VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES DESCRIPTION

Conduct Bible Study/Prayer Services

We are currently conducting Bible Study/Prayer Services at 15 of the 16 correctional facilities in our Diocese. We also administer the Eucharist and conduct periodic masses at several of the jails and prisons. Check the facility link to see the times and types of services we perform.

A typical Bible Study/Prayer Service is normally conducted by two volunteers in the following manner. Introductions are made and then one of the volunteers explains to the inmates how the session will be conducted. The session begins with an opening prayer and then the 3 readings from either the proceeding or upcoming Sunday are read and discussed. The session then ends with a closing prayer.

All new volunteers are mentored by a senior volunteer. New volunteers obtain a security clearance and receive an orientation regarding the correctional facility. They also receive a training manual and material to help understand and discuss the scripture readings.

No super duper credentials are required and the amount of time you want to commit to is up to you. We have volunteers young and old (from their 30’s to 80’s), male and female; (roughly 26% of our volunteers are women, who minister to both male and female inmates). We have single and married volunteers, as well as, those that are employed and retired. The volunteers do have a couple of things in common. They love their faith and enjoy sharing it.

Serve on a Restorative Justice Board (RJB)

A Restorative Justice Board (RJB) is an alternative to the formal court system for juvenile offenders. The RJB consist of a diverse group of individuals who become volunteers of the court. The volunteers participate on a board, which meets with juvenile offenders, the offender’s parents and frequently the victim to determine what is appropriate for making amends to the victim and the community. A contract is developed, which specifies the terms and conditions the juvenile must follow to complete his/her restitution. Successful completion of the contract will result in no court record for the juvenile.

Volunteers receive training on Restorative Justice and how to effectively participate on the board. The volunteer is then scheduled to participate on routine board sessions.

We currently have volunteers participating in the Berrien and Van Buren County Restorative Justice Boards.

Give talks to expose our youth to the risks and consequences of going    astray

Volunteers with Jail and Prison Ministry experience are encouraged to arrange and give talks at their local parishes and schools. These talks can have various objectives such as encouraging the community to take an active role in protecting children and adolescents, warning children about risks in the community, supporting the Catholic School system in its effort to promote strong values and discussing with children the consequences of poor choices.

Mentor an "at risk" youth

The mentoring programs at the four Juvenile Detention Centers in our Diocese are in varying stages of development ranging from meeting with the adolescents at the detention center to continuing to work with an adolescent once he/she is discharged.

The Allegan Mentoring Program is currently the most structured and requires a 1 to 2 hr. commitment per week to an assigned youth for at least a year. The mentor is to serve as an adult role model to give the assigned youth love, hope, guidance, encouragement and self worth. The mentors work with the program sponsor to keep them informed of the youth’s welfare.

The Allegan Mentor application process includes: referrals, basic training and interviews with the program sponsor’s staff.

Participate in the Prisoner Pen Pal Program

Overview

The purpose of the Prisoner Pen Pal Program is to provide spiritual and psychological support as well as friendship to the incarcerated.

We are looking for volunteers who are at least 18 years of age who are willing to write a letter at least once a month to an inmate.

We request that you complete an application and study the guidelines, which provide an in-depth description of the Pen Pal Program, including how we will maintain your security.

The application form and program guidelines are included in this link.

Become a Prison Transition Team Member to prepare inmate    development/release plans

As a part of the Michigan Prisoner Re-entry Initiative (MPRI) Program, volunteers are needed to assist inmates develop transition plans that will help them re-enter the community. This is done by either visiting the prison or via video conferencing.

The transition team asks a series of questions designed to assess what services the prisoner will need upon release. The following six service categories are addressed: housing, employment, adult education, healthcare, transportation and substance abuse/disabilities.

Once released from prison the ex-offender will be referred to community partners to receive the needed services.

Volunteers obtain a security clearance and receive an orientation regarding the role of the volunteer and the policies and procedures under, which they will serve. They are then assigned to a transition team, which makes periodic visits to the assigned prison or conducts meetings with the inmate via video conferencing.

Volunteer opportunities exist in Berrien and Kalamazoo Counties

Assist a released offender re-enter the community

An integral part of the Michigan Prisoner Re-entry Initiative (MPRI) Program is to provide mentors who will help guide the ex-offenders away from criminal activity and towards successfully completing parole.

Mentors will be under the supervision of a parole agent and will receive an initial orientation and ongoing training. Each mentor will be paired up with another mentor to work under a “buddy” system.

Being a mentor typically requires a one-year commitment consisting of weekly communication with their assigned ex-offender.

Volunteer opportunities exist in Berrien and Kalamazoo Counties.

Become a support group member for the families of the incarcerated

The families or loved ones of the incarcerated often experience considerable difficulty coping with the confinement of a husband, wife, father, mother or child. Spouses may have to adjust to the loss of income and parental support. Children may have to adjust to a loss of a parent or being temporarily raised by relatives. All parties may have to deal with fear, humiliation, anger and other emotional states.

Volunteers can help a family remain functional by providing guidance encouragement and other support.

We have started one pilot program in Berrien County. Inmates are notified of a time and place that we are available to meet with members of their families. They are also given a phone number whereby their family member may contact us.

A team of volunteers meets monthly for an hour and a half with whoever is interested.

Leaders are needed to put together family support volunteer teams in the other counties and to work with our volunteers that go into the jails and prisons. Each new program will have to be cleared through the Jail or Prison Chaplain.