Prisonist.org: Faith & Dignity
for the Days Ahead
Blogs, Guest Blogs & News
for the Days Ahead
Blogs, Guest Blogs & News
Progressive Prison Ministries, Inc.
The first ministry in the United States
created to provide confidential support and counseling to individuals, families
and organizations with white-collar and other nonviolent incarceration issues
2016 Mid-Year Report
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A Spiritual
Solution
In the 10+ years we've been
working with white-collar/nonviolent individuals, families and organizations
before, during & upon reentry from prison, this is our simple belief and
conclusion: Those who adopt a spiritual solution evolve and cope more
successfully than those who do not!
We offer spiritual solutions for material problems, and strive to engender and evoke understanding and compassion in all people for all people.
Since January 2015
We Have Served Over 135 Individuals and
Families in 25 States
Since Jan. 2015, we have served individuals and families in twenty-five states, including: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. We communicate with these families before, during and upon reentry from prison in person or by phone, email, Skype, FaceTime or GoToMeeting, or via CorrLinks if in a Federal prison.
Our Mission
Our experience shows us that the overwhelming
majority of individuals and families with white-collar/nonviolent incarceration
issues of us are suffering in silence with shame, remorse, and deep regret.
Many of us have been stigmatized by our own families, friends and communities,
and the business community. Our mission is to form, nurture
and grow a new integrative and supportive community of individuals, families
and organizations with white-collar and other nonviolent incarceration issues, shepherding
them with care, compassion and empathy through the entire criminal justice process
to new and transformed lives of dignity, respect and authenticity.
Our Program
Confidentiality. As clergy, our communications and
counseling are strictly confidential. For this reason, we are often the first people that families call
when they are ready to end their isolation and reach out for help. This is also
a major reason that many attorneys, parole and probation officers, etc. allow
their clients to maintain relationships with us.
I. I. Before Prison:
Overview. Unlike most attorneys, prison
coaches and prison consultants, we take a long-term approach to the
individual and family's health, happiness and well-being - our calling is to
see individuals and families all the way through the process to authentic,
dignified and productive lives.
Pastoral Care/Spiritual Counseling. Utilizing our professional backgrounds and real world experience in religion, law, business, reentry, addiction & mental health recovery, family work, social ethics, and advocacy, we are the only organization and ministry in the country created and committed to guiding individuals, families and organizations. We engage in direct pastoral care in person and by telephone/ Skype/ FaceTime/ GoToMeeting/ mail/ email (many Federal prisons now have email).
Pastoral Care/Spiritual Counseling. Utilizing our professional backgrounds and real world experience in religion, law, business, reentry, addiction & mental health recovery, family work, social ethics, and advocacy, we are the only organization and ministry in the country created and committed to guiding individuals, families and organizations. We engage in direct pastoral care in person and by telephone/ Skype/ FaceTime/ GoToMeeting/ mail/ email (many Federal prisons now have email).
Prison Consulting,
Preparedness & Readiness. We have
strategic partnerships with and oversee the most ethical, compassionate and
effective prison coaches and consultants in the country, so that together we
can provide all the practical and spiritual steps for survival and success in
prison, and throughout the journey.
Family Counseling. We have dedicated staff and volunteers specifically dedicated to the needs of innocent spouses, families and children.
Women's Incarceration Issues. The fastest growing sector of
white-collar incarceration issues, we have an advocate who specializes in
women's needs before, during and after prison.
Sanctuary & Refuge. We are a safe and secure place of sanctuary, privacy and refuge where individuals and families can discuss matters of shame, ostracism, grief, remorse, etc. with complete confidentiality, and can learn, grow and evolve into the spiritual beings God intends for them to be.
Substance Abuse, Other Addictions & Compulsions, Mental Health. Not only do we collectively possess decades of experience in recovery and reentry, but we partner with the very best drug and alcohol counselors, interventionists, MSW's, therapists, psychiatrists, psychopharmacologists, etc.
Expert Testimony. We can provide expert testimony
services to criminal defense teams to assist them in presenting a truthful and
balanced package to the court. Utilizing our unique and unparalleled bios, we
can also document the individual's and family's fresh start in writing, and in
testimony before the court.
Dispute Resolution &
Mediation. Individuals and families who are
experiencing issues in the criminal justice system often have many other
pressing matters including financial problems and disputes, family disruption,
etc. Using our unique experience and backgrounds, we can assist in
resolving these matters.
II. During Prison:
Pastoral Care/ Spiritual Counseling. For those in prison, we engage in direct pastoral care in person and by telephone, CorrLinks, and mail. We meet with spouses and family members to assist them through these difficult, critical times.
Clergy Visitation. Many prisons afford clergy special visitation privileges such as one-on-one private sessions in private attorney/clergy meeting rooms, access on non-visitation days, etc.
Newsletters, Blogs & Articles. We also send in to prison copies of our newsletters, blogs & guest blogs, and helpful articles
Family Counseling. We know first-hand how difficult it is for families to be away from their loved one - and for the incarcerated to be away from family. We provide consistent and continual assistance throughout the darkest days of incarceration.
Funds Assistance/ College Scholarships. American Baptist Churches USA has awarded us a grant to provide one-time stipends to individuals or families with white-collar or nonviolent incarceration issues to be used for short-term expenses and for college scholarships. We continue to seek out other compassionate benefactors.
Reentry Preparation. Working with some of the best known reentry nonprofits in the country, we start the reentry and reintegration process long before release.
III. III. Upon Reentry
From Prison:
Pastoral Care/ Spiritual Counseling. It comes as a shock to most people that their return home is actually the most difficult part of the process. Poorly managed and unsafe halfway houses, home confinement, embarrassing ankle monitors, parole and probation officers who may or may not be kind, dramatic career and financial changes, families in upheaval, loss of old friends and family, etc. This is the time most need to rely on us and our growing community of similarly situated fellow travelers.
White-Collar/Nonviolent Support Groups. We have founded the country's first confidential online white-collar/ nonviolent support groups. As these support groups are being run by clergy as part of a program of pastoral counseling, we consider them to be confidential and privileged.
Advocacy/Community Building. We are at the forefront of building and advocating for an integrative, supportive community of individuals, families and organizations with white-collar issues who were living in isolation and suffering in silence. We offer opportunities to all to help and lead in this noble endeavor.
Wrap-Around Reentry Services. We have access to and work with some of the best reentry nonprofits in the country, who can provide behavioral services for emotional issues, drug and alcohol counseling, domestic violence, soft-skills training, housing, etc. And many accept Medicaid for approved services.
Pardons, Clemency, Commutation of Sentence. We believe that individuals and families should start focusing on reentry, life after prison and a pardon from the first moment of the process. Certainly not everyone will obtain a pardon, but life will continue to evolve and grow more successfully by engaging in a Culture of Pardons. Each state has its own rules and procedures, as does the Federal government. We work with state and Federal pardons/clemency experts to ensure the best results.
Career Counseling and Placement. Certainly, this is one of the topics that most concerns individuals and families from the outset and throughout their journey. We have assisted many in the daunting process of letting go of the old life, getting into radical acceptance of the new reality, thinking through the endless possibilities, overcoming both internal and external obstacles, and implementing a new career plan. Many employers, who might otherwise not give a felon a second chance, will entertain referrals from clergy. We are working with world renowned executive and outplacement specialists to develop an integrative white-collar career rehabilitation program. Coming soon!
Volunteerism. We have found that service to others is not only the most effective method to grow, evolve and transform, but also gets us out of our own prisons of self. We advise all to obtain meaningful volunteer positions as soon as possible, and help place individuals with charities and nonprofits throughout the country.
Pastoral Care/ Spiritual Counseling. It comes as a shock to most people that their return home is actually the most difficult part of the process. Poorly managed and unsafe halfway houses, home confinement, embarrassing ankle monitors, parole and probation officers who may or may not be kind, dramatic career and financial changes, families in upheaval, loss of old friends and family, etc. This is the time most need to rely on us and our growing community of similarly situated fellow travelers.
White-Collar/Nonviolent Support Groups. We have founded the country's first confidential online white-collar/ nonviolent support groups. As these support groups are being run by clergy as part of a program of pastoral counseling, we consider them to be confidential and privileged.
Advocacy/Community Building. We are at the forefront of building and advocating for an integrative, supportive community of individuals, families and organizations with white-collar issues who were living in isolation and suffering in silence. We offer opportunities to all to help and lead in this noble endeavor.
Wrap-Around Reentry Services. We have access to and work with some of the best reentry nonprofits in the country, who can provide behavioral services for emotional issues, drug and alcohol counseling, domestic violence, soft-skills training, housing, etc. And many accept Medicaid for approved services.
Pardons, Clemency, Commutation of Sentence. We believe that individuals and families should start focusing on reentry, life after prison and a pardon from the first moment of the process. Certainly not everyone will obtain a pardon, but life will continue to evolve and grow more successfully by engaging in a Culture of Pardons. Each state has its own rules and procedures, as does the Federal government. We work with state and Federal pardons/clemency experts to ensure the best results.
Career Counseling and Placement. Certainly, this is one of the topics that most concerns individuals and families from the outset and throughout their journey. We have assisted many in the daunting process of letting go of the old life, getting into radical acceptance of the new reality, thinking through the endless possibilities, overcoming both internal and external obstacles, and implementing a new career plan. Many employers, who might otherwise not give a felon a second chance, will entertain referrals from clergy. We are working with world renowned executive and outplacement specialists to develop an integrative white-collar career rehabilitation program. Coming soon!
Volunteerism. We have found that service to others is not only the most effective method to grow, evolve and transform, but also gets us out of our own prisons of self. We advise all to obtain meaningful volunteer positions as soon as possible, and help place individuals with charities and nonprofits throughout the country.
Outreach
Boards. It is our honor to have served on a number of
criminal justice/prisoner reentry-related Boards including Family ReEntry,
Bridgeport & New Haven, CT; Community Partners in Action (formerly the
Connecticut Prison Association), Hartford, CT; and Healing Communities Network,
New York, NY. Jeff has also served on the Editorial Board of the book, The
Justice Imperative: How Hyper-Incarceration Has Hijacked the American Dream,
Southport, CT, and on the Advisory Board of the Phoenix Association, Guilford,
CT, Reentry Survivors, LLC, Bridgeport, CT, and Creative Projects Group, Los
Angeles, CA (Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet"). Lynn has
served on the Boards of Pathways, Greenwich, CT and the International Aids
Charitable Foundation, New York, NY, as an active volunteer at Friends of Nick,
Bronx, NY and Reentry Ministry, Bridgeport, CT, and as a Deacon & Senior
Deacon at the Second Congregational Church, Greenwich, CT.
Awards. Jeff
was the recipient of the Elizabeth Bush Award for Volunteerism '12, and the
Bridgeport Reentry Collaborative Advocate of the Year Award '13, '14 & '15
and Professional of the Year '16. JustLeadershipUSA recognized Jeff as
one of fifteen "National Leaders in Criminal Justice." Jeff has
been invited to attend the prestigious Collegeville Institute spiritual writing
workshop at Louisville Seminary, fall '16.
Speaking Engagements. We have spoken at some of the
most important and influential venues in the United States, including
The
Nantucket Project, Nantucket, MA; Greenwich
Leadership Forum,
Greenwich, CT, the Corrections Ministries and Chaplains
Association (CMCA) Correctional Ministry Summit, , Wheaton College, IL; Salons at Stowe, Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, Hartford, CT; Union Theological
Seminary in the City of New York; Yale Divinity School, New Haven, CT; and many
prisons, reentry programs, houses of worship and other venues.
Sermons. Preaching frequently at churches
and houses of worship provides an opportunity to share our work and spread the
message of compassion, forgiveness and redemption.
Media. Articles featuring our ministry
have appeared in Forbes, Inc., The Huffington Post, Absolute
Return/ HedgeFund Intelligence, Business Insider, New York Magazine, Fairfield
County Business Journal, Reentry Central, Weston Magazine Group, Weston Forum,
Greenwich Sentinel, Greenwich Time, The Hour and others. We have also been
interviewed on radio and television programs.
Additional Advocacy/Press. We further advocate for criminal
justice reform by providing quotes, sound-bites and non-confidential
information to the press.
Blog. Authoring, curating and editing
the important and widely read blog and site, prisonist.org, we focus on national and international criminal justice
advocacy/ministry themes. Exclusive articles and guest blogs are posted by some
of the world's foremost experts in their fields.
Social Media. We are a major presence in
criminal justice reform on Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, Pinterest, Google+, Tumblr, Instagram, etc.
Recent Speaking Engagements, Sermons, Articles, Interviews & Awards
Louisville Seminary, Collegeville Institute Pastor Writing Workshop, Louisville, KY, Upcoming 2016
United Methodist New York Annual Conference Board of Church and Society presents "I Was in Prison and You...," Speaker/Panelist, Upcoming 2016
Business Insider, “This is What It’s Like When the 1% go to Jail, According to a Couple That Ministers to Their Families,” , Subject of Article, 2016, http://www.businessinsider.com/jeff-grant-lynn-springer-ministry-helps-white-collar- criminals-2016-7
Unitarian Church in Westport, Westport, CT, Guest Sermon
Huffington Post, “The Spiritual Solution for Re-Entry After Prison,” Video Interview, New York, NY http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jennifer-danielle-crumpton/the-spiritual-solution- fo_b_10345628.html
LoveTalk, WNHH 103.5 FM New Haven CT, Radio Interview, New Haven, CT https://soundcloud.com/new-haven-independent/lovebabz-lovetalk-jeff-grant-6316
First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, Sermon, Bridgeport, NY
Bridgeport Reentry Collaborative, Professional of the Year Award 2016, Bridgeport, CT
Weston Forum, "Former White-Collar Criminal Turns Focus to Spirituality and Helping Others," Article, Weston, CT http://progressiveprisonproject.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-weston-forum- former-white-collar-criminal-turns-focus-to-spirituality-helping-others-by-gregory-menti- reporter.html
Men of Faith Magazine, “Interview with Jeff Grant,” Cover Story, New York, NY http://progressiveprisonproject.blogspot.com/2016/05/men-of-faith-magazine-cover-story- interview-with-rev-jeff-grant-director-progressive-prison-project-by-hurley-morgan-senior- managing-editor.html
Women Walking By Faith Magazine, “A Chat with Lynn Springer,” Article, New York, NY http://progressiveprisonproject.blogspot.com/2016/05/women-walking-by-faith-magazine-a-chat- with-lynn-springer-may-june-2016-edition.html 2
The Hour, “Ministry Counsels People Who Committed White Collar Crimes,” Subject of Article, Norwalk, CT http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/ministry-counsels-people-who-committed- white-collar-crimes/article_9dd3c64b-7ce5-5c76-987f-53fc8cf6db8d.html,
Real Life Real Faith Radio, Radio Interview, New York, NY http://www.blogtalkradio.com/realliferealfaith/2016/05/11/real-life-real-faith-welcomes-rhonda- bolden-and-reverend-jeff-grant
Weston Kiwanis, Speakers, Weston, CT
Weston Forum, “Kiwanis Talk: Aftermath of White-Collar Crime,” Subject of Article, Weston, CT http://www.thewestonforum.com/61422/kiwanis-talk-aftermath-of-white-collar-crime,
Christ & Holy Trinity Church, Good Friday Sermon, Westport, CT
Emanuel Episcopal Church, Sermon, Weston, CT
Inc., “What Successful Entrepreneurs and Successful Criminals Have in Common,” Subject of Article, New York, NY, http://www.inc.com/tim-askew/white-collar-criminality-addiction-and-the- entrepreneur.html,
Greenwich Sentinel, “A Worldly Fall, A Spiritual Ascent,” Subject of Article, Greenwich, CT https://www.greenwichsentinel.com/2016/01/07/the-jeff-grant-story-a-worldly-fall-a-spiritual- ascent/,
The Lisa Wexler Show, WGCH 1490 AM Greenwich CT, Radio Interview, Greenwich, CT https://soundcloud.com/jeff-grant-jd-m-div/lisawexlershowwgch021716,
LoveTalk, WNHH 103.5 FM New Haven CT, Radio Interview, New Haven, CT https://soundcloud.com/new-haven-independent/lovebabz-lovetalk-jeff-grant,
United Methodist New York Annual Conference Board of Church and Society presents "I Was in Prison and You...," Speaker/Panelist, Upcoming 2016
Business Insider, “This is What It’s Like When the 1% go to Jail, According to a Couple That Ministers to Their Families,” , Subject of Article, 2016, http://www.businessinsider.com/jeff-grant-lynn-springer-ministry-helps-white-collar- criminals-2016-7
Unitarian Church in Westport, Westport, CT, Guest Sermon
Huffington Post, “The Spiritual Solution for Re-Entry After Prison,” Video Interview, New York, NY http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jennifer-danielle-crumpton/the-spiritual-solution- fo_b_10345628.html
LoveTalk, WNHH 103.5 FM New Haven CT, Radio Interview, New Haven, CT https://soundcloud.com/new-haven-independent/lovebabz-lovetalk-jeff-grant-6316
First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, Sermon, Bridgeport, NY
Bridgeport Reentry Collaborative, Professional of the Year Award 2016, Bridgeport, CT
Weston Forum, "Former White-Collar Criminal Turns Focus to Spirituality and Helping Others," Article, Weston, CT http://progressiveprisonproject.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-weston-forum- former-white-collar-criminal-turns-focus-to-spirituality-helping-others-by-gregory-menti- reporter.html
Men of Faith Magazine, “Interview with Jeff Grant,” Cover Story, New York, NY http://progressiveprisonproject.blogspot.com/2016/05/men-of-faith-magazine-cover-story- interview-with-rev-jeff-grant-director-progressive-prison-project-by-hurley-morgan-senior- managing-editor.html
Women Walking By Faith Magazine, “A Chat with Lynn Springer,” Article, New York, NY http://progressiveprisonproject.blogspot.com/2016/05/women-walking-by-faith-magazine-a-chat- with-lynn-springer-may-june-2016-edition.html 2
The Hour, “Ministry Counsels People Who Committed White Collar Crimes,” Subject of Article, Norwalk, CT http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/ministry-counsels-people-who-committed- white-collar-crimes/article_9dd3c64b-7ce5-5c76-987f-53fc8cf6db8d.html,
Real Life Real Faith Radio, Radio Interview, New York, NY http://www.blogtalkradio.com/realliferealfaith/2016/05/11/real-life-real-faith-welcomes-rhonda- bolden-and-reverend-jeff-grant
Weston Kiwanis, Speakers, Weston, CT
Weston Forum, “Kiwanis Talk: Aftermath of White-Collar Crime,” Subject of Article, Weston, CT http://www.thewestonforum.com/61422/kiwanis-talk-aftermath-of-white-collar-crime,
Christ & Holy Trinity Church, Good Friday Sermon, Westport, CT
Emanuel Episcopal Church, Sermon, Weston, CT
Inc., “What Successful Entrepreneurs and Successful Criminals Have in Common,” Subject of Article, New York, NY, http://www.inc.com/tim-askew/white-collar-criminality-addiction-and-the- entrepreneur.html,
Greenwich Sentinel, “A Worldly Fall, A Spiritual Ascent,” Subject of Article, Greenwich, CT https://www.greenwichsentinel.com/2016/01/07/the-jeff-grant-story-a-worldly-fall-a-spiritual- ascent/,
The Lisa Wexler Show, WGCH 1490 AM Greenwich CT, Radio Interview, Greenwich, CT https://soundcloud.com/jeff-grant-jd-m-div/lisawexlershowwgch021716,
LoveTalk, WNHH 103.5 FM New Haven CT, Radio Interview, New Haven, CT https://soundcloud.com/new-haven-independent/lovebabz-lovetalk-jeff-grant,
Making Rain, “White-Collar Criminality, Addiction and the Entrepreneur,” Subject of Article, New Rochelle, NY http://www.corporaterain.com/blog/white-collar-criminality-addiction-and-the- entrepreneur,
The Vision, the Newspaper of the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, “White-Collar Ministry: From Riches-to-Rags-to-Redemption,” Article Author, New York, NY http://www.nyac.com/files/tables/content/3217050/fields/files/e2e8f21ad3f84b2d80abe72d723a 6d0c/2015_12_thevision_high-res.pdf,
Darby & Friends, WGCH 1490 AM Greenwich CT, Radio Interview, Greenwich, CT https://soundcloud.com/jeff-grant-jd-m-div/darbyfriendswgch121515,
Ready For Freedom?, Life After Prison In Connecticut, Speaker, Hartford Library, Hartford, CT http://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=12221,
Bridgeport Reentry Collaborative, Bridgeport Reentry Advocate of the Year Award 2015, Bridgeport, CT
Greenwich Time, “Group Offers Help to Innocent Families,” Subject of Article, Greenwich, CT http://www.greenwichtime.com/printpromotion/article/Group-offers-help-to-innocent-families- of-6205583.php,
The Brick Church Prison Ministry, Presenter, New York, NY
Norfield Congregational Church, Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday Sermon, Weston, CT https://youtu.be/3JL9wyHLs20
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Donations
We are grateful for all donations this past year to our Ministries. These donations enable us to grow, reach out and serve this community for which there is far too little understanding, compassion, empathy and accurate information. Progressive Prison Ministries, Inc. is a CT Religious Corp. with 501c3 status -
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If you, a friend or a family member are
experiencing a white-collar or nonviolent incarceration issue, please contact
us and we will promptly send you an information package by mail, email or via
Dropbox.
The darkest days of a person's life can be a
The darkest days of a person's life can be a
time of renewal and hope
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Progressive Prison Ministries, Inc.
Rev. Jeff Grant, JD, M Div, Minister/Director
jgrant@prisonist.org
(o) 203-769-1096
(m) 203-339-5887
Twitter
Facebook
Linked In
Pinterest
Google+
Rev. Jeff Grant, JD, M Div, Minister/Director
jgrant@prisonist.org
(o) 203-769-1096
(m) 203-339-5887
Linked In
Google+
Lynn Springer, Founding Advocate, Innocent Spouse & Children Project
lspringer@prisonist.org
lspringer@prisonist.org
(203) 536-5508
Rev. Fr. Joseph Ciccone, Ed D, M Div
Supervising Minister
stjosephmissionchurch@gmail.com
(201) 982-2206
Jacqueline Polverari, MBA, MSW, Advocate
Women's Incarceration Issues
jpolverari@prisonist.org
(203) 671-5139
George Bresnan, Advocate, Ex-Pats
gbresnan@prisonist.org
(203) 609-5088
Jim Gabal, Development
jgabal@prisonist.org
(203) 858-2865
Babz Rawls Ivy, Media Contact
mediababz@gmail.com
(203) 645-9278
Supervising Minister
stjosephmissionchurch@gmail.com
(201) 982-2206
Jacqueline Polverari, MBA, MSW, Advocate
Women's Incarceration Issues
jpolverari@prisonist.org
(203) 671-5139
George Bresnan, Advocate, Ex-Pats
gbresnan@prisonist.org
(203) 609-5088
Jim Gabal, Development
jgabal@prisonist.org
(203) 858-2865
Babz Rawls Ivy, Media Contact
mediababz@gmail.com
(203) 645-9278
