Use What You've Got Prison Ministry Keeps Families Connected

Imagine you are a parent, miles away from your children and family members with no way to see them unless someone brings them to you. This is a reality for many in the justice system; the impact of this separation can be devastating to a family and, in particular, to developing bonds between parents and children.

Use What You've Got Prison Ministry's mission is to provide transportation for prison visitation while promoting family wellness through education, supportive resources, and spiritual enhancement. They drove a total of 24,586 miles last year, shuttling family members to sixteen correctional facilities spread throughout the state. A $5,000 grant from Women's Fund supported children visiting their mothers, helping the organization drive more miles last year, transporting them from places in Indiana such as Evansville, Gary, Goshen, Paoli, and Wabash. In 2009, Use What You've Got Prison Ministry transported 642 adults, most of which were women, and 167 children; in addition, they took 2,832 calls, up from 1,505 calls in 2008. 95% of their riders are female, 30% are unemployed, 82% have children, and nearly 60% have children living at home.

The transportation program is clearly a vital component of Use What You've Got Prison Ministry. The organization also offers other important services such as education, family advocacy, outreach, and support groups. Last year, they hosted a women's retreat, a parenting and life skills class, survival skills course, and health fair - "Keep Your Life in Sync." Outreach programs include donating clothing to needy families within their programs, assisting families with Christmas gifts to 150 children involved in their programs, and providing holiday food baskets to families. They also facilitate several support groups, such as a girlfriend support group (including a workshop on depression) and a "Girls Beyond Beauty" support group for young girls.

Families separated by incarceration and with limited options can find great support and consolation from Use What You've Got Prison Ministry. As someone who values spending time with my family members, I appreciate the great work of this organization and Women's Fund's support.