Ministry To Women In Prison

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Ministry to Women In Prison
Presented By Dr. Cleveland Houser, Prison
Ministry Consultant and Trainer North American
Division
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Imagine Life Behind Bars. . .

• The anatomy of a prison cell.
• Absence of usual privileges.
• Going to prison is like going to an alien world.
• No refrigerator, kitchen, private bathroom.

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Imagine Life Behind Bars. . .

• She no longer has control over her space.
• Women are often incarcerated far from home.
• Fastest growing segment of the prison population.

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Descriptive Analysis of the Female Prisoner

• The vast majority are poor.
• Most were unemployed prior to incarceration.
• Ethnic groups comprise the largest segment of the
  prison population.
• Most women prisoners are mothers.

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Descriptive Analysis of the Female Prisoner contd

• Female incarceration has increased by 138.
• Success for women prisoners is rare.
• Female prisoners have low self-concepts.
• Most have morality issues, have been misused by
  men, and addicted to drugs from a young age.

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Criminal History

• Drug offenses account for more than half of the
  female population in state prisons.
• One in three females are incarcerated for drug
  abuse.
• Violent offenses account for 20 of the female
  prison population.
• Murder account for one third of female
  incarceration for violent crime.

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Criminal History contd

• Women in prison for homicide are twice as likely
  to have killed a husband or boy friend.
• Fraud accounts for about 10 of crimes committed
  by women in prison.
• Seventy-one percent of all state prisoners have
  been behind bars before.

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Women and Substance Abuse

• Half of the women in prison said that the
  committed their crimes under the influence of
  drugs and alcohol.
• More than half had used drugs in the month prior
  to their incarceration.
• Two-fifths had used drugs daily.

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Abuse From others

• Women prisoners have significant histories of
  physical and sexual abuse.
• Eighty-two percent of the women in prison have
  been sexually abused.
• Most of them were abused before they were 18
  years of age.
• Women behind bars do not like or respect
  themselves.

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Abuse from others contd

• Many of them have been alcoholics or drug addicts
  whose lives are out of control.
• Many of them are depressed and angry enough to
  kill themselves or someone else.
• Many of them are con artist and will say anything
  to get their way.

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Ministry to Women in Prison

• Women in prison need emotional security.
• They need to know that someone cares for them.
• Women in prison need personal care through
  regular visitation.
• Women prisoners who attend religious services
  regularly have lower recidivism rates.

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Minister to Women in Prison contd

• Hebrews 13 1 - 3, 16
• Let mutual love continue.
• Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,
  for by doing so, some have entertained angels
  without knowing it.
• Do not neglect to do good and share what you
  have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
• Learn to empathize.

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Minister to the Common Needs

• Transportation
• Many inmates in prison are financially destitute
  and are a long way from home. Local churches
  should establish a Van Ministry and advertise a
  monthly run to prison. This ministry will help
  family and friends to stay connected.

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Toiletries Ministry

• Women prisoners are often short on toiletries.
  Many church members are horrified at the thought
  of going into prisons, however, they can
  participate in prison ministries by making up
  personal hygiene kits for female inmates

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Volunteer Literacy Ministry

• Fifty-eight percent of women inmates are high
  school drop outs. There is a pressing need for
  literacy tutors for high school drop outs and
  proctors for college level courses. This a
  rewarding ministry that the church can embark
  upon.

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Life Skills Training

• Women inmates have a vital need for survival
  skills, skills that we take for granted are
  totally foreign to them. Things like -how to
  budget, how to interview for a job, how to
  balance a check book, etc.

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Music Ministry

• Provide music on a regular basis
• Organize and direct prison choirs and musical
  groups.
• Teach music classes and give music lessons.

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Quilting Ministry

• Therapeutic
• Artistic
• Expresses love
• Allows the inmate to help someone in need.

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Alcohol Anonymous Meetings

• Most women in jail are addicted to drugs and
  alcohol as a result of being in vile family
  situations, such as, violence and incest.
• To be a member, one must have the desire to stop
  drinking.

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Alcohol Anonymous Meetings

• Only AA members can conduct AA meetings.
• AA members must follow the twelve step program.

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Pen Pal Ministry

• Pray for wisdom and discernment.
• Avoid asking, Why are you in prison?
• Dont write preachy letters.
• Be positive and honest in your writing.
• Share Bible promises and funny stories.

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Pen Pal Ministry contd

• Be regular and dependable in your writing.
• Dont make promises that you cant keep.
• Dont give out your phone number and address.
• Dont send money and gifts.

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Pen Pal Ministry contd

• Dont give your name, use a pen pal name.
• Dont send in any items without approval from
  prison officials.
• Dont use words that will give the inmate the
  wrong impression.

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Community Reintegration Ministries

• Purpose To assist women in regaining their
  lives, families and dignity.
• To use testimonies, experiences and expertise to
  encourage women to be survivors and not victims.
• To share that we are living testimonies saved in
  the fire, not from the fire.
• To help women deal constructively with guilt,
  shame, rejection, denial and separation anxiety.

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Spiritual and Religious Ministries

• Bible studies
• Church services behind the walls.
• Distribution of Inspirational materials.
• Christian videos

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Ministries for Prisoners Children

• Angel Tree program
• Support groups for mothers and children
• Girl Scouts beyond bars Keeping mothers and
  daughters in touch.
• Parenting
• Education for moms.

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Dos for Ministering to Women Inmates

• Whether ministering in a jail or prison, obey all
  of the rules and regulations of the prison.
• Leave pocketbooks, wallets, briefcases, money and
  non-essentials in your car.
• Always carry your ID
• Be prepared to submit to a search at any time.
• Keep promises that you make to inmates.

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Dos for Ministering to Women Inmates

• Always consult with the institutional Chaplain or
  leader of your ministry group when you are in
  doubt.
• Always be a Christian friend to inmates.
• Share your faith with inmates
• Be dependable

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Dos for Ministering to Women Inmates

• Be patient
• Be honest
• Be a good listener
• Dont carry items into the prison without
  approval from prison authorities.
• Be trustworthy when someone shares with you
  personal or confidential information.