In Your Cell lets volunteers ‘adopt’ inmates
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ESCANABA -- "In Your Cell" (IYC) Ministry outreach, now operating out of Wellspring Church in Delta County, began nine years ago when Mike Olson founded it. It became connected to Wellspring about three years ago. Beginning initially with inmates at the Delta County Jail, the outreach now extends to prisoners in three U.P. county jails, most of Michigan's 28 state prisons and even two federal facilities. At this moment staff volunteers, Becky Berndt and Olson are in contact with about 40 current and ex-inmates.
It is the mission of "In Your Cell" to offer inmates the fact the IYC "has their backs," the desire to give them a hand up and not a hand-out and the offer to capture a piece of their hearts while offering ours.
The name "In Your Cell" comes from the saying… "A friend would write you in jail; a good friend would visit you, and your best friend would be in your cell." Obviously, IYC cannot do the latter, but it is the hope to be able to relate to the incarcerated men and women by U.S. mail, phone calls, visits and Olson's or Berndt's presence in the courtrooms when asked. It is the goal of IYC to offer respect, support, encouragement, a confidential listening ear, Biblical good news and inspiration. IYC does not push religion, but role models Jesus.
In this outreach, IYC deals a lot with the 80/20 statistic: 80% of Michigan inmates will be back behind bars in 1-5 years; 20% of inmates today have zero to little outside contact. And, by IYC experience and prisoners' own words, only about 20% of inmates take positive advantage of their incarceration, by exercising, getting a job, using the library, going to church, AA, NA, getting a GED, etc. It is this 20% that usually stays in contact long term with IYC.
Berndt and Olson also stay in contact with four statewide organizations working to eliminate "isolation" as punishment and to reinstate a "good time" policy to reward inmates who keep good discipline records to earn early-outs.
IYC's outreach differs from other ministries which focus on services, weekly Bible studies, etc. The IYC aim is personal contact. IYC works indirectly with chaplains to provide one-on-one relationships. One recent direction has been visiting many of the 20% in Michigan prisoners who are diagnosed with mental illnesses. IYC staff also work with attorneys, social service agencies, officers, clergy, inmates' families, etc. Once a local operation, IYC is now connected to many non-local inmates due to word or mouth and monthly newsletters read by non-locals.
Since its inception 9 years ago, IYC has touched the lives of about 150 inmates and many family members. Success can be hard to measure or evaluate, but personal stories and accolades given reinforce IYC efforts, inspiring an even further, recent outreach.
Locally, IYC has the following needs that it is hoped local readers can respond to:
1. Three years ago, an adoption program was begun whereby a family, couple or individual adult "adopts" a Michigan prisoner to write one U.S. mail letter per month to to offer encouragement and support. The adopter sends only the one letter, no phone calls, money, etc. -- a 30-45 minute monthly requirement. The inmate does similarly, and a one-year commitment is requested. Twelve men have already been adopted. Right now, about 10 more are seeking adoption. All are vetted.
If desired, mail from inmates be sent to Olson's or Berndt's address. IYC has had no issues with this process and great two-way results. Adopters do not have to be local.
IYC does ask adopters to be cordial to Christianity.
2. IYC is also seeking a male volunteer to assist with the ever-growing workload regarding local contacts. The role requires approximately 4-6 hours of commitment per week, and a young ex-con is ideal. The main job requirement: compassionate desire.
3. Due to current wifi limited access, IYC is seeking a local wifi connection from 6-10 p.m. on weeknights. A basement, garage, business, home, church, or other building is acceptable. Church night key access would be ideal.
4. Wellspring furnishes a small, monthly stipend currently, but financial assistance is always in demand. Phone calls and prison visits are very expensive.
5. IYC usually does not contact inmates blindly, but does respond to referrals by family, friends, relatives, etc. for visits and contacts.
Berndt and Olson find it their honor and privilege to provide the incarcerated with care and compassion, something often missing in many jails and prisons. Many behind bars have no idea that Jesus himself commanded his followers to "visit those in prison."
If you have a desire to make a difference through this ministry, contact Mike Olson via email at wyolaramie@yahoo.com. He will then contact you by phone regarding adoption, office space, volunteering, initiating a visit, etc. IYC also relishes your prayer support.