Locked behind bars for the majority of an adult life, one may have lost hope long ago about living a life with purpose. Yet, when we ask the men what they think success would look like in our program, we hear so little thought of themselves and more about what the program means to those surrounding them. We do not hear that earning a BA will help them with their current situation. But over and over, we hear that this is an opportunity for them to help others. This is an opportunity for them to be a lighthouse with the light shining into those inside the walls and outside of the walls of prison. This is an opportunity for them to break free from the chains of bondage. This is an opportunity for a positive ripple to be felt inside the prison among fellow inmates, and outside with their families. This is an opportunity to see new growth coming from a dead tree. This is an opportunity to add money to their experiential credit card that they can use later. Themes of serving are woven throughout most responses. They want purpose. Direction. To be a part of positive change. Maybe this is because they’ve seen the worst. They have seen the worst in themselves and what they are capable of doing. They know what it is to live with limited choices and rigid routines set by others. They know what it means to live without a purpose, and to be on a road that leads down a destructive path. They want to be a part of the solution…They want to live with purpose.
Prayer Requests
Partnerships. Traveling around the state, WIEA has the privilege to be introduced to churches, foundations, businesses, and individuals who are interested in what is happening at Waupun Correctional Institution.
Please pray that God opens hearts to our work.
Application Process. Each week inmates are reaching out to our Dean of Academics asking for more information about our program. Applications should be available shortly. Please pray for discernment for all parties involved.
Community Impact. Father’s Day was difficult for our students and especially for their children. Pray for these families, that even while their dads may be behind bars that they can instill a sense of positive purpose and even the benefits of education!
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” – Galatians 6:9