The Real Scoop: Prisoner Re-entry
It is a shame that you never really hear about the many success stories of those, formerly incarcerated, and how these "Returning Citizens", men and women from all walks of life, can actually be a very vital part of the solution instead of being labeled as the irredeemable core of the problem.
Instead, formerly incarcerated persons in their very existence are floating at the bottom levels of equal opportunity and regard, in our communities and almost unbelievably, in our churches as well.
Many of these men and women if given a fair chance could bring innovation and solutions to a decaying economy. However, we as a nation must be honest and not hide our heads in the sand and take a realistic look at sensible solutions while breaking the system out of its old habits of prejudice and greed.
"Ex-offenders" as these Returning Citizens are labeled, must also become organized and unite together under spiritual guidance and sound leadership and take a stand, as our forefathers that stood before us from various cultures and generations; to speak up and speak out about the injustice of the perpetual state of punishment through employment discrimination.
Doing so with the hopeful intent of making a difference. Progressive efforts that may foster a change for the better; as opposed to the current course down the endless path of a silent state of uncertainty.
The R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars goal of prisoner outreach with other ministries, agencies and organizations is such that together with a determined emphasis on a developmental strategy coupled with spiritual direction, we may help pave the road toward [real] employment and educational advancement opportunities for our nations Formerly Incarcerated Persons.
We invite all Returning Citizens, agencies and organizations to become an active participant toward a hands on developmental strategy, working together to not only place people into the working force, but to help keep people out of prison!
What kind of persons, agencies, organizations and churches would want a population of "ex-offenders" to become or remain social castaways from equal opportunities and or Christian congregating?
It is NOT the fanciness of a building, stained glass on a church house, the color of our skin, the clothes on our backs, the cars we drive, the neighborhoods we live in, the titles of our positions in a work setting, nor the “gift of our biblical gab”, that exemplify true Christian character of the heart. True Christian character is 1st cognizant that we are ALL human beings, and that not one human being is infallible. No matter how close we walk or stand to a pulpit, NOT ONE of us has wings on our backs; not one!
The practiced smiles, cordial gestures and formalities unfortunately found and seen inside of many churches, agencies and organizations, are all fascinating and quite impressive on the surface.
An ex-offender as many would prefer to call a formerly incarcerated person, who has spent years inside a penal institution setting however, has attained a rather unique and sharpened sense of perception that dips low and deep beneath the surfaces of your most practiced, polished, and perfected persona's and “stage” performances in social settings.
The aspect of Prisoner Outreach and or collaborative Reentry efforts are NOT about territoriality or competition... It is however about those directly impacted by these efforts. It is a national and international reality.
Together We CAN Make A Difference!
Leann M. Sowell- Executive Director R.I.F.T. Reentry Initiatives For Today's Prison Complex- Reaching Behind Bars (c) 2018-2023
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