01/19/2026
A note from Peter, Owner & Director at The Caring Center of Wichita:
"Today is the 25th anniversary of the greatest day of my life, when former President Bill Clinton commuted the 20 years I had left after I served 10 years in federal prison for cultivation of ma*****na. I received his commutation 15 minutes before he left office on this date in 2001.
I remain as grateful for my freedom today as I was then to the many unbelievable family members and friends who made this possible. The unexpected death of my saintly mother 4 months before my release in September of 2000 may have facilitated a number of magical events that all coalesced together for this miraculous day that literally gave me a new lease on life.
Shortly after my release, my brother, Father Kerry, and I went on what we called 'the Freedom Tour' across Kansas, celebrating my newfound freedom. Our trip ended at the home of my mom’s sister, Aunt Tucky Hickert, who reminded me that 'to whom much is given, much is expected.' She then instructed me, 'You go make your mother proud.'
It has been a truly amazing journey since then, and I plan to cement in a book about the need for justice reinvestment and how we reform the way the criminal justice system treats those with substance use and mental health disorders.
Today is even more special for me because it falls on Dr. Martin Luther King Day. It has always been a day that calls me to serve our fellow man the way he did in the face of injustice and ultimately death. He has been one of the greatest motivating forces in my life to continue to fight for justice, fairness, equity, and compassion in human relations.
This special day can never be taken away because his legacy will live on forever in what he said about a man being defined by his deeds and not the color of his skin, country of origin, or his creed. I am beyond blessed to be able to do this work alongside my unbelievable staff at The Caring Center of Wichita. It is our absolute pleasure and honor to serve the people we serve and do what we can for the betterment of our community and humanity." 🫶🏼
