What we do

• During Christmas 2010 our Angel Tree program provided gifts for 130 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.
• 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.
• Our newest program is called BookConnect. Inmates sign up to read a title and then to write a paragraph giving their understanding of the book and the impression made on them. The comment is sent on to our volunteer who has read it alongside them who gives feedback and encouragement.
• 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 fourth annual prayer time in conjunction with Prison Fellowship groups worldwide. 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.
• Restorative Justice continues to be a focus as we educate the community about how it differs from contemporary criminal justice. Rather than defining crime as simply lawbreaking, it recognizes that offenders harm victims, communities and even themselves. It includes victims and other affected people in the accountability process. Alternatives to incarceration is part of restorative justice thinking.
  
  Restorative Justice sees success differently. Rather than concentrating on how much punishment is inflicted, it measures how much harm is repaired or prevented.
  
  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.