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Welcome Changing the Mindset January 2007 After spending one year in Riverside Correctional Facility as the facility chaplain, I stepped into my new role as auxiliary chaplain. This move has freed me up from the administrative work and necessary meetings which gives me more time to focus solely on counseling and teaching the female inmates. I love my new position. as you may know, for 6 years NHFW has provided a full curriculum of lifeskills classes to women who were recently released from prison. However, I am very excited to announce that part of the transformation of how NHFW provides services supporting women returning to our communites in the difficult and vulnerable time of transition. NHFW now partners with PACT, (a similar ministry) by pulling together our resources to offer more complete wraparound services. On the inside, our 5 day a week biblically based curriculum includes: The Fundamentals of our Faith, Overcoming Bitterness, Healing Emotional Damage, Sexual Brokenness, and Character Development. When the ladies are released, we follow up with weekly Bible Study, mentoring/counseling, and fellowship. True discipleship is walking with someone, modeling Christ like behavior and being there for them not only in the good moments, but also in their rough spots too, demonstrating unconditional love. Our goal is not just to see people changing their behavior, but it is important that they change their criminal mindset into the mind of Christ. This is only done with prayer and the Word of God. As of today, February 18, 2008 We have completed 4 semesters with an average of 15 to 20 graduates each time and we are currently into our 5th semester. Inmates are allowed to repeat the course, however, they only graduate one time upon completing the entire course. Sometimes they need to take it twice in order to meet our requirements. Follow up for each inmate is different depending on what path they take after leaving prison. Some go on to court stipulated programs, others go to State Prisons, others go to work release within the PPS. Some go home to families, while a few who qualify for our discipleship program, will live with us at NHFW, get employment, pay rent and continue weekly Bible studies, mentoring and counseling services, regular church attendance at a local participating church. Recently, one of our students has completed the PACT program and was released to the Cannery, which is a minimum security work release jail in Philadelphia. I followed up with her until last week when she was released to Eagleville, which opened the door for me to continue providing chaplaincy services at the Cannery. I am counseling weekly at the moment, but hoping this leads to weekly Bible Studies.
My current responsibilites and work week consists of: 1. Chaplaincy Services at two Philadelphia prisons 2. Twice a week teaching, "Overcoming Bitterness", and "The Fundamentals of our Faith". My role as Overseeing Chaplain to the PACT program involves working with Michael Gaskins, Exec. Director of PACT and instructors, and a big role is overseeing the Graduation Ceremonies and rehearsals. 3. Mentoring, counseling 7. Chaplains meetings 8. Frequent Street Ministry on Kensington and Frankford Aves. 9. Escort ex-offenders to P.O. appoinments when necessary
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