To Mentor A Prisoner
A couple of years ago, I saw a post about prisoners who wanted mentors. Without any exposure to the criminal justice system, I wasn’t going to give it a second thought, so I don’t really know why I decided to go to an informational meeting. Maybe it was because I had convinced myself that the next chapter of my life was going to involve delving into some slices of life of people who I otherwise would never have a chance to meet.
I had successfully added volunteer opportunities to my weekly routine which involve Hispanic kindergartners, Somali refugees, underserved teens, and the homeless. So why not consider a prisoner as well? I quickly learned about the high percentage of people who end up returning to correctional facilities but also how that number dramatically drops for prisoners who have had a mentor. I know that fear is often what prevents many individuals from walking through the fenced-in facility, but once inside, all that’s needed is to offer a friendly face to someone who may really be in need of one.
When I went to visit Audrie at the prison where she had been for more than a year, I had the distinction of being her first ever visitor. She later called me her “link to the outside world.” During the last two-and-a-half years, we met monthly and exchanged letters and emails to keep in touch. On Monday, Audrie got out of prison, and I was there to celebrate her entry back into the real world.
We never know what impact we might have on others, but I know that I have gained a tremendous appreciation for those who make mistakes, pay their dues, and sometimes become better people because of it. I also know I gained a friend in Audrie.
NOTE: Two organizations in which I have been involved are:
Amicus — https://www.voamnwi.org/community-justice
Twin Cities Prison Ministry — http://www.stjosephcommunity.org/prison_ministry.aspx
That is so true we never know the impact we make until we actualy try..
Love this! I’m sure others would like to know how to get involved and where they can find more information.
Thanks! I added this note to the article:
Two organizations I am involved in are:
Amicus — https://www.voamnwi.org/community-justice
Twin Cities Prison Ministry — http://www.stjosephcommunity.org/prison_ministry.aspx
Karen, Your capacity for genuinely caring about others continues to expand. Your story is a great reminder that it doesn’t take money or a grand gesture to completely change someone else’s life forever in a positive way. Thank you for sharing yourself with Austin, and for reminding us to share ourselves too.