Prisoner Re-Entry Work

The number of former prisoners being released into our communities every year is growing. In the United States, there are about 170,000 newly released men and women in 1980. In 2005, that number will be over 650, 000. Society is not prepared to receive these growing numbers of prisoners.

In Wisconsn there are about 10, 000 parolees and 22, 000 prisoners. Two-thrids of those being admitted into Wisconsin prisons are going into prison because they were unsuccessful on probation or parole, not because of a new conviction. And Wisconsin is the number one state in the country for minority and teen-age incarceration per capita. Rebuilding a life after imprisonment is inherently challenging and everyone who succeeds benefits personally while adding to our community's well being. These programs have proven to reduce discrimination and increase former prisoner's civic participation. It is good for us all.

There are many ways to work for justice and healing in our communities. The following are five entry points for you or your congregation/organization to participate in MUM’s efforts in restoring right relations in our community.  They include MUM’s Re-entry Video, Returning Prisoner Simulation, Circle of Support, the Journey Home and Voices Beyond Bars.

Re-entry Video

MUM has produced its own 35-minute film entitled “Today’s Prisoners, Tomorrow’s Neighbors”.  It follows the re-entry of a formerly incarcerated young man who returns to Dane County.  It features his involvement in a Circle of Support and in Returning Prisoner Simulations.  To obtain a copy of the film a $75 contribution is requested for private and governmental agencies; a $50 contribution is requested for congregations and non-profits.  For Dane County or surrounding county audiences, MUM staff and Voices Beyond Bars members will show the film and lead a discussion afterwards.  Contact MUM at (608) 256-0906 to schedule the video showing/discussion.

Returning Prisoner Simulations

At each Simulation, MUM shows its re-entry video, provides you with a new identity as a parolee released from prison that morning and guides you to try to accomplish all the tasks facing returning prisoners in their first month back in the community, such as obtaining housing, a job, paying restitution and child support, while trying to avoid being sent back to jail. It’s an eye opening opportunity to “walk in the shoes” of a former prisoner and to see the kinds of challenges people face when they return home from prison. A debriefing is held afterwards, so participants can exchange reflections on your own role in prisoner re-entry.  The exercise usually takes 3.5 to 4 hours including time for a light meal.

Simulations have been found to be among the most powerful forms of adult education. 

The Returning Prisoner Simulation intergrates not only the role of the prisoner but also the survivors of crime in our community. This aspect of the simulation seeks to realize the hurt and damage that crime does not only to the person who commits the crime, but also the victims and their families that are affected by the crime. With an emphasis upon the victim's story, MUM promotes the idea of Resotrative Justice in which the who community is healed from acts of violence.

The WI Department of Corrections and several professional associations have hosted MUM’s simulation as a training program for their staff or members.

For schedule of upcoming Simulations, see Events page.  Or contact MUM to help host a simulation for your own group or congregation.

Circles of Support

Scott (not his real name) was in prison for over six years. MUM matched him with a Circle of Support from within Covenant Presbyterian.  They encouraged him and helped him stay focused, even when he was laid off work and lost housing.  As Scott graduated from the circle he joined the Circle of Support himself to encircle another newly released formerly incarcerated person.   Eighteen Circles of Support have been formed to serve formerly incarcerated persons who are working to rebuild their lives. A circle of caring and supportive people makes success more likely. MUM launched Circles through Robert Wood Johnson Faith in Action, Wheat Ridge Ministries and congregations.  Now the United Way of Dane County helps support Circles of Support. 

What's involved? A Circle of Support is made up of four or five volunteers who meet regularly with a newly released formerly incarcerated person or core member as he or she negotiates returning to life in the community.In communities with similar Circles, recidivism among participating formerly incarcerated members has reduced from 50% to 15%.Circle members listen without judgement and assist with problem solving. Circle work might include explaining the bus system, sharing ideas for jobs, or making referrals for housing.  But mostly it is listening to the core member, reducing isolation and increasing accountability.  Circle members learn about poverty, racism, and the criminal justice system.

Barbara McKinney currently trains, screens, coordinates, and then thoughtfully matches Circle members with a returning prisoner. You'll discover new insights about poverty, racism, and the criminal justice system. We ask for at least a six-month commitment as a Circle member.    

The Journey Home

Stories from returnees indicate that the first thirty days of release from incarceration are essential. The Re-Integration Initiative, The Journey Home, will focus on the expansion of an effective and timely referral network for returnees in order to provide ongoing direction and support for those men and women released to Dane County. Access to employment and links to mental health, housing, and drug services in Dane County is the focal point for the Re-Integration Initiative. The Re-Integration Initiative recognizes that reentering the community is a journey that can have many unexpected turns. It is the hope of this initiative that each step that is taken with the returnee along this network minimizes the stress of not knowing where to begin to find a job, housing, or support. The Re-Integration plan will also include families of the returnees, community members, and local law enforcement. The objective of their involvement is to welcome the returnee back into the community and express hope and excitement for the returnee's life in the neighborhood.

The Goals are:

Establish "ex-offender friendly" links to employers and employment opportunities.

Provide assessment of the necessary services needed by returnees.

Make available a resource guide in order to reduce confusion.

Demonstrate ongoing support through small group discussions.

Explain Services

Monitor Job Retention and Violations

Reduce Recidivism in Dane County.

Orientations:

Tuesday: 3:00 PM

Thursday: 10:30 AM

TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR CLIENTS

Journey Home/ Circles of Support Application

Jerome Dillard, Re-Entry Specialist, coordinates the Journey Home

Voices Beyond Bars (VBB)

VBB is a speakers’ bureau and mutual support team that develops leadership skills and public responsibility among formerly incarcerated people. This speakers bureau of former prisoners share their struggles and success as they have reentered society. VBB members also meet montly to develop leadership and presentation skills, to create a new support system for themselves, to gain confidence, and to help each other increase their personal and public responsibility. VBB addresses many community issues such as education, racism, jobs, housing, treatment, mental health, and what social changes need to occur in order for people to become free and to stay free. VBB brings its messages to schools, congregatioins, community events and other public gatherings. VBB members actively participate in the Returning Prisoner Simulations and develop their own structure, grants and training programs. Recently VBB adopted the following mission statement: “To engage in dialogue, To share our truth, In hope to heal self, family, and community.” Contact VBB at MUM to arrange a film presentation/discussion on re-entry from a point of view rarely heard-- the voice of a former prisoner.

Testimonials

Andre Johnson: What kept me from re-offending was to stay involved wiht a group like MUM. I felt I could talk to the people in my Circle of Support and people connected with MUM because they made me feel like I was really a part of something. It is not just the good things, as Connie Kilmard said, but also the bad things, and the struggles, and the things that are really hurting that we need to express to the group.

For more information:

Madison-area Urban Ministry
2300 South Park Street, #5
Madison, Wisconsin 53713
Phone 608-256-0906