Prison Ministries Programming

PRISON MINISTRIES PROGRAMMING

Prison Ministries programs provide opportunities for inmates and community members to engage in restorative activities.

PROGRAM CONTACT
Kenzie Brister, Program Director
[email protected]

[My M-2 volunteer] remembers things that we talked about during our monthly visits, things like my children's names, discussions about different family members, and the struggles we face. He remembers books that I told him were extremely influential in helping me become a better person! My own family doesn't care about such things. To choose those things to matter to him, I realize, is a choice which makes all the difference in the world to me!
M-2 Inmate Participant

M-2 PROGRAM

M-2 is a partnership program with Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) that "matches two" - a volunteer visitor from the community with a resident in prison - for monthly visits. Since 1973, M-2 has helped to build relationships between folks on the inside and outside of prison walls. Visitors and residents meet for an hour and half to talk, share food and encouragement. This simple act of connection demonstrates that all are made in the image of God and worthy of relationship and support.

How to become an M-2 Voluneer

APPLY

Fill out a volunteer form

TRAINING
Participate in a brief
training at HCF

VISIT
Once approved, meet monthly
with your assigned resident

Prison Pen Pal Project

OVM invites the community to engage inmates through a Pen Pal experience. Community members have the opportunity to act with restorative practices by corresponding with an incarcerated man. Staff will match you with an inmate, and you commit to exchange letters at least once a month for a year.

For more information contact Emily, Program Coordinator
To get involved as a Pen Pal, fill out the volunteer form below

become a pen pal

PRISON ARTS

OVM's Prison Arts programs are currently paused.

In the past, OVM volunteers cooperated with HCF to offer a variety of creative programs including music, drama, art, and creative writing.

Read about some past projects:
Inside Story, dramatic skits presented by inmates and students through cooperation with Bethel College Theater department: https://anabaptistworld.org/prison-theater-project-reveals-freedom-behind-bars/
Portraits of Change, art exhibit by participants in an art class inside HCF: https://www.hesston.edu/2013/03/art-gallery-features-portraits-of-change/
Breaking Chains: Poetry class at HCF https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NIDCc5cTY7a8y89um9OlSw16SjNEMOp2/view?usp=sharing