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
Bridges Reentry, Inc. has been awarded one of the impactful Becoming Beloved Community Grants. Bridges Reentry, Inc. is committed to empowering women transitioning from the justice system through the expansion of the Raising My Voice (RMV) Program. RMV empowers justice-involved women to share their stories of trauma, abuse, and resilience with parishioners and other community groups. Our aim is to collaborate with diverse women of color organizations and communities to amplify marginalized voices. Raising My Voice (RMV) is a transformative leadership program designed to equip formerly
“He was despised, and we held him of no account.” —Isaiah 53:3
As the organizer of the new prison ministry effort at Saint Philip’s, I was inspired to offer some of my reflections on how the lessons of Holy Week could inform a faith-based approach to working with and advocating for those in prison.
In the face of overwhelming statistics and facts indicating the ineffectiveness and arbitrary nature of capital punishment in our nation (Death Penalty Information Center, 2023), only 23 States have abolished the death penalty while 4 States currently have a governor-issued moratorium in place (including Arizona). Even though public opinion is over 60% against the death …
In early June, 16 boys and girls (ages 8-17) who are affected by the incarceration of an immediate family member spent a fun and action-packed week at Chapel Rock in Prescott. They formed friendships and learned new skills (such as photography, drumming, and even kayaking!), and they had an opportunity to experience the love that …
Did you know that over 200,000 children in AZ have one or both parents incarcerated – that’s 10% of the national total! These children often suffer from sleeplessness, attention deficit disorders, separation anxiety, depression and other issues including guilt and the stigma associated with incarceration. In fact, the issue has become so prevalent that Sesame …
Magdalene House West became a reality in 2019 due primarily to the hard work of Deacon Gay Romack and the 501c3 Bridges Re-entry organization that she established. Based on the model created by Rev. Becca Stevens, the founder of Thistle Farms, Magdalene House West currently has a full contingent of six female residents. These women must …
In 2016 (by Convention resolution), the month of September was designated as Prison Awareness Month throughout the Diocese. The Diocesan Prison Ministry Team is encouraging members from each congregation in our Diocese to become involved in one or more of the many opportunities for ministry available. These opportunities include: More information is available on the Diocesan …
The Diocesan Prison Ministry will be hosting an exhibit booth at our upcoming Diocesan Convention. We hope you will stop by and register for the drawing for a beautiful piece of art created by one of the ladies from Perryville Women’s Prison. We also have gorgeous notecards available for purchase (they make great Christmas gifts!!) …
(From Jon Donne, English Poet and Anglican Priest) The purpose of Prison Awareness month in our Diocese is to raise awareness among all our members about issues that should concern us as Christ followers. One of those issues is capital punishment. Despite the fact that the majority of Americans (61%) oppose the death penalty, states …
A church in our diocese has come up with a great idea for praying for the kids from our most recent Camp Genesis experience. The program coordinator creates palm-sized hearts with the name and age of one of the campers written on the heart. Members of the congregation to “adopt” a camper heart and sign …
Last fall, Deacon Gay Romack launched a new prison-related ministry: Mentoring Beyond the Gates. Working in conjunction with her 501c3 corporation, Bridges Reentry, Gay was to connect ordinary people in our communities with women about to be released from Perryville Women’s Facility, a state-run prison located in Goodyear, AZ. The purpose? To provide one on …