Fall is in full swing and with it our recent graduates have begun the transition into the next chapter of their lives. Since the graduation ceremony in July, many of the graduates have accepted tutoring roles in the education department. Several others have accepted jobs in barbershops at two different institutions (they were previously licensed as barbers). Additionally, a number of graduates have been approved for medium security and are currently being sent out to other institutions throughout the state. All of these developments have put the graduates in position to witness the love of Christ to inmates throughout the prison system. And, by all accounts, that’s exactly what they’re doing! They’ve also been talking up the program at every opportunity. Our prayer is that as the graduates begin to disburse across the prison system in the coming months, word of the merits of the program will spread and God will stir many to pursue admission in the years ahead.
Back in the classroom, the new school term is underway and our newest cohort will be starting in late October. Thank you for your continued prayer as we begin another schoolyear.
Last month we enjoyed our 2021 WIEA Gala at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield, WI. Friends and supporters of the WIEA gathered together for an evening of celebration and reflection of all God has done over the past five years. If you were unable to join us, you can view a recording of the event here.
At one point during the Gala, attendees were encouraged to pray ahead of an important upcoming meeting we had scheduled with Wisconsin epartment of Corrections (DOC) Secretary Kevin Carr. We discussed several important issues including the recruitment of new students into the program and establishing a more formal plan for program graduates. We’re happy to report the meeting could not have gone better. Secretary Carr reiterated his support for the program and pledged his assistance in getting as many students as possible admitted. It is amazing to see how strong our relationship has become with the DOC over the years. We are grateful.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support of the WIEA. The work going on in Waupun (and beyond) is not possible without all of you.
WIEA wanted to say a heartfelt "Congratulations" to our partners at Trinity International University for receiving the Eisenberg Award for your work with Waupun Correctional Institute.
"Awarded annually, the Eisenberg Award is handed out by the Public Defender Board in recognition of those who have had a substantial impact on the indigent defense community, the rights of our poorest citizens and/or the criminal justice system. The award is named in honor of Dean Howard Eisenberg."
Thank you for your continued prayer, partnership and generosity. Specific prayer requests:
Pray that God uses each of our graduates according to His will
Pray for the new journey that our graduates are now on, and that they will not only remember the academics of the program, but the interpersonal times as well
Pray for our new Senior and Sophomore classes - that the graduation of their colleagues encourages them to finish strong
Pray for our new Freshman class - that God is already working in their hearts for positive change
Pray for all of our faculty - that they can not only celebrate the fruit of their labor with our graduates, but feel the call from God for future classes
Pray for the supporters of WIEA - that they feel the pride of a job well done by those they have supported with their prayers and treasures
Pray for continued strong relationship with the DOC and Trinity International University
Pray for God to go before us as we have conversations about a woman's program