September is the month that our Diocese has set aside to help raise awareness about the effects of incarceration on those who are currently incarcerated, their families, and those who work at the correctional facilities as well as the impact that incarceration has on our communities.
We’re kicking off Prison Awareness Month with the “Straight from the Heart” art show hosted by St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (Litchfield Park). The exhibit will feature about 40+ created by a variety of ladies in Perryville prison. Donations are accepted for the artwork and will benefit the artist as well as Bridges Reentry. Bridges Reentry is curating the event. Contact Tisha Weir (artshows.straightfromtheheart@gmail.com) for more information or to host an art show at your church in 2025.
You can be a part of the transition process for returning citizens by volunteering for our Beyond the Gates Mentoring Program. Online training is provided. For more information or to register, go to the Bridges Re-Entry website (www.bridgesreentry.org).
During September, we are encouraging churches throughout the diocese to host either a shoe drive or a Showers of Kindness hygiene drive to help raise awareness about the needs of those inside and outside prison walls. More information about each of these options is provided on our website at www.azdiocese.org/prison-ministry and flyers to promote the event(s) are available for downloading from our Resources section as well. Donated items can be dropped off at the Prison Ministry Exhibit Booth at the Diocesan Convention in October.
Other ways your congregation can participate in Prison Awareness month include using a special Prayers of the People during September, sending birthday cards to some of the inmates from Perryville Women’s Prison, and taking up a special collection on Camp Genesis Sunday (Sept. 15th) to assist with scholarships and other donations for the children who attend Camp Genesis. More information (and downloadable flyers) are available on our website.