Imagine being incarcerated for decades! How would one find a sense of purpose to go on living?
A program in the Missouri Department of Corrections, called RESTORATIVE JUSTICE is in place at various penal institutions to offer those incarcerated an opportunity to give back to the community and feel a sense of purpose and pride. These programs have a positive impact on rehabilitation and reduce violence in the institutions.
At the Potosi Correctional center, the following programs are active: ·Knitting hats, blankets, scarves for newborns and homeless ·Tracing and creating coloring books for children ·Puppies for Parole – training rescue dogs for forever homes ·Making flash cards for educational institutions The offenders volunteer their time and get credit hours for their work. They are awarded with a banquet of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
You can help! For two weeks there will be a basket in the vestibule for a yarn collection. Any remnants you may have can be brought here. The items knitted and crocheted will then be given to homeless shelters and such places for distribution. If you wanted to be more directly involved in prison ministry consider becoming a Volunteer in Corrections (VIC)*
Consider: Am I being challenged to reach out to the imprisoned? Submitted by Libby Long