Success Stories

Our Brothers’ Keepers provides a holistic, multi-faceted approach that supports a returning citizens’ transition back into the community. Full integration in the community is demonstrated by a stable lifestyle whichincludes the necessary identification, dignified housing, and employment with reliable income, possession of life skills, a willingness to be sober / addiction free, and strong family and faith-based relationships. We have heard of many success stories through our work in this reentry ministry and will share some of these that we have been involved with.

Nothing is set in stone

By: Brandon Craighead Musings

To the brother’s and sister’s living behind bars I come to you with a message of hope, inspiration and motivation.

I was once behind these same walls (Menard for 16 years) serving a life sentence that I received as a juvenile. Instead of allowing my predicament to define I instead choose to use my time to elevate myself beyond my circumstances. What I was dealing with, as you’ll doing now didn’t provide much hope for success but I didn’t or wouldn’t allow that to deter me. I lived every day of my time behind those walls planning, praying and preparing for the day that I would be released because I knew one day it would come. Never once did I believe that jail would be the end for me and those that know me will vouch for that. We all know that not much is provided to us to inspire hope so we do what we need to not lose it. Once we walk out that door we are for the most part left to fend for ourselves which in most cases leads to individuals coming back. It is incumbent upon you’ll, as it was for me, to take advantage of whatever avenue you can grasp to educate yourself, to ensure that when you do get out you can be a success.

Some may look at their situation and say what the hell is he talking about, I’m goanna die in this place, and I won’t argue with you. You have the right to believe how you want, but remember I once had the same sentence and look at me now. Nothing is set in stone and the future holds no guarantees except death.

Every last one of you’ll have a unique gift and that gift is to be and do whatever you set your mind to. There’s goanna be a lot of obstacles put in your way to block your progress but confidence and faith is essential to whatever you do in life. The system only wins if you give upand conform to their expectations. I know what I’m saying may sound far-fetched but I am a prime example as is a whole lot of dudes and ladies of where new thinking can lead you to. From Natural Life to Freedom. The only way I was supposed to leave there was in a box but instead I walked out on my own two feet.

While I was in there I constantly researched and looked for people and organizations that assist returning citizens. While there I didn’t know how I was goanna take care of myself when I got out. You would be amazed at how many organizations and program that exist out here to help. Effort that’s all that’s required.

I am praying for each and every one of you. Those I know and those that I don’t. I know the struggle you’ll is dealing with and I empathize because I lived that struggle. Keep your head up and keep the faith. Nothing is for certain and set in stone.

Faith

By Ernest Rice-Bey

There are many different ways by which one can start to make a difference in the lives of others, but the one true and most important way starts with loving one’s own self. Yes, the good that anyone does for others will cause that person to develop strength and
character, thus bringing about a change in one’s own life.

This is what I learned in prison; in order to better myself I had to become selfless and seek to make a difference in the lives of others who seemed to be struggling to find or stay on the path of what is called “doing the right thing”. Doing the right thing will cause one to be a better person inside the prison and will prepare you for when you are released. You won’t have to struggle very much if you work on yourself while in prison.

We all have our two selves: Higher and Lower Selves. The Higher Self is Justice, Mercy, Love and Right. The Lower Self is what the Higher Self is not, it breeds hatred, slander, lewdness, murder and everything that harms.

We must learn to think with our Higher mind in order to escape the illusions of the world. We are all social beings, the enjoyments, comforts and the pleasures of life are yours to claim as long as you remain within the confines of doing that which is Right. Having this mindset is what helped me during my time in prison. I enjoyed the ease and tranquility of my heart while also rejoicing in the happiness and prosperity of my neighbor. I decided that I would no longer be a part of the revolving door of recidivism, so I had to begin working on building character starting
with Faith, by first believing that it could be done.

The chains that bind us are best illusions. If we stand and use the power of will, these chains will fall like worthless rags, for Faith is stronger than the stoutest chains man can ever make.

The Bright Light

By Earnest D. Rice-Bey

In 1976 I was recruited into a gang called The Metro’s, but this particular gang considered themselves an organization as did most gangs to remove the stigma of negativity from themselves. I was seventeen at the time and this was also my first time in prison, I would eventually end up serving two more prison terms for both Armed Robbery and Armed Violence. How I became involved in the street life can only be contributed to the kinds of individuals that I chose to be involved with who would eventually introduce me to the life of alcohol and drugs. I was trapped in a delusionary world of drugs, gangs, fast cars and pretty girls, I was headed down a path of destruction, I thought I was in control but soon I discovered that I was not. One day it happened, I was blinded by this great light, like Paul in the scriptures of the Bible, I also saw this great light that blinded my vision and caused me to humble myself and to view my circumstances from a different perspective.

I was knocked off my high horse and blinded by a light so bright that it was at first beyond my understanding but when my vision returned and time went by, I continued to be convinced that the way I was living my life wasn’t the way God intended so I began to change, slowly and methodically God began to show me what the plan was for my life.

I am here today a transformed individual. By the grace of our higher power I stand before all and boldly speak upon the magnificence of the power that exists within us all to be able to make a difference in the lives of others. We have within us the unlimited capacity for progress but it must be cultivated and nurtured by THE GREAT LIGHT of God our higher power that lies deep within us waiting patiently for us to realize its presence and make a decision just like I did when I chose to join a gang. The choice is yours. Today I am a community activist, I am very active in my community. I am a USA level 1 Boxing coach at Arthur Johnson’s Activity Center in East St. Louis, IL. I am also an outreach worker for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois/OBK – Our Brother’s Keepers and we are our brothers’ keeper as well as our sisters’ too. We can’t leave them out. Our women are a very important part of us. I am a former Americorps member also but most importantly I am a youth advocate for all troubled youth, simply because I used to be one of you too. Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom and Justice.

Support Prayer

By Earnest D. Rice-Bey

Hello everyone, I pray all is well with you in your perspective places at home and in business.

During these difficult times we all are doing the best we can to operate as efficiently as possible in our positions of social duties.  When we consider the wants and needs of our clients, we must also remember our own imperfections and acknowledge that we are sons and daughters of humanity honored by God and endowed with the spirit of love and good faith.

We, as  outreach workers are placed in society to tend to the needs of others and to insure a successful reentry into the bands of society. Mutual obligations, protection from injuries, the enjoyments of the comforts and pleasures of life, all these we owe to the assistance of others

It is our duty, therefore, to be a friend to mankind. As the rose breaths its sweetness from its own nature, so the heart of a benevolent person produces good works. I hope everyone is being safe and continue to practice social distancing.  We , the staff here in East St Louis are doing all we can to keep up with files, it has been a little tedious  working from home  and insuring our client’s needs are met but we pull together and we get the job done. There are some magnificent ideas and organizational planning that has been placed on the roster in preparation for the reopening of LSSI/OBK here in our fair city of East St Louis.  We wish you all happiness in enjoying what you do and for the happiness of all men.      Blessing and peace,

Ernest D. Rice-Bey (LSSI/OBK Program Aide)

Re-entry Program is ‘an Outlet for Good’ Ivan Carmona Interview at OBK/LSSI Reentry Opening

By Christopher Orlet, Editor of Messenger, Belleville Diocese

“If it weren’t for the re-entry program I’d be back in jail,” Ivan Carmona says.
 
Carmona spent seven years behind bars at the Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mt. Sterling. After his release he prayed he wouldn’t have to return to the streets of south Chicago. “I knew if I went back to Chicago I’d be right back in the same chaos,” he says.
 
Carmona’s prayers were answered. A social worker hooked him up with a re-entry program in Marion, Lutheran Prisoner and Family Ministry. The result has been life changing.
 
During those seven years of incarceration, Carmona studied botany and grew vegetables on the prison grounds. Now he grows food for local public schools and food pantries in the food deserts around Cairo as part of a green reentry opportunities program.
 
Carmona was one of those in attendance May 11 at the opening of a cooperative program that provides reentry services for ex-offenders. The new criminal justice ministry, sponsored by Our Brothers’ Keepers, which organizes re-entry services for the Diocese of Belleville; Lutheran Social Services, and New Life Community Church in East St. Louis, where the program is housed, is an example of three local religious groups coming together to make a difference.
 
“How fitting that these services are offered at a place called New Life,” says Father Christian Reuter, OFM, who along with Bishop Stanley G. Schlarman, started Our Brothers Keepers.
 
According to Lou Slapshak, OBK secretary, the new ministry connects ex-offenders with vital services that promote successful reintegration back into their community. Ideally, the services will give ex-offenders jobs skills and experience, a support system and a stable life.
 
“Without these things nearly all who are incarcerated will return to their communities without the necessary help and about half will be locked up within three to five years,” Slapshak says.
 
According to organizers, ex-offenders meet regularly with an outreach worker to create a plan for their future. All of their life needs are addressed, including employment, education, housing, personal needs and family relations. Services include a 23-day, computer-based program that covers all aspects of employment training, from resume writing to interview skills.

Father Reuter calls prisoner reentry–from death in confinement to freedom in society–one of the pathways to new life. “Reentry ministry makes us midwives for rebirth,” he says.
 
Meanwhile, Slapshak says Our Brothers Keepers is moving forward with plans to build a re-entry home in East St. Louis that will house six ex-offenders who will live as a family. “We’re providing the services first, but we will continue the search for the home,” he says.
 
Carmona, who has two young daughters, says the program “gave me an outlet to put my energies to something good.”

Personal Testimony from John Steve a Returning Citizen 

Presented to the East St. Louis Planning Commission November, 2017

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois through their Prisoner and Family Ministry has provided housing for me and others when I had nowhere else to go. Prisoner and Family Ministry gave me affordable housing. At the time I was very grateful that they gave me a chance that others didn’t. To house someone in need who is trying to relocate is very critical so that they can restart their lives. Many doors/opportunities probably would not have opened if I had to return back to the South side of Chicago (Back to the Yards).

I had the opportunity and privilege to not only as a resident but be a mentor to those who were lost and or confused about what they wanted in life. I was able to form relationships and help them by guiding/leading them along with the support of Prisoner and Family Ministry.

I then learned to share hope, strength, and experience with someone who was in the same position such as me. It was not only worthwhile, but intended for me. It gave me encouragement, inspiration and strength to keep my eye on the prize. My best experience from the housing program I took with me was knowing that because of the program, people received a chance, received a job, made the decision to start school, help others, restore relationships with love ones and most of all with themselves!

Columbia man credits prison ministry for getting life on track

Story Credit: Belleville Messenger

For most of his adult life John Woods was known as Prisoner No. B27737.

Woods, 45, has been in and out of the Illinois and Missouri prison systems since the early 90s.

“I would always end up back behind bars within a month or two for using drugs or committing burglaries,” he said.

However, on a recent chilly February morning Woods was marking his 64th day of freedom. He was paroled from Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center in East St. Louis (the former Assumption Catholic High School) in October.

“This is the longest I’ve been out and not used drugs or done anything illegal since 1993,” he said.

Woods said he owes it all to the Office of Prison Ministry, one of the ministries supported by The Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal. Prison Ministry brings Catholic service and perspective to those affected by incarceration in the 28 counties in the Diocese of Belleville, including their families, victims and communities.

“John is a good example of when prison ministry works,” said Father Christian Reuter, OFM, Prison Ministry coordinator.

Woods recently got a job driving a truck for a glass company in Missouri and on Sundays he attends Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia where he lives with his mother. “I’ve been getting lots of compliments from my family and from old friends who are also working hard to straighten out their lives,” he said.

Woods was raised a Roman Catholic and attended grade school at St. Catherine Laboure in Cahokia, but had to leave because he required special schooling which could only be had at the public school.

In his teens he got involved with the wrong crowd, began using drugs and committing burglaries to pay for the drugs.

That was pretty much his life story until one day when he found himself locked in a dorm with 24 other prisoners in a prison. “I had a problem with a guy and for some reason I started praying. I said ‘God, if you leave this guy in this room I’m going to put my hands on him.’

Soon after that they called his name and took him to another housing unit.”

It was a wake up call for Woods. He started attending Mass and Bible study.

Soon after that he began volunteering to help out at Mass and served as the unofficial sacristan and lector at the regular Masses celebrated each Wednesday.
“He was highly regarded by every priest, deacon and lay volunteer who were a part of our rotating ministry schedule at the correctional center,” said Father Reuter.

In October Woods was confirmed at SWICC by Bishop Stanley Schlarman.

“I knew my mom would like it,” he said. “I was looking for another way to live, for a meaning to life. Suddenly everything changed for the good. I came to the understanding that I don’t need chemicals to live, that I am still a person even though I have a past. Father Reuter and the deacons and lay ministers really opened my eyes and my mind to a better way of living. From here to there it’s a whole other world.”

“Every one has his own path as to how they do this,” Father Reuter said.

On a recent day, John’s mother texted him: “This is the John I always prayed for.”

“Me too,” he texted back.

My life has been a complete 360 journey … A full circle!

I am Dar Bryant and my story traces a path from being a young Christian man, to being a pariah in my home town, to being one of the most wanted criminals in the state of Arizona, and journeying back again from the pits of hell. My life has been a complete 360 journey .. A full circle.

My story is about drugs, prison, and a relationship with Jesus. At one time I had a $300 drug habit, manufactured meth and dealt with coyotes, counterfiters and drug dealers. My life came to a halt when the Federal authorities caught up with me and I was looking at 25 years. I was lucky that some of the sentences ran concurrent and I got 7 years. I was at a prison in Arizona and began to talk to God and made a lots of promises that I would change my life.

However, when I got out in 31/2 years I fogot about God and had a good 5 years clean, but later when I got the opportunity to get high I ended up back in prison for 1 year. When I got out they told me that they would be watching me and if I get caught again with 3 strikes & out I would go away for a long time.
I decided to come back to Illinois and my sister invited me to live in a rural community. I bean to attend the local church called the River of Life and all welcomed me, but they did not really know about my past. One Sunday at church they sang Amazing Grace and I was overwhelmed with emotion and cried. Three weeks later I came back to church and they sang the Revelation Song and I was again overwhelmed by a water shed of tears.

The Pastor of River of Life Family Church (Alton, Illinois) came to me and said that God had sent me to pray for you, God loves you and has never given up on you. I have went through the garbage & junk of life so today I can share my story – all things work for God. I should be dead, but the holy Spirit never left me. Now I look at the photos of my family and see my blessings in the church, my wife and many friends that I have made in this short time. I remember most my Grandma who never gave up on me and would invite ladies to her house to pray for me.
I have come from the pits of hell and rescued by God so that I could share my story of making a 360 turnaround and this could only have occurred through the guidance of a loving Father (God).

 

Make Good Choices – Don’t Let Your Past Define Your Future

I am Victor Gaskins and work at St. Leonard’s Ministry (Chicago, IL) as the program director for St. Leonard’s House. St. Leonard’s House is a residential housing facility providing services and programs for formerly incarcerated men leaving the Illinois prison system and returning to the community. The goal of the program is to help participants rebuild their lives and reshape their future.
My story is about having the opportunity to make good choices about my future, but instead living in Chicago involved with a gang, I made bad choices. My choice of not telling on someone (being a snitch) caused me to spend 23 years in prison. Early on in prison I came to the decision that I would not come out an angry man with the idea that society owed me something, instead I promised myself to leave prison a better person then when I entered.

I must admit that making good choices is really hard when you grow up in a crime ridden city, no jobs, gangs, drugs, and single parent homes. In this environment, these bad choices look like good choices. I can sell drugs to get money to feed my family and I don’t force anyone to buy them.
Remember that our past does not define who we are or our future. It was up to me to make the good choices that would lead me to a new way of life.
Currently I am a member of the Advisory Board of Our Brothers’ Keepers of Southern Illinois and able to assist OBK in housing protocols, screening methods and reentry operational needs.
Video by Victor Gaskins (St. Leonard’s Ministry)

 

Inmates Helping Inmates to Read

This success story is about a program develop by Poverty Services of the Diocese of Belleville, IL to provide inmates with reading skills necessary to continue their education. Inmates that are able to read are trained in the reading lesson plans by reading teachers from the local community college. Working with the adult eduction staff at Centralia Correctional Center, inmates who are not able to read at a satisfactory reading level are able to work with trained inmates to assist them to read. The success of the program was realized by Centralia achieving the highest percentage of inmates leaning to read in the State of Illinois. The success of the program is related to the peer to peer trust between the inmate tutor and the inmate student. The outstanding support, encouragement and coordination of the inmate tutors by IDOC staff.

The exceptional inmate tutor training by the local Kaskaskia College and Rend Lake College adult educators. The program is based not only on the tutor aiding a student with his assignments and grading tests, but the tutor also inspires and maintains a student’s will to learn by establishing a tutor/mentor-student relationship.

Robert’s Story

This brief story of Robert is similar to many stories of those incarcerated who have left home for many reason as a result of addiction, abuse and many other factors. The problem is that their baggage does not go away on its own, but continues to plague them and shuts out the social and spiritual growth that maturity requires. A big part of the picture is anger that continues to fester in their daily lives until it explodes and leads to trouble. Robert led a life where “I can do whatever I want to do” without any concept of how my living was affecting others in the life and community.

The moment of change began when I accepted the process of dealing with drug and alcohol addiction through the Alcoholics Annonymous process. The process required that I would do the work and follow directions. The enlightment was a process and gradually I would see things differently. I just did the work and God changed me. The story of recovery is about persistence and action and the “mystic recovery” is a miracle in my life and the reason that I am here today.