Restorative Justice & Prison Ministries

Restorative Justice is a different way of thinking about crime and our response to crime. Based on our understanding of the redeeming grace of God, Restorative Justice…

• focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime and reducing future harm through crime prevention;
• requires offenders to take responsibility for their actions and for the harm they have caused;
• seeks redress for victims, recompense by offenders and reintegration of both within the community; and
• requires a co-operative effort by communities and the government. 

There are myriad ways that churches and individual Christians can be involved in this restorative ministry. The following are just some of the ways you can be involved within the Central Texas Conference.

Get Into Jail Free – Arborlawn UMC’s
Life Changing Partnership with PEP
 

PEP (Prison Entrepreneurship Program) is a life-giving ministry that provides mentoring, education, case management and preparatory classes in business development for convicted felons currently serving sentences and committed to change.   Volunteer opportunities include attending monthly support sessions, mentoring, serving as business plan advisors, partnering in re-entry, Bible Studies, and a variety of other ways that support transformation.   Pat Gotcher, one of the coordinators of Arborlawn UMC’s partnership with PEP says, “The PEP Program is transforming lives, both those of the participants and of the volunteers.  Showing up is critical to these men.  Being there is redemptive for them and for the volunteers.”  Many volunteers are former executives or business owners, but volunteers come from all walks of life.  Kay Phillips, Arborlawn member and retired attorney says, “The men in the PEP units are changing their lives completely, finding new direction and creating a pathway to success when they are released.  They are so grateful for our interest in them.” 

PEP graduates have a 7% 3-year recidivism rate, compared to a national rate of 50%.  100% are employed within 90 days of release from prison, with a starting wage averaging over $11/hour.   

 The volunteers at Arborlawn UMC would love to share their experiences with you.  You can make contact  with them through Patrick Gotcher (pdgotcher@hotmail.com) or Rev. Bayard Pratt  (bayard@arborlawnumc.org).    
PEP’s website is www.PEP.org.