How did the idea for the prisoner release program start?
Aloma: We are very fond of the verse in Matthew 25:40 that says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Before that verse, it talks about visiting prisoners. So as part of our ministry, we decided to visit prisons and we saw not only some horrible conditions, but also that there were people who were in prison only because they didn’t have money to pay a fine. They might owe the equivalent of $20 but they have been there for two years because they don’t have any way to pay that fine. So we never release those that have committed any heinous crimes; needless to say they wouldn’t release them. But the ones who are there because they couldn’t pay their fines – whether it be because they couldn’t pay rent or stole a loaf of bread for their children – we help pay the fine for their release. CP: What is the usual amount of time these men are in jail before they are released? Aloma: It varies. We try to release them on a religious holiday, on Christm
Related Questions
- How are release decisions being made right now? Are youth completing the program (A4B4C4) or are they just released automatically when their minimum lengths of stay are complete?
- Does an insureds enrollment in the program release the administrator from HIPAA issues, since claim information and reimbursement will be exchanged?
- Once a pen pal match is made, what information does The Pen Pal Program give the prisoner about the volunteer?
