New Life Coalition                        Good News:  Changed Lives

 

Amidst the unsettling news about crime and the never-ending debate about prisons in general, one segment of the general population continues to invest themselves in the future of their communities by giving of their time, energy, emotions, and resources to care about inmates and assist them upon release.  The segment of population who is doing something deserves recognition from the public who continually frets; however, they are quiet people who do not attract much attention from media. 

 

People, whom society deems least worthy of love and mercy and forgiveness, may need it the most!  Down through the years, people who had a hard time functioning in society and coping with their stresses often have three strikes against them:  1) being school dropouts, flunkouts, or kicked outs, 2) have acquired alcohol or drug addictions, and 3) lacking a positive father figure in their lives.  Coupled with those burdens, their treatment in prison as well as from society at large upon release, only added to the psychological load they were already carrying.  Prison is intended to be isolation from society to protect the public as the courts deem necessary.  Within prison, isolation from the general population adds to their loneliness, discouragement, and alienation from loving and caring people.  If they found functioning in society to be difficult, survival in prison depends on whether they feel the whole world is against them or find other inmates who care enough to encourage them to get involved in positive programs. When released, life in society may even be much more difficult.

 

Many aspects of care-giving are available for people who are willing to invest their time and energy to assist where needed, but often the agencies needing help are the best-kept secrets in society.  The following agencies of New Life Coalition are continually looking for additional help & resources:

 

I.  Early Legal Aspects:  V.O.R.P. (Victim Offender Reconciliation Program) brings people together.  Contact Lois Preheim (605) 338-6020

 

II.  "Inside the Walls" Bible Studies, worship services, various types of work from Metalcraft Industries to Wheelchair Rehabilitation and Habitat for Humanity Prison Partnership, and M-2.  Contact Chaplain Regan Beauchamp (605) 367-5131, Forrest Hubers (crafts) (605) 367-5080, Don Klassen (M-2 prison visitation on a man-to man, one-to-one, friend-to-friend basis) (605) 367-5117

 

III.  Family Support Services: Family Connections Hospitality House & W.A.I.T. (We Are Inmates Too).  Contact Mary Montoya (605) 367-5008 (FC), Joan Hilmoe  (605) 338-1186 (W.A.I.T.)

 

IV.  Aftercare:  Project C.O.P.E. (Congregation Offender Partnership Enterprise), Hope Prison Ministry, & South Dakota Prison Aftercare Ministry.  Contact Glenn Sellevold (605) 331-6068, John Sweeney (605) 376-1713, Jerry Hunter (605) 261-2887.

 

You may also write to any one of the agencies by addressing your envelope to new Life Coalition, Box 85334, Sioux Falls, SD 57118.

 

All of the above programs are in need of volunteers, funds, and your prayers. Aftercare groups also need the whole variety of household items from kitchen to living room and bedroom and bathroom.  Observing lives in process of change surely are the special intangible rewards of working with people who have had difficulty in the past.  When changes have occurred, it is a true reason to rejoice.  Recall the Parable that Jesus told as recorded in Luke 15 about a shepherd going out to look for one lost sheep!  See especially verse 7 about the angels rejoicing!  To share in the joys of sharing your faith and putting your love into action, become a part of one of the above ministries!  You can make a difference in someone?s life.  You may be the answer to someone's prayer!  Volunteer today!