What we do

• During Christmas 2008 our Angel Tree program provided gifts for 108 children. The annual event was especially successful when our volunteers worked with Commissioner Lamb and his staff to give parties in the eastern and the western correctional facilities; the children were overjoyed to spend some fun time with their incarcerated parent.
• In January the board got their aprons on and cooked lunch for our volunteers as a way to let them know that their sacrifice of time, talent and money over the years has not gone unappreciated. Getting to know each other better was an added blessing.
• In early February we had a random act of kindness day at Westgate. The work done by Bermuda’s prison officers is largely unseen and these dedicated men and women deserve to be appreciated especially because of the difficult environment in which they spend each day. Board members and volunteers got their paint brushes and scrubbing brushes out and applied elbow grease to the Prison Officers’ Mess which we wanted to brighten up for our officers. We worked with officers and inmates and felt that we’d made some new friends that day.
• As usual the Back to School Program will get underway in July/August when we help with the cost of school supplies and uniforms for children registered by their parent; each year around seventy children take part.
• Another way we try to encourage inmates’ families is through sponsorship for their children to attend Allen, Word of Life or Salvation Army summer day camps for a week, or two. Caregivers are happy knowing their child is safe and in an enriching environment.
• Listen out for our third prayer time during the next few months in conjunction with Prison Fellowship International. We lift the community and in particular the police, prison officers, judiciary and legislators in prayer. Police, prison officers, victims of crime as well as offenders take part giving testimonies and praying for one another.
• A goal for 2009 is to introduce the restorative justice concept to Bermuda. Speakers from Prison Fellowship International will tell us about their inner healing and changed behaviors brought about through programs such as The Sycamore Tree Project which is a victim/offender encounter. Restorative justice aims to restore the victim as well as the offender to become a contributing member of the community. These programs are not only life-changing for the adult, they also are crucial in the lives of their children who need the love and attention of both parents to grow up well-balanced mentally, emotionally and physically.

Unfortunately nothing can be accomplished without money and, if you are interested, we invite you to play a part by making a donation (or a regular financial commitment) which would be a great help in freeing us to focus attention on our goals. Other creative donations like accommodation for speakers, etc. rather than a monetary gift would gratefully received.