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Prison & Mentor Ministries

6th Judicial District Adult Mentoring Program

Mentor & Circle of Support—Training offered throughout the year
 The Department of Correctional Services needs volunteer mentors to help empower offenders in our community to
make positive life choices.  The workshop  cover the information  you need to start mentoring. Volunteers can mentor in tow different ways:
 1. Mentors can work 1-on-1 with clients, assisting them to make pro-social choices, overcomeobstacles and reach goals.  The mentor develops a trusting relationship with a mentee who is screened and matched specifically for them based upon shared interests, skills, and goals.
 2. Groups of mentors can also form a Circle of Support & Accountability (CSA)  to support an
offender by using circle dialogue processes that allow people to respectfully discuss difficult issues in safe ways. 
CSAs surround the mentee with individuals that pledge to support them and hole them accountable to their goals.  
 
The program is about CHANGE; in beliefs, attitudes and philosophyabout reintegrating offenders into our
communities.  Many of these offenders come from lives of being wounded from an early age.   Help provide a positive
support for the offender as he/she transitions to re-enter the community.

"Lord, When did we see you ill or in prison, and not visit you?”

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I have been in and out of prison for the last fifteen years….I just completed parole and have been clean for the longest point in over ten years.        
 
My name is Tammy, I’m in my forties, and have led a very  different kind of life. I remember being young and wondering if  everyone had a life like mine, I guess I just thought it was normal.   My siblings and I endured all kinds of abuse, from physical and emotional to sexual. Learning to steal at a young age, to feed my other sisters and brother. I left home at sixteen and have never been back.....

...During my last  incarceration I was approached by circles of support, it was a new program in Linn County and my parole officer wanted me to participate in it.  I did and had the blessing of working with Diane Wurzer, Mary Knight & David Krob.  (from St. Marys)....

...I  love my apartment and the people in my life. I am so grateful for their continuing love and support.

Read Tammy's Story

Mentoring Ministry for those on Parole

If you have ever been gone from home for more than a few days you know that when you get back you have a ton of things to do. You need to do laundry, grocery shop, sort through the mail, etc. You may be a little
overwhelmed those first couple of days but then you eventually get back into your routine.
 
Just imagine what it is like for someone who has been in jail for a long period of time. They have to figure out where they are going to live, they have to find a job, how are they going to pay their bills, how can they avoid
the old crowd they used to hang around with, etc. Talk about being overwhelmed.

 If anyone is interested in becoming a mentor they can contact Diane Wurzer by email or at 319-624-2719 for more information. 

Informational meetings are held throughout the year.