Family and Friends Newsletter-November 2019

Missouri Department of Corrections sent this bulletin at 10/25/2019 02:56 PM CDT

View as a webpage
missouri department of corrections

Family and Friends Newsletter | November 2019

Domestic Violence Awareness

ERDCC Dom Viol Project

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, participants in Missouri’s Restorative Justice Program took a stand against domestic violence.

Offender-volunteers took part in the Put The Nail In It campaign. The campaign asks people to take a vow to end domestic violence by painting their ring finger purple, the color that signifies domestic violence awareness. Participants at ERDCC decided to take the campaign’s prompt a step further. Not only did they paint their ring fingers purple but they also built a giant nail to mark the occasion.

The Restorative Justice program aims to hold offenders accountable and provide them the opportunity to repay their debt to victims and the community.  Offenders are encouraged to reflect on their criminal behavior through reparative activities. The program includes as part of the curriculum a batterer's intervention class designed to help end domestic assault.

Courage for Life for Women at CCC

Courage for LIfe-CCC

Staff at Chillicothe Correctional Center led a nine-week program for self-empowerment and coping with trauma. Created by author and motivational speaker Ann White, the faith-based "Courage for My Life" curriculum is designed specifically for incarcerated women. On September 25, Ms. White and the Courage for Life team joined 327 women at Chillicothe for a music-filled worship service and messages of hope, love and grace. The following day, eighteen women celebrated the completion of the inaugural Courage for My Life session with a memorable graduation ceremony.

Twenty additional women are currently working their way through the inspirational and challenging Courage for My Life program.

Reentry Opportunity Center Opens in Columbia

ROC

Hundreds of community members gathered October 17 for the grand opening of the Reentry Opportunity Center (ROC) in Columbia. The center serves as a one-stop shop where Missourians returning to Boone County from prison or jail can get access to the resources they need. The center partners with the Missouri Department of Corrections, local law enforcement, county courts and organizations that help with employment, housing, food, health care, mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Resources for Families of Incarcerated Individuals

The Kolbe Family Ministry Support Group is designed to accompany family members on their journey through a loved one's incarceration. Information was provided in this newsletter a couple of months ago; however, there have been a few changes. The support group has relocated to the Legends Bank Community Room located at the corner of McCarty and Madison Streets in Jefferson City, MO.  Parking is on the Madison Street side of the building, and the entrance is through the downstairs glass door. The new location is more centrally located to many correctional centers and just a 12-minute drive from the Algoa and Jefferson City Correctional Centers. The next support groups will be held on Tuesday, October 29, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 2, at 2 p.m. 

For additional information or future meeting dates, please email kolbefamilyministry@gmail.com or call 573-635-7719 x7 Prison Ministry.