We need your help--everyone has gifts to offer! Both Pastoral Care and Justice Advocacy can be practiced inside the prison, outside the prison and in various support service roles. Below are some ways you can help. 

INSIDE THE PRISON

Pastoral Care

• Sacramental, catechetical
• Programs, educational

Justice Advocacy

• Restorative justice
• Legal assistance

OUTSIDE THE PRISON

Pastoral Care

• Religious materials
• Reentry programs
• Family/Victim support
• Death penalty/sentencing
• Prison privatization
• Immigrant detention

Support Services

• Clerical/Internet
• Intercessory prayer
• Parish/Diocese Awareness
• Fundraising/hygiene supplies

Volunteers for Our Brothers' Keepers (OBK) Returning Citizens

• Teach reading, writing, social skills and other returning citizens to read
• Teach basic computer skills
• Mentor returning citizens
• Find affordable housing in St. Clair and Madison counties
• Search for job opportunities for returning citizens
• Collect items for hygiene kits for returning citizens

 Volunteers to Help Address OBK Program Needs

• Expand OBK outreach using social media skills
• Assist in preparation of news articles for OBK web and newsletter
• Assist grant writer in submitting applications
• Develop and update data base for contact lists
• Explore various fundraising venues

We provide speakers to parish and diocesan groups about how they can support and strengthen prison ministry and OBK reentry ministry needs. We are also willing to help volunteers to discern what areas of ministry outside the prison walls they would like to work in. Volunteers who are gifted to work inside the prison walls require special training and also approval of the Illinois Department of Corrections. This can be a process of discernment and approval that takes from 12-15 months.