In 1992, Willie “Timmy” Donald was convicted of first-degree murder and two counts of armed robbery. This conviction was based  on two eyewitness identifications from a faulty photo line up. Despite having an alibi, Mr. Donald spent nearly 24 years in prison for robberies and murder he did not commit. During this time, many of his appeals were dismissed, but he maintained his innocence.  Through the help of Northwestern undergraduate students and attorney Thomas Vanes, Mr. Donald was able to prove his innocence. Like other exonerees, Mr. Donald experienced post-exoneration challenges. Outside of family, he lacked resources to help him get back on his feet. That changed when Dr. Nicky Jackson read his story in a newspaper and reached out to Mr. Donald’s attorney hoping to meet Mr. Donald. A meeting did take place and, at that time, Dr. Jackson offered Mr. Donald post-exoneration assistance. They built a personal and working friendship. Recognizing the struggles of exonerees, Mr. Donald and Dr. Jackson worked to create the Willie T. Donald Exoneration Advisory coalition to provide  resources to exonerees in Indiana. Recognizing the great amount of work to be done in addition to post-exoneration needs, they established the Center for Justice and Post-Exoneration Assistance at PNW (CJPA). Mr. Donald is the Project Manager at CJPA. He spends countless hours reviewing letters from inmates requesting assistance. Additionally, he works directly with exonerees on their post-incarceration needs. Mr. Donald also mentors undergraduate students interning at CJPA.