Volunteer
Volunteer opportunities are listed here as a service to correctional ministries. Please contact the ministry directly if you are interested in volunteering. Inclusion in this list does not imply endosement by IPM of the ministry.
Alpha USA is a national network of churches who participate in the Alpha courses. Their prison ministry division seeks to assist inmates and ex-offenders through discipleship and mentoring. www.alphausa.org
Annie E. Casey Foundation Founded in 1948, the primary mission of the Annie E. Casey Foundation is to foster public policies, human-service reforms, and community supports that more effectively meet the needs of today’s vulnerable children and families.A recent initiative has focused on providing resources for church and faith-based organizations in ministering to the needs of families impacted by incarceration. For information and resources to help your church or faith-based organization minister to this important group, click here.
Champions for Life Prison evangelism events throughout the nation in adult and juvenile facilities. www.lifechampions.org
Child Evangelism Fellowship has a program called What Went Wrong? which provides booklets to inmates that allows them to enroll their children in CEF's Mailbox Club, where they receive Bible Study lessons through the mail. Volunteers are needed to help in the Mailbox Club in Warrenton, MO and to distribute the materials in prisons throughout the U. S. For more information: http://www.cefonline.com/content/view/107/270
Crossroads Bible Institute provides free Bible correspondence courses to inmates; become an instructor (correct lessons and write letters of encouragement to inmates.) www.crossroadbible.org
Forgiven Ministries sponsors day camps for children of inmates at the correctional facility where their parent is housed; provides an opportunity for reconciliation and bonding between parent and child. www.forgivenministry.org
Good News Jail & Prison Ministries places chaplains in jails and prisons throughout the country. Check with their local chaplain to see what volunteer opportunities might be available. www.goodnewsjail.org
Kairos Prison Ministries International Three day events in prisons throughout the country. www.kairosprisonministry.org
Prison Fellowship Monthly opportunities for cell-to-cell visitation, teaching and mentoring at area prisons throughout the country. www.pfm.org
Storybook Project for Children Why not help incarcerated parents provide a personalized storybook tape for their child? Its a simple thing that can mean the world to both child and parent. Click here for a description of the program.
Wings Ministry Wings Ministry was founded in 1995 with the mission to bring families of prisoners and Christian volunteers together as children of God. The Wings Ministry uses a model of nurturing ministry by hosting community parties centered around Christmas,Easter and Back-to-School, in order to reach families at these important times throughout the year. We facilitate parties in juvenile and adult correctional facilities with the goal of reuniting families for a time of fun interaction within the prison setting. Locations: Grants, NM; Las Lunas, NM, Springer, NM; Santa Rosa, NM; Roswell, NM; Colorado Springs, CO; Lancaster, OH; Houston, TX; & McMinnville,TN. http://wingsministry.org
Worldwide Voice of the Wilderness ministers to inmates and ex-offenders in 7 states. www.wvin.com
Youth Direct Day events in juvenile facilities nationwide. www.youthdirect.org
STATES
FLORIDA
For a listing of prison ministry volunteer opportunities, click here.
Juvenile Facilities volunteer opportunities, click here.
ILLINOIS
Dupage County Probation & Court Services
Multiple volunteer opportunities are available for work with juveniles in the Detention Center in Wheaton, IL. For a complete description of duties, training, and application process, click here or contact Steven Wolfe, Intern/Volunteer Coordinator, 503 North County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187 630-407-8416 or steven.wolfe@dupageco.org
JUST of DuPage County, IL JUST offers a comprehensive educational, spiritual and recovery services to inmates of the county jail. Contact JUST at 630-407-2201.
Stateville Cell-to-Cell
Monthly cell-to-cell visitation on 3rd and 4th Saturday of each month. You will visit men in this maximum security prison who are confined to their cell over 23 hours per day. For more information, click here.
WEST VIRGINIA
USP Hazelton - easily accessible from I-68, approximately 30 minutes from West Virginia University
Our vision for USP Hazelton is to be respected as one of the most innovative and vital correctional institution for offenders. Maintaining optimal safety and security will be harmoniously balanced with dynamic programs which allow inmates to holistically heal past issues, learn effective strategies for living a vibrant law-abiding life, and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
If you would like to contribute your skills, talent, and time in truly making a difference in the lives of the inmates incarcerated here, we would love to talk with you. Together we can make our vision a reality.
Volunteer opportunities include: Teaching basic adult education or serving as a reading tutor; teaching aerobics, helping to grow a garden, teaching carpentry skills, facilitating sewing, teaching art, music, dance or creative writing; giving an educational lecture or motivational speech in our Success Skills Program; leading a worship service, prayer circle or meditation class; assist with reentry programs; completing an internship; sponsoring an AA or NA group; assisting with the parenting program, or bringing your unique talent to help our inmates learn new skills and grow.
Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age; All Applicants are subject to a satisfactory completion of a security background check.
For further information, please contact: Katie Dawson Volunteer Coordinator (304) 379-5097 or kdawson@bop.gov
