Judith Prest

Judith offers Finding Our Voices poetry & healing programs at New Choices Recovery Center in Schenectady, NY, for people overcoming addiction. Her funded programs include the creation of three poetry anthologies. John has visited New Choices six times to support Judith in her work.

Seed money from The Institute of Poetic Medicine helped to expand upon and raise awareness of the work Judith was doing at New Choices Recovery. Going beyond IPM funding, New Choices has expanded her role, offering more opportunities for groups focused on writing-to-heal and expressive arts.

Judith is a poet whose chapbook, After, published by Finishing Line Press, explores the process of healing from rape. Writing poetry has helped Judith to overcome both this trauma and alcoholism. She has remained sober for over eighteen years and she attributes this to the power of creativity.