone present in a positive way.


On Aug. 30, Marsha Barth, a speaker and an author, addressed a group of 106 male and female Boot Camp and State Intermediate Punishment inmates about childhood sexual abuse.

Barth described the heinous acts forced upon her by her father when she was a small child and the long-lasting impact it made on her life. She talked about when you are hurt, abused, neglected, bullied and how that shatters us. It shatters hope, dreams, heart, love, trust, purity, innocence and identity and we don't know how to get it back. Her life was shattered by her experiences, but she found her identity in God because He can fix shattered. She encouraged anyone suffering to break the cycle by healing. As you turn back to deal with issues, you go back as a victor instead of a victim.

Marsha Barth speaks to inmates

The QBC staff and inmates appreciated Barth visiting and sharing her story of healing.

Special thanks to Reentry Specialist Dunn for her efforts in providing meaningful speakers for our Impact of Crime Class.


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