FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Ashley Everett, Director of Marketing & Communications
aeverett@ccharities.com
816-659-8258
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Wrongfully Convicted Local Mother Turns 36 Years Behind Bars into Powerful Memoir of Hope and Redemption
“WHEN THE LIGHT FINDS US” Chronicles Judy Henderson’s Journey from Injustice to Freedom
KANSAS CITY, MO, May 13, 2025 (Press Release) – Judy Henderson was a 32-year-old mother living in Springfield, Missouri when her life was forever changed. Wrongfully convicted of murder in 1982, she was sentenced to life in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. Now, in her powerful new memoir, WHEN THE LIGHT FINDS US: From a Life Sentence to a Life Transformed, Henderson shares how she turned 36 years of incarceration into a story of resilience, redemption, and hope.
During her time in prison, she transformed into a respected paralegal, counselor, and mentor – advocating for domestic violence survivors, helping change state laws, and creating programs to keep incarcerated mothers connected with their children.
“Judy Henderson’s story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit,” said Daisy Blackwell Hutton, VP & Publisher of Worthy Books. “It challenges all of us to examine our own capacity for growth, forgiveness, and transformation.”
Released in 2017 by gubernatorial clemency and later fully pardoned, Henderson now lives in Missouri and works as the front desk receptionist at Catholic Charities of Kansas City- St. Joseph. She continues to advocate for justice reform and support others rebuilding after incarceration.
Two local book signings are planned:
•May 20, 5–7 PM, at Catholic Charities’ Serve & Lift Center, 8001 Longview Road, KCMO
•June 23, 6-8 PM with Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. at Rockhurst University (address TBD)
Local media are encouraged to cover this compelling hometown story of hope, transformation, and the power of second chances. RSVP and learn more: https://catholiccharities-kcsj.org/judy
Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph For 146 years, Catholic Charities of Kansas City- St. Joseph advocates for and serves the vulnerable and those in need. Today, Catholic Charities delivers support through 27 counties in western Missouri with a focus “To Serve & To Lift” by providing emergency assistance and robust programming in the areas of employment and financial development, children and family supports (including adoption services), Veteran services, rapid and permanent supportive housing, food pantries and more. www.catholiccharities-kcsj.org