Friendship Lasts Forever
by Angela S. Tillotson

There are things that are visible to the eye, and things that we feel with our hearts. The friendly interactions between two people are visible with our eyes; but the love, respect, and compassion that travels between two friends is only felt by the heart. I have had the honor of witnessing such a friendship between attorney L. Jerry Hansen and Bo Dickerson. Their friendship has touched my heart immensely.

As a Volunteers In Parole mentor, Hansen has been a phenomenal friend to Dickerson. VIP is a non-profit organization that uses attorney volunteers to mentor men and women on parole with the California Department of Corrections. Hansen has also served as a member of the VIP Sacramento Advisory Committee and has shown the same dedication to the program that he has shown to Dickerson.

L. Jerry Hansen and Bo Dickerson

Hansen first became involved with VIP after a conflict of interest arose in his position as Inspector General of Veteran's Affairs. He had been volunteering within prisons, but when he could no longer volunteer inside, he began volunteering outside. Hansen was involved in two VIP mentorships prior to being matched with Dickerson. Even though he has continued his friendship with those mentees, Hansen says, "by far my most successful match was my third, with Bo Dickerson."

Dickerson began using drugs and drinking at the age of 10, and his addiction led to activities to support his habit. While in prison, he learned about VIP from his friend Gale who was on parole. Gale told Dickerson that VIP was helping to keep her on the right path. He applied for a mentor as soon as he was released.

Dickerson admits that he "was pretty nervous" about meeting Hansen. "I didn't know what to expect. I had never had a relationship with an attorney, except the get me out of here kind. I didn't think I would have anything in common with him or even have anything to talk about. Inspector General for Veteran's Affairs seemed like the president of the United States to me. All this living a straight life and following the rules and laws was foreign to me."

Despite his misgivings, Dickerson found that "the first time we met was awkward for about a minute. Jerry was very kind and easy to talk to." Because they lived and worked fairly far from each other, they arranged to meet at a central location for breakfast once a week before work. "We soon began to look forward to those breakfasts and the friendship grew," Hansen said. During their weekly breakfast meetings, Jerry offered advice to Bo on areas of life where Bo had no experience, including how to handle problems at work, spirituality, and first-time home buying.

During this period, Dickerson's relationship with Gale also grew and they eventually got married. Hansen and his wife attended the weddings.

Hansen was recently appointed Assistant Inspector General to the Department of Defense in Washington D.C. and as a result will be leaving the Sacramento area.

"I felt very comfortable with Jerry, and we've been meeting for breakfast ever since. That is something I will sorely miss," Dickerson said. Hansen that "it's hard to leave Bo and Gale, but I am confident that Bo will continue to be successful. He's in a stable marriage, attends a supportive church, in a good job, and his blessings continue to increase. I hope we'll be able to stay in touch."
It is heartwarming to see the respect, understanding, and love that these friends share. "Jerry is a true friend who I will always be able to turn to even if I have to call back East to talk with him," Dickerson said. "Being in VIP has been an awesome experience for me. I think it is a huge tool for parolees and ex addicts who are trying to do the right thing."

Hansen thanks VIP for providing him with an "opportunity to gain a valuable friendship. I have also gained other new friends through the program-other mentors, mentees, and two program directors: Angel Sevilla and Angela Tillotson. Every program needs a good guardian angel and we've had two."

Hansen's departure for his new federal assignment raises mixed emotions. The VIP community will miss him terribly. I would like to wish Jerry best of luck in his new position and thank him for the support, assistance, and friendship that he has offered to all the lives he has touched. I can personally say that the simple act of witnessing the friendship these two people share has touched my life.

If you are interested in learning more about VIP or becoming a mentor, please contact Angela Tillotson, Program Director at (916) 324-4141, extension 259, or by e-mail at vipsacramento@earthlink.net.