SCT Speakers Bureau
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2024 Speaker: Keifer Ames
On June 8th, SCT hosted another Speakers Forum with the Arizona Mystery Writers Association. SCT was happy to partner with Keifer Ames to present to the Association.
Keifer Ames grew up in rural Avra Valley, working in his father's automotive repair shop from a young age, which exposed him to drugs, alcohol, and pornography. First arrested at 14, he became a full-blown cocaine addict by 18 and was ordered to his first drug treatment center at 21. He received his first prison sentence at 27 and a five-year sentence at 29, being released just before his 34th birthday. Despite continuing in addiction and self-destruction, a turning point came just after his 40th birthday when he sought a life free from addiction. Crying out to God, he found rescue and transformation through unconditional love, grace, and mercy. He has been clean and sober since December 18, 2009, and is a testimony to the power of the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, having had all his rights reinstated. Now a certified minister with the Assemblies of God, he mentors men recovering from addiction and owns two businesses. His journey of overcoming addiction and helping others inspires him to share the message that recovery is possible.
2023 & 2024 Speaker: Veronica Torres
On December 3, 2023, Veronica Torres and Chuck Pyle were invited to do a presentation after services at St. Francis in the Valley Episcopal Church in Green Valley. The arrangements for the talk were made by Rena Robbins and Father Warren from St. Francis. Veronica told her story, being incarcerated at 14 and sentenced to life without parole at 16, in about 15 minutes, which was followed by 15 minutes of question and answer from a very engaged audience. There were about 75 people in attendance to hear Veronica’s inspiring story. This was our first SCT Speakers Bureau presentation.
Veronica Torres alsoshared her story at the annual dinner of the Green Valley Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) on September 19, 2024. During this event, she discussed her upbringing in South Tucson, her incarceration from age 14 to 39, and her reentry journey over the past five years. Her heartfelt and genuine presentation deeply moved the audience.
