Two essential ingredients in effective religious programming
Pick religious study courses designed to address criminogenic risks
As a correctional leader, you understand criminal behavior often has deep roots in a lack of education and job skills, substance abuse issues, inadequate social support systems, and a history of criminal thinking patterns. Tackling these needs is vital to breaking the cycle of recidivism and providing individuals with a pathway to positive transformation. Successful rehabilitation requires multiple strategies through core programming and supplemental programming options.
Correspondence religious studies can be a meaningful supplement to your core efforts when the programs are thoughtfully developed with students’ emotional and educational risk factors in mind. They can also add a lasting benefit when there is a strong mentoring component.
Addressing literacy barriers
A significant barrier to participation in educational programs is the low literacy levels among many people behind bars. The link between poor education and incarceration is well-documented, with studies revealing that 25 percent of formerly incarcerated people lack a high school diploma or a GED, compared with 13 percent of the general population. Recognizing this disparity, supplemental religious programming must tailor curricula to a third-grade reading level while also promoting higher-level thinking competencies. This ensures accessibility to students with lower literacy levels while also nurturing higher-level thinking and productive introspection.
Mail-based system, people-based interactions
Correspondence programs that also provide a high-quality mentoring component are key to sustained, measurable gains in favorable reentry outcomes. Correspondence religious studies with a high-quality mentor component offer people in prison accountability, encouragement, and hope. Testimonies from program participants reveal how the program instills a sense of purpose, self-worth, and determination to lead positive and productive lives.
In summary, as you evaluate a large volume of religious programming, pick mail-based programs that are written to challenge higher-level thinking while also being accessible to low-skill readers. Second, select programs with a high-quality mentor component to support sustained rehabilitation.
What students are saying
“[Crossroads] has prepared me for reentry by reminding me that even though bosses can be rude and unfair, to work as if working for God. Let Christ live through me by enduring in humbleness, keeping a positive attitude, looking for the good things throughout the day, and speaking about them to everyone.”
-Walter M., a Crossroads student in South Carolina
“I felt so glad to receive mail and know my mentor paid attention. . . . I learned that a stranger can make me feel more cared about than people I’ve known my whole life.”
-Sarah B., a Crossroads student in Illinois
“It was inspiring to know that a complete stranger cared about my spiritual growth. . . . It’s been an enormous comfort being able to share my growth with the mentors and having them encourage me while I move forward in my learning.”
-Steven R., a Crossroads student in Illinois
“These mentors are great. I enjoy reading and receiving these letters. They inspire me to do better and not to give up. . . . Never once did a mentor put me down for something that I put in my lesson and from the way that I was before prison. They just told me not to give up.”
-Andrew J., a Crossroads student in Arkansas
“The certificate made me feel special—like I accomplished something worthy of remembrance for the first time in a long, long time. I mailed it to my mother to be kept safe. . . . I have no associate degree or bachelor’s, but I have these certificates that help me feel accomplished. Thank you and God bless.”
-Joshua B., a Crossroads student in Texas
“The Crossroads program provides lessons that aren’t only good for your spiritual well-being but also for your mental health as well. . . . the mentor responses let us know that someone cares and is listening to us trying to learn and improve ourselves.”
-Derrick Y., a Crossroads student in Missouri
“I felt an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. I feel proud of my hard work and am thankful for the positive feedback from the mentors.”
-James R., a Crossroads student in Indiana