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The Transition / Re-Entry SIG Is dedicated to providing support to individuals preparing incarcerated and detained individuals to return to become productive members of their communities . Transitional professionals help prepare Transition Plans with their clients, including preparation for career development, continuing education, housing and participation in community services.
MUM Offers Innovative Programs
Posted by:
Jerry Bednarowski
()
Date: May 11, 2012 09:48AM
MUM Offers Innovative Programs
Madison-area Urban Ministry (MUM) was formed in 1971 and has evolved into an interfaith social justice organization that has spurred social change in and around Dane County. Based on their mission to be “a prophetic voice for justice, neighbors working together for social change,” MUM has served as an incubator for innovative ideas and new projects. Some of these projects provide services to incarcerated individuals and their families. For more information about the MUM programs visit their website: www.emum.org.
Circle of Support
Developed in 2003, MUM's Circle of Support program utilizes groups of four to six community volunteers, recruited, screened and trained by MUM, to meet weekly with offenders newly released from prison. The person newly released, or “Core Circle Member” finds a new community, a support network to welcome him or her home. The Circle of Support offers a respectful, positive and supportive environment for the Core Team Member as they adjust to the demands and challenges of everyday life on the outside. The Circles of Support Program is effective because it provides a space for the Core Team Member to be heard, to be encouraged and to be respected.
The following is what one Core Member had to say about his experience in Circle of Support:
“I’ve enjoyed working with MUM because they’ve helped me to enroll in finance and employability classes which have been truly helpful being that I’ve never worked or had to pay my own bills. I work with MUM in a few other areas as well, such as advice in healthy relationships of any kind, any depressing thoughts and on how to deal with them… I meet with MUM every week and we go over whatever pressing thoughts or issues I have had that week which helps me to keep myself in check…I feel that they are extraordinary people for trying to help to give those of us that others call monsters a second chance at life and not just a life, but a meaningful life. There are some who don’t get that second chance. I wake up every morning and give praise to my Father that I have people in my corner that are willing to take the time to help and work with me on my day to day issues. So to MUM, thanks.”
Mentoring, Family Connections and Reading Connections
Madison-area Urban Ministry has three programs specifically designed to address the unique needs and concerns of children who have with a parent in jail, prison or awaiting sentencing. The programs are: Mentoring, Family Connections and Reading Connections. Children who have a parent in jail, prison or awaiting sentencing are often among the most vulnerable in our community. Not only have these children experienced the loss of a parent through incarceration, but they also experience disruption in their living situation and they worry about their parent. MUM’s Mentoring Connections, Family Connections and Reading Connections are all designed to support children during a parent’s incarceration.
Re-entry Simulations
MUM’s Re-entry Simulations are conducted in various Wisconsin prisons, always with the goal of helping to prepare offenders for their release. In these simulations the participants have a dress rehearsal, achieving tasks they have identified for themselves as necessary for successful re-entry. The program also offers an opportunity for participants to meet MUM’s re-entry staff and to learn more about resources in the community to which they will be released.
The Phoenix Initiative
The Phoenix Initiative is a structured support group for formerly incarcerated men and women. Consistent with evidence based practices that call for gender specific and responsive programming for women there are two Phoenix Initiative groups, one for men and one for women. The groups are led by formerly incarcerated men and women and are structured to provide mentoring and leadership development. They follow a Restorative Justice model, by offering opportunities to help repair the harm done to the community by crime.
Ready to Rent
Ready to Rent is an educational workshop based on the Rent Smart curriculum developed by the University of Wisconsin-Extension. The curriculum focuses on budgeting, understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, maintaining your home, landlord/tenant relationships, and other areas related to a successful renting experience. The program is an outgrowth of the Greater Isthmus Group with some financial support for the program coming from the Apartment Association of South Central Wisconsin.
Madison-area Urban Ministry (MUM) was formed in 1971 and has evolved into an interfaith social justice organization that has spurred social change in and around Dane County. Based on their mission to be “a prophetic voice for justice, neighbors working together for social change,” MUM has served as an incubator for innovative ideas and new projects. Some of these projects provide services to incarcerated individuals and their families. For more information about the MUM programs visit their website: www.emum.org.
Circle of Support
Developed in 2003, MUM's Circle of Support program utilizes groups of four to six community volunteers, recruited, screened and trained by MUM, to meet weekly with offenders newly released from prison. The person newly released, or “Core Circle Member” finds a new community, a support network to welcome him or her home. The Circle of Support offers a respectful, positive and supportive environment for the Core Team Member as they adjust to the demands and challenges of everyday life on the outside. The Circles of Support Program is effective because it provides a space for the Core Team Member to be heard, to be encouraged and to be respected.
The following is what one Core Member had to say about his experience in Circle of Support:
“I’ve enjoyed working with MUM because they’ve helped me to enroll in finance and employability classes which have been truly helpful being that I’ve never worked or had to pay my own bills. I work with MUM in a few other areas as well, such as advice in healthy relationships of any kind, any depressing thoughts and on how to deal with them… I meet with MUM every week and we go over whatever pressing thoughts or issues I have had that week which helps me to keep myself in check…I feel that they are extraordinary people for trying to help to give those of us that others call monsters a second chance at life and not just a life, but a meaningful life. There are some who don’t get that second chance. I wake up every morning and give praise to my Father that I have people in my corner that are willing to take the time to help and work with me on my day to day issues. So to MUM, thanks.”
Mentoring, Family Connections and Reading Connections
Madison-area Urban Ministry has three programs specifically designed to address the unique needs and concerns of children who have with a parent in jail, prison or awaiting sentencing. The programs are: Mentoring, Family Connections and Reading Connections. Children who have a parent in jail, prison or awaiting sentencing are often among the most vulnerable in our community. Not only have these children experienced the loss of a parent through incarceration, but they also experience disruption in their living situation and they worry about their parent. MUM’s Mentoring Connections, Family Connections and Reading Connections are all designed to support children during a parent’s incarceration.
Re-entry Simulations
MUM’s Re-entry Simulations are conducted in various Wisconsin prisons, always with the goal of helping to prepare offenders for their release. In these simulations the participants have a dress rehearsal, achieving tasks they have identified for themselves as necessary for successful re-entry. The program also offers an opportunity for participants to meet MUM’s re-entry staff and to learn more about resources in the community to which they will be released.
The Phoenix Initiative
The Phoenix Initiative is a structured support group for formerly incarcerated men and women. Consistent with evidence based practices that call for gender specific and responsive programming for women there are two Phoenix Initiative groups, one for men and one for women. The groups are led by formerly incarcerated men and women and are structured to provide mentoring and leadership development. They follow a Restorative Justice model, by offering opportunities to help repair the harm done to the community by crime.
Ready to Rent
Ready to Rent is an educational workshop based on the Rent Smart curriculum developed by the University of Wisconsin-Extension. The curriculum focuses on budgeting, understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, maintaining your home, landlord/tenant relationships, and other areas related to a successful renting experience. The program is an outgrowth of the Greater Isthmus Group with some financial support for the program coming from the Apartment Association of South Central Wisconsin.
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