HISTORY
Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE) is a grassroots organization that was founded in Texas in 1972. It became a national organization in 1985. Subsequently State Chapters and Special Issue Chapters were formed to continue the efforts of National Cure on a State level as well for special areas of interest.
CURE National believe that prisons should be used only for those who absolutely must be incarcerated and that those who are incarcerated should have all of the resources they need to turn their lives around. We also believe that human rights documents provide a sound basis for ensuring that criminal justice systems meet these goals.
CURE is a membership organization consisting of prisoners, former prisoners, families of prisoners, and other concerned citizens promoting correctional reform. It works hard to provide members with the information and tools necessary to help them understand the criminal justice system and to advocate for changes.
Further information on National CURE can be found by reading JUSTICE ADVOCATES: CURE AND PRISON REFORM.
Colorado-CURE
Colorado-CURE (CO-CURE) is the Colorado chapter of National CURE, existence in 1991 through the efforts of Dianne Tramutola-Lawson, a former teacher who found a number of her former students were among the incarcerated population. As with National CURE, CO-CURE is an all volunteer (no paid staff), grassroots membership organization.
Ms. Tramutola-Lawson maintained leadership of the organization until earlier in 2024 when she had to step down for health concerns. Dianne is still involved and helps provide her assistance and knowledge when she is able.
Executive Board
CO-CURE does not have a Chairman or Executive Director but relies upon our Executive Board.
The individuals listed below comprise the Executive Board of CO-CURE. They provide a cross section of our membership having individuals that were formally incarcerated, have loved ones or friends who are incarcerated, support the correctional reform objectives of CO-CURE or were formerly employed by the Department of Corrections.
We also have a representative from the incarcerated population within the CDoC who provides us with the perspective of those incarcerated with regard to our policies and practices.
All of our Board members provide general assistance, with several having special areas of interest or emphasis which are listed.
Diane Atkins Denver metro (303) 570-9251 datkins511@comcast.net
Nick Boyd Ft. Collins (970) 308-6775 nick1951mihi@hotmail.com
Michael Dell Colorado Springs (719) 510-9797 spikeco558@gmail.com
- Legislative and CDoC administrative regulations
Kathy Izor Denver metro (720) 495- 1074 everyonesmom4@comcast.net
- Long term offender population
Max Stager (719) 272-1837 maxstagerlpc@gmail.com
Barbara Stephenson Denver metro
- Health issues, including mental health
Rita Uhler Sterling (970) 520-7896 ritau4@gmail.com
Emeritus Board Member
Dianne Tramutola-Lawson