Reflecting Light
A Christian Mentoring Program for Released Women Prisoners on the Road Home
Perhaps you have been lost and broken down on a dark and lonely road and can recall the feelings of fear and desperation. You can only then begin to imagine how it might feel for a young woman those first hours, days, and weeks when she is set free from incarceration. She has made few decisions on her own for months or years. She will be dependent on the first people with whom she interacts. All the past negative influences are waiting for her return.
The newly released woman is immediately faced with many challenges - perhaps just getting home that first day, getting food and clothing, finding a job and a place to live, and medical care, renewing family relationships, all while learning how to make responsible decisions and live productively in a difficult world. It is little wonder that 50-60% of women released from incarceration will return to prison within 3 months to 3 years after their release.
Women are entering prison at a rate twice as fast as their male counterparts. MCI Framingham is the primary facility in Massachusetts and it is filled beyond capacity with women who have made mistakes that have led them to their darkest days.
They have spent many hours planning for and looking forward to a new life and bright future.
Mentoring relationships are the solution
We all need a listening ear, gentle support and encouragement. A mentoring relationship is key in preventing re-incarceration. Lives are saved one at a time.
Christian women mentors will reflect the light of Christ on the lives of these women and perhaps be the catalyst that brings them through the early weeks and months that can mean the difference between a new beginning or a return to prison.
Women who are currently incarcerated will voluntarily request that a mentor be assigned to them. You will meet with a woman once a month for approximately 4-6 months before release. After release, you will meet approximately once a week close to their home in the greater Merrimack Valley area. Meetings are informal and always in a public location. Their purpose is to provide fellowship, encouragement, advice and accountability.
Get involved
If you have a heart for God's lost, you can get involved and you can do something to help. Simply:
- Complete an application
- Set up an interview
- Schedule Training
Contact
Gail Holland
Director, Women's Ministries
P.O. Box 1785
Lowell, MA 01853
gholland@nepm.org
978-433-3123