Carolyn Kerleine’s story is one of resilience, service, and transformation. A former Adult in Custody at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, Carolyn first met the Rotary Club of Wilsonville through Through a Child’s Eyes (TACE) and later worked with members at the Rotary Centennial Rose Garden.
While incarcerated, she became a Distinguished Toastmaster, spent more than 15 years in the Coffee Creek Puppy Program, and connected with Vision of Hope, an organization that partners with Oregon prisoners to support an orphanage in Uganda. That connection led her to sponsor Gabriel, a student at the orphanage, and eventually travel to Africa in 2025, where she met him in person and served at the children’s village.
Today, Carolyn continues to give back by aiding those transitioning from prison and serving as part of a certified therapy team with her dog, who was raised in Coffee Creek. She will share her story alongside Laurene Brenner, former manager of the Coffee Creek Puppy Program, offering a firsthand perspective on the power of service, personal growth, and the connections that change lives.
The Rotary Club of Wilsonville meets weekly Thursdays at noon to carry out its purpose of providing service and fellowship to members and the Wilsonville community. Guests are welcome. Lunch is available off the menu; please arrive and order by 11:45 a.m. if you are ordering lunch. For more information, email president@wilsonvillerotary.com.
Official bio:
Carolyn Kerleine first connected with the Rotary Club of Wilsonville while working at the children’s event Through A Child’s Eyes (TACE) at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. She later partnered with the club again at the Korean Memorial Rose Garden in Wilsonville.
While at Coffee Creek, Carolyn met members of Visions of Hope, an organization that partners with Oregon prisoners to support an orphanage in Uganda. She began donating craft items for their auctions and as gifts for the village. Soon after, she sponsored a student named Gabriel.
In 2023, while still incarcerated, Carolyn was invited to join the first team of formers traveling to Africa. She made that trip in 2025, meeting Gabriel in person and serving at the children’s village in many capacities over a ten-day period. She also experienced a short safari and spent time working in the Ugandan bush.
Today, Carolyn continues to support others by aiding those transitioning from prison and teaching health education.
