Prison Fellowship’s Post

During my four years of volunteering in a California state prison, I experienced first-hand the power of empathy, respect, and understanding the inmates and I had for each other. It got me thinking, especially after a recent read about the hidden use of prisoners in the US food production industry, about the transformative potential of integrating these values into our prison systems. Imagine the shift, the healing that could unfold. What are your thoughts on bringing practices of compassion and accountability into such environments? Could we redefine rehabilitation and reintegration?

🌟 Today was truly transformative as we hosted a kickoff event at Centennial Correctional Facility. Leading the emotional Step to the Line exercise, I witnessed powerful connections forming between participants and volunteers. Together, we confronted truths, shared vulnerabilities, and broke down barriers. 💡 This activity isn't just about sharing experiences; it's about recognizing the humanity in each other. As we stood on the lines, facing each other, we saw similarities and differences in our life journeys. It's a reminder that our paths are shaped not just by our choices, but also by circumstances and opportunities. 🔍 It's crucial to understand that the punitive system often fails to address the root causes of crime and leaves individuals without the support they need to rebuild their lives. That's where Breakthrough steps in. By providing rehabilitative opportunities and fostering connections, we're breaking the cycle of recidivism and creating a path to redemption. 🌱 Together, let's continue to challenge outdated perceptions and advocate for a more compassionate and rehabilitative approach to criminal justice. Every person deserves the chance to rewrite their story and embrace a brighter future. #Breakthrough #RehabilitationOverPunishment ✨ 🎥 Check out this video from our Kickoff at LaVista Correctional Facility earlier this year to get a feel for this activity and our kickoff events.

At Prison Fellowship, "Encountering Jesus Together" is what we are all about! Encountering Jesus together with you, with those incarcerated together with their families, with department of correction staff/leadership, and of course, with the Church inside and outside. Check out this video debuting "A Brand New Mission And Vision."

"Embarking on a New Chapter: Reentry from Prison 🌟 Stepping back into the world after time spent in prison is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. In this short, we explore the intricacies of reentry, shedding light on the complexities individuals face when reintegrating into society. From navigating societal expectations to rebuilding personal identities, each step toward reentry is a testament to resilience and determination. Join us as we delve into the transformative process of starting anew post-incarceration. Let's spark conversations, share insights, and foster understanding about the realities of reentry from prison. Together, let's support and empower those on this courageous journey. #Reentry #SecondChances #Resilience #Support"

"I am not the victim of the world I see" "How can I be the victim of a world that can be completely undone if I so choose? My chains are loosened. I can drop them off merely by desiring to do so. The prison door is open. I can leave simply by walking out. Nothing holds me in this world. Only my wish to stay keeps me a prisoner. I would give up my insane wishes and walk into the sunlight at last" A Course In Miracles W-pI.57.1.(31) To devote our lives with active willingness to the denial of guilt in all forms. To provide services and opportunities to current and former prisoners through the practical application of forgiveness and a life guided by principles. https://lnkd.in/dWJjuC5S

In the latest episode of Inside Story, we explore how prison staff shortages impact guards, prisoners and their families, and comedian Donnell Rawlings talks about his connection to the system.

Michigan lawmakers often prioritize party politics and their political ambitions over listening to voters, resulting in delayed and insufficient actions. The bills framed between 2019 and 2023 are now considered obsolete. In contrast, the Michigan Supreme Court is faced with raising the bar beyond the pending bills. Meanwhile, the highest court in Massachusetts recently ruled, in a narrow 4-3 decision, to raise the minimum age for mandatory life without parole from 18 to 21. This ruling is seen as a positive development by juvenile justice advocates. Juvenile Life Without Parole (JLWOP) sentences, the harshest punishment for underage offenders in the U.S., have faced criticism for being cruel and unusual, particularly affecting minority youth. In response to these concerns, some states, like California in 2018, have raised the age for JLWOP sentencing. It's crucial to recognize that juveniles are still developing individuals who deserve the opportunity for rehabilitation and a chance to contribute positively to society. Currently, 27 states and the District of Columbia have banned life sentences without parole for individuals under 18, while nine states have no one serving such sentences for offenses committed before age 18.

VISIT THE IMPRISONED GEORGIA and 30,000 MONKEYS and WEALTHY AREAS and IMPOVERISHED AREAS Hang with me... this might be a bit of a round about ask... This past weekend I was so thrilled to see yet another corporation reaching out - seeing Cooper Lighting helping with one of my favorite organizations Habitat for Humanity. Eric and his team are phenomenal and one day when I am a little freer I am going to build the stew out of some houses. As a project manager I keep wondering why I could not buy and paint some sheetrock right in my garage, listening to 80's music, as a help... but I digress. On the job training. Check. So recently, as a board member for Flint Riverkeeper, the story of 30,000 monkeys possibly inbound to Bainbridge, GA came to my attention. Simultaneously, I was trying to drum up prayer warriors both for our local law enforcement safety and wisdom in the split second decisions they must make and for the souls past, present and possible future inbound to our local prison cells. This initiative spread to people signing up from other counties which in turn led me to add all GA Prisons to the list on my website. As I was doing so Bainbridge Substance Abuse Center caused my heart skipped a beat because I know Substance Abuse and I know Abuse and I know that viciousness of cycle that brings REALLY GOOD MEN AND WOMEN down to becoming a simultaneous master and slave unto themselves. Friends, we cannot ignore poverty in our state nor three tertiary streets over and the effect it is having on our citizens. 30,000 monkeys are bringing 200 jobs cited at being $50K-60K per year. As local leaders try to bring up their local economies with jobs, I think it is incumbent upon all business leaders in the wealthier counties to look within their organizations and see what jobs could be outsourced either via online or manual labor services that could be migrated to these areas. I am all for AI...however, perhaps we simultaneously need to remember and look at the dignity and worth of REAL untapped HI - intelligence under human skin with a beating heart. Before you try and increase productivity via AI, maybe consider first teaching your current associates how to be more productive within 2 hours by reining in mental switch tax... ask me how or just go down my page and you will see it. Before investing in and switching to AI, is there a human being in need of a job in a region you can reach and provide honorable work with honorable pay. "You have a bleeding heart, Mo." Yep. You bet I do. Ride every street in your own county... there will always be bad actors and addiction and the poor... that's a given... but not all are there because of want of being in that position. We can do something about souls getting pushed into acting badly for want of basic human dignity and worth. Maybe start with the prisons in our state and work backward to where jobs are needed? https://lnkd.in/ePkSnfFB

Overcoming Adversity: From Prison to Success Story Discover the inspiring journey of individuals who have turned their lives around after prison, creating positivity out of negativity. Join us as we delve into their stories of resilience and transformation. #FromPrisonToSuccess #OvercomingAdversity #PositiveTransformation #RebuildingLives #SuccessAfterPrison #InspiringStories #SecondChance #TurningPoint #Resilience #TransformationTuesday